VICTOR RANE

VICTOR RANE is delighted to welcome Debleena Mitra as an associate in our Philadelphia office, where her practice will focus on all aspects of aviation, products liability and commercial litigation matters, including military and civil air crash litigation. Before joining us, Debleena served as an assistant district attorney in the Philadelphia DA’s Office, where she was assigned to the Appeals and Post-Conviction Review Unit. As an assistant district attorney, she conducted evidentiary hearings, presented trial court argument, conducted felony preliminary hearings, and researched and wrote more than 70 briefs. Her prior legal experience also includes service as legal intern for the Kings County Supreme Court, as a legal fellow for the New York County District Attorney’s office, and as a legal intern for the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division. Debleena received her law degree from Fordham University School of Law, where she was an associate editor of the Journal of Corporate & Financial Law. She has an M.A. from the Courtauld Institute, University of London, and earned her B.A. from Smith College. Debleena is fluent in Italian and Bengali, and has proficiency in Spanish, French, and German. Please join us in welcoming Debleena to the Firm!

VICTOR RANE is excited to announce the promotion of Patrick Murray to Senior Counsel. Patrick has been a key contributor in Victor Rane’s New York office since joining the Firm in 2023. Patrick’s experience is unique, having practiced for years as a plaintiffs’ lawyer before switching to over to the defense. That unique perspective and experience has proven to be of incredible value, as he counsels the Firm’s airline, insurer, MRO, and other aviation service provider clients in a wide array of litigation. Patrick’s dedication to his work has been noticed by clients since he started with the team, and we are thrilled to reward him with this promotion. Please join us in congratulating Patrick!

VICTOR RANE is excited to announce the promotion of Michael Cutler and Lee Schmeer to Partner. Michael and Lee’s commitment and contributions to the firm and its clients, as well as their unique and parallel backgrounds, make them a particularly welcome addition the Partnership at VICTOR RANE. Both served in the military and worked in aviation before entering the practice of law. Michael previously managed an elite security team for a major international airline. Lee became a highly regarded instructor pilot before his career in law, and continues to serve his country in the Air Force Reserve. Both Michael and Lee have also spent their entire legal careers training under the tutelage of current Partners at the Firm. Michael’s practice encompasses aviation, commercial and general civil litigation. He also provides outside general counsel services to business of all sizes. Lee’s practice encompasses aviation, products liability and commercial litigation. Please join us in congratulating Michael and Lee!

VICTOR RANE is proud to welcome Lenny Brumfield as an associate in the Firm's New York office. Lenny’s practice will focus on all phases of litigation in state and federal court. His prior legal experience is diverse and spans multiple practice areas, including general civil litigation, employment law, financial services, mortgage foreclosure, and bankruptcy law. Lenny will primarily work with the Firm’s clients on aviation and commercial litigation matters. Lenny has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from The College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY, and a J.D. from Albany Law School. He is admitted to the bar of New York.

Please check out the latest edition of VICTOR RANE’s newsletter, Aviation Happenings! Click on this link for access: https://lnkd.in/g4dShFWq

VICTOR RANE’s Los Angeles office had its annual Holiday party last night. Great food, even better company, amazing entertainment, and lots of laughter! The Team is excited about what’s in store for 2025. Happy Holidays to all!

VICTOR RANE is thrilled to announce that Shakira Johnson has joined the Firm as an Associate in its Los Angeles office. Shakira’s practice includes all phases of litigation in complex and high-exposure matters. She practices in both state and federal court. Shakira brings to the firm a wealth of experience in employment, civil rights, wrongful death and serious personal injury matters. She prides herself on her ability to analyze and posture cases for early resolution. Shakira has a B.A. in psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and holds a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin. Shakira is admitted to the bar in Wisconsin and California. Please join us in welcoming Shakira to the Firm!

We proudly announce that Best Lawyers has recognized Jonathan M. Stern in the Aviation Law category in its 2025 edition. With a recent defense jury verdict under his belt, Jon is ending 2024 with a bang!

VICTOR RANE is delighted to welcome Karen Rai as an associate in the Firm’s Los Angeles office. Karen has extensive experience in all phases of litigation including pre-trial resolution, all forms of discovery, law and motion practice and jury trial experience. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Karen routinely provides counsel to small and mid-size businesses on employment and other operational matters. Karen earned a B.A. in economics from San Diego State University, and holds a J.D. from Loyola Law School. Karen is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in California.

Congratulations to Jonathan M. Stern and Barry Benson of VICTOR RANE for obtaining a unanimous jury defense verdict on behalf of the Firm’s client, Maryland State Police, in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. The lawsuit was brought by air ambulance operator PHI Health, LLC, which claimed that one of its parked aircraft sustained damage when a Maryland State Police Helicopter allegedly overflew it at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Both liability and damages were contested. After a four-day trial, the jury deliberated for 90 minutes and found that our client was not negligent. Thanks to the team and our clients who entrusted us to secure this victory for them.