Steven L. Boldt
Steven L. Boldt
Partner
He/Him
"I strive to achieve excellent results for our clients, taking a creative approach for each case, and learning more about each product in the process."
Steven L. Boldt
Partner
He/Him
"I strive to achieve excellent results for our clients, taking a creative approach for each case, and learning more about each product in the process."
About Steve
An accomplished litigator, Steve defends general and commercial aviation and aerospace matters nationwide in state and federal courts and internationally. He represents pilots, mechanics, airlines, charter operators, maintenance facilities, aircraft owners, airports, fixed-based operators, and airframe, engine, and component part manufacturers in personal injury, wrongful death, and regulatory matters. Steve regularly defends major manufacturers and their global insurers in product liability cases through trial and appeal. He also has extensive experience handling complex commercial litigation and business disputes, focusing on strategic solutions tailored to each client's objectives.
He has also successfully represented private pilots and businesses in FAA enforcement actions arising from alleged violations.
Areas of Focus
Experience
- Obtained summary judgment against a foreign airline on behalf of a domestic aircraft maintenance facility at Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey on negligent repair claims allegedly resulting in substantial aircraft damage to a Boeing 737-400 and lost profits. The decision was affirmed on appeal.
- Represented an aircraft operator in litigation arising from the crash of Cessna 421B airplane at Palwaukee Municipal Airport in Wheeling, Illinois. An issue of first impression in the State of Illinois concerned the scope of the educational malpractice doctrine in aviation cases.
- Obtained dismissal of a class action complaint for breach of contract based upon the "pick-off" exception to class certification and established Illinois precedent. Successfully represented an air carrier before the Illinois Supreme Court, which issued a unanimous opinion dismissing the plaintiffs' putative class action complaint and reversing the Illinois Appellate Court's opinion.
- Obtained dismissal on behalf of an air carrier of an airport's indemnity claim arising from racial discrimination allegations brought by a passenger following her removal from a flight and detainment by airport authorities on the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
Recognition
- Northern Illinois University College of Law, top five of class; Northern Illinois University of Law Review, Editor-in-Chief; Moot Court Society, Associate Justice, 2010 Hall of Fame
Credentials
Education
- Northern Illinois University College of Law, JD, magna cum laude, 2010
- Illinois State University, BS, summa cum laude, 2006
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- US District Court for the District of Colorado
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Thought Leadership
Presentations
Steve presents on topical issues at aviation law seminars, and a selection of presentations includes:
- Planning Committee, TIPS Aviation and Aerospace Law Conference: Reaching New Heights, American Bar Association (ABA), Tort Trial and Insurance Practice, Arlington, Virginia, September 19–20, 2024
- Co-Presenter, "Case Studies: Select Legal Issues Impacting Exposure & Risk," Client CLE, Chicago, Illinois, May 9, 2024
- "The Component Parts Defense – Overview and Strategies in Products Liability Cases," Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois, October 2, 2019
- "New Practical Considerations When Seeking and Opposing Personal Jurisdiction in Products Liability Cases: Tips for Both Sides," Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois, September 5, 2018
- "Real-World Effects of Personal Jurisdiction Decision on Filing and Defending Aviation Cases," American Bar Association, National Institute on Aviation Litigation, Chicago, Illinois, June 14, 2018
Interests
Did you know...
Outside the office, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife and their four kids, traveling to warmer climates when they can.
Steve is a big sports fan. He and his family enjoy going to see the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls play, and he has coached his kids’ youth sports for what seems like forever.
Community/Civic Activities
Steve is dedicated to giving back to his community, actively serving in leadership roles in youth clubs and sports programs in the western suburbs that promote education, mentorship, and character development to positively impact young people's lives.
Thought Leadership
Presentations
Steve presents on topical issues at aviation law seminars, and a selection of presentations includes:
- Planning Committee, TIPS Aviation and Aerospace Law Conference: Reaching New Heights, American Bar Association (ABA), Tort Trial and Insurance Practice, Arlington, Virginia, September 19–20, 2024
- Co-Presenter, "Case Studies: Select Legal Issues Impacting Exposure & Risk," Client CLE, Chicago, Illinois, May 9, 2024
- "The Component Parts Defense – Overview and Strategies in Products Liability Cases," Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois, October 2, 2019
- "New Practical Considerations When Seeking and Opposing Personal Jurisdiction in Products Liability Cases: Tips for Both Sides," Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois, September 5, 2018
- "Real-World Effects of Personal Jurisdiction Decision on Filing and Defending Aviation Cases," American Bar Association, National Institute on Aviation Litigation, Chicago, Illinois, June 14, 2018
