Slack & Davis, LLP, Launches Dallas Office; Attorney Ladd Sanger Joins Austin-Based Law Firm

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2003

Business Editors/Legal Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2003

Slack & Davis, LLP, an Austin-based personal injury law firm known for expertise in aviation litigation, announced the opening of its Dallas office and the addition of Dallas attorney Ladd Sanger to the firm.

Previously, Sanger was with Howie & Sweeney, LLP, a Dallas law firm with a specialty practice in aviation law.

"Ladd Sanger comes aboard as a result of our firm's long relationship with John Howie, a partner in Howie & Sweeney," said Michael L. Slack, Slack & Davis managing partner. "Sadly, John passed away Dec. 31, 2002. For 20 years he was a dear friend and fellow aviation practitioner for whom I had the highest respect. As a result of John's death, our firm will take over his docket of aviation cases. In addition, I am extremely pleased to have someone of Ladd's caliber joining the Slack & Davis team," Slack said.

"I was fortunate to have six years with John Howie as my mentor and, most of all, my friend. Although I'm saddened by the circumstances, the skills he taught me will serve our clients well as I go forward to represent them with Slack & Davis. I've long admired the firm for its aggressive, conscientious representation of clients in aviation and product liability matters," Sanger said.

"I regret that this alliance came about due to a decline in a friend's health. With John's guidance and Ladd's help, we planned and executed this transition with the clients' interests paramount. As we carry our firm's name into the Dallas-Fort Worth region, we are dedicated to honoring the trust John Howie placed in us," Slack said.

Wyoming Native Has Aviation and Financial Expertise

Raised in Wyoming as part of a ranching family, Sanger received his bachelor's degree in finance from Southern Methodist University in 1992. From 1990 to 1994 he worked for AMR Combs, the general aviation affiliate of American Airlines.

In 1996 he obtained his J.D. degree from Oklahoma City University, where he was managing editor of the Law Review and on the executive committee of the Moot Court Board. Following law school, he graduated from the University of Southern California Aircraft Accident Investigation course. He is admitted to practice law in both Texas and Colorado.

In addition to being an attorney, Sanger is an FAA-licensed commercial airplane pilot and has instrument and multi-engine ratings. He is also a licensed helicopter pilot.

"My interest in aviation stems from my years growing up on my family's ranch. Ranchers often use airplanes to traverse rugged terrain, and I was fascinated by the mechanical aspects of them. That interest later developed into a desire to analyze and investigate the technical causes of aircraft crashes. As an attorney, it was only natural for me to cultivate a practice that includes all types of aviation cases," Sanger said.

"Long ago I became convinced that Ladd is one of the up-and-coming stars in the aviation law realm. We welcome his exceptional mix of talents," Slack said.

Sanger Joins Top-Rated Aviation Law and Personal Injury Firm

Slack & Davis was founded in 1993 by Slack, Tom H. Davis, known as the "Dean of Aviation Law," and his son Mike Davis. The firm focuses on representing plaintiffs in litigation involving severe injuries and death from air crashes, dangerous products, pharmaceuticals, medical malpractice, environmental pollution, vehicular accidents and negligence.

Donna Bowen, partner, and John C. "Rusty" Allman, aviation attorney, complete the Austin roster. Slack, Allman and Sanger comprise the firm's boutique aviation law practice.

Slack & Davis currently represents families and victims of the crash of American Airlines 587 near Queens, N.Y., November 2001, and the 1999 crash of American Airlines 1420 in Little Rock, Ark. Slack is a member of the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in both Flight 1420 and 587 litigations, while Sanger is a member of the Flight 587 committee. All three Slack & Davis aviation attorneys are expected to play significant roles in the litigation of Flight 587, which killed 251 passengers and nine crew members.

Reflecting on the successful litigation involving Flight 1420, Slack said, "I recall with admiration the fine job John Howie did leading the plaintiffs' team in the Flight 1420 litigation in Little Rock. Many passengers will never fully understand how much John contributed to the successful resolution of their cases."

For the present, Sanger will maintain the Slack & Davis Dallas office at Park Place on Turtle Creek, where the Howie & Sweeney offices are located. Sanger's legal assistant Jacob Morales also has joined the Slack & Davis firm.

Note to editors: Digital photos available upon request.