Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2027 
Richard “Rich” Richards is Chair of the Aviation Practice at Barakat + Bossa in Coral Gables, Florida. With more than twenty-nine years of legal experience, he advises domestic and international clients on aviation, airport, commercial, and regulatory matters involving airlines, airports, aircraft transactions, and related business operations. Mr. Richards is Florida Bar Board Certified in Aviation Law and represents clients throughout Florida and across the aviation industry.
Mr. Richards represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations (MROs), airport tenants, developers, lenders, and corporate clients in matters involving airport leasing, land use, development projects, aviation finance, aircraft acquisitions and sales, leasing transactions, repossessions, regulatory compliance, and commercial disputes. His practice also includes trustee services for foreign ownership of U.S.-registered aircraft, transactions with aircraft manufacturers, FAA and DOT regulatory matters, aviation insurance and claims, air carrier certification, and aviation labor and employment matters, including defense of FLSA claims and EEOC charges.
In addition to his aviation practice, Mr. Richards advises clients in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law matters involving distressed assets, restructuring issues, creditor rights, and commercial recovery strategies connected to aviation and transportation businesses.
Before joining Barakat + Bossa, Mr. Richards served as managing partner of his own aviation-focused law practice, where he represented a broad range of aviation and commercial clients. Earlier in his career, he chaired the aviation department of a South Florida law firm. He also served as Vice President and General Counsel of Arrow Air, Inc., a Miami-based cargo airline, and as airport counsel to the Boca Raton Airport Authority, providing practical insight into the operational and regulatory challenges facing aviation businesses and airport operators.
