Denny Shupe is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, a former member of Schnader’s Executive Committee, and past Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Department. He also previously chaired the Firm’s Aviation Group and its Product Liability Group.
His practice concentrates on risk management and representation of international, national, and regional companies in a wide variety of commercial, product liability, and business litigation matters. In aviation matters he represents domestic and global aircraft, engine and aircraft component manufacturers, airports, airlines, insurers, Part 135 operators, Part 145 repair stations, and corporate aviation in a wide variety of litigation and accident investigation matters.
In Mr. Shupe’s commercial, product liability, and business litigation practice, he has represented manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, industrial and high technology equipment, metals and chemicals. In his aviation practice, he has represented domestic and foreign aircraft, engine and aircraft component manufacturers, airports, airlines, air taxi and commercial operators, and corporate aviation in connection with aviation and railroad accidents. He also handles litigation for insurance companies involving coverage disputes, fraud allegations and other insurance liability issues.
Mr. Shupe is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, where he previously served as the Chair of its Special Problems in the Administration of Justice Committee (U.S.). He also is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel. One of the leading aviation and products lawyers in the United States, Chambers USA 2017 noted, “Denny Shupe is valued by his clients for the high quality of his representation in a broad range of contentious matters, including product liability and commercial disputes on behalf of industry players. Sources describe him as an ‘enormously experienced’ and ‘strategic’ lawyer with ‘a strong ability to engender confidence.'” In Chambers USA 2016, Mr. Shupe was lauded by “one impressed client” as having “a keen understanding of the circumstances we are faced with and has successfully positioned us for the most favorable outcome.” In addition, The Legal 500 has described him as a “superior trial lawyer” with “outstanding technical knowledge.” Who’s Who Legal Transport 2021 (Aviation Contentious) described him as “internationally renowned,” and named him as one of six “Global Elite Thought Leaders” in North America who is a “terrific lawyer” and “vastly experienced in representing airports, airlines and insures in contentious matters.”
A retired Air Force command and instructor pilot, Mr. Shupe served 23 years as an active duty and reserve officer. His military domestic and international flight experience includes over 4000 hours in T-41, T-37, T-38 and C-141 aircraft. While on active duty he also served as an operations research systems analyst, as a flying wing executive officer and inspector general, and as the aide-de-camp for two general officers.
News & Publications
- Schnader Attorneys Named in Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2021
- Aviation Happenings: Winter 2020
- Veterans Day Reflections: How Military Service Benefits Our Work in the Law
- Veterans Day 2020: Schnader Celebrates Our Military Veterans
- Benchmark Litigation Recommends Schnader
- Aviation Happenings: Fall 2020
- Schnader Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America
- Aviation Happenings: Summer 2020
- PA Super Lawyers Named
- Schnader Recognized as a Top Firm by Chambers USA
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Ranked Nationally by Chambers USA
- Four Schnader Attorneys Selected for 2020 Aviation Expert Guide
- Aviation Happenings: Spring 2020
- Five Schnader Attorneys Selected As Leading Aviation Lawyers in North America by Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2020
- Tenth Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment in Premier 390 Accident Litigation After Plaintiffs’ Expert Testimony Excluded
- Aviation Happenings – Winter 2019
- Five Partners in Schnader’s Aviation Group Recognized in Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2020
- Aviation Happenings – Fall 2019
- Schnader Wins Unanimous Jury Verdict for Defense in Trial Arising from a Mechanic’s Fall from an Airport Modular Refueling Truck
- Schnader Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2020
- Denny Shupe Selected for Who’s Who Legal’s Thought Leaders – Global Elite 2020 in Aviation Law
- Four Schnader Attorneys Selected for the 2019 Aviation Expert Guide
- Aviation Happenings – Summer 2019
- Schnader Lawyers Named to PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Schnader Recognized as a Top Firm by Chambers USA
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Ranked Nationally by Chambers USA
- Aviation Happenings – Spring 2019
- Five Partners in Schnader’s Aviation Group Recognized in Who’s Who Legal: Aviation 2019
- Less Snap Back After A Quick Snap Removal: Third Circuit Approves Snap Removals Before Forum Defendant Service
- Aviation Happenings – Winter 2018
- Benchmark Litigation Recommends Schnader
- Aviation Happenings- Fall 2018
- Aviation Happenings- Summer 2018
- Schnader Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2019
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Nationally Ranked by The Legal 500 USA for Seventh Consecutive Year
- Denny Shupe Receives Jeffrey A. Ernico Award of Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Many Schnader Lawyers Named to PA Super Lawyers
- Schnader Recognized as a Top Firm by Chambers USA
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Ranked Nationally by Chambers USA
- Aviation Happenings- Spring 2018
- Aviation Happenings- Winter 2017
- Denny Shupe Appointed Chair of ACTL’s Special Problems in the Administration of Justice Committee (U.S.)
- Benchmark Litigation Recommends Schnader
- Aviation Happenings- Fall 2017
- Schnader Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers 2017
- 40 Schnader Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2018
- Aviation Happenings- Summer 2017
- Schnader Recognized as a Top Firm by Chambers USA – Ten Schnader Partners Also Recognized
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Ranked Nationally by Chambers USA
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Nationally Ranked by Legal 500 USA for Sixth Consecutive Year
- Denny Shupe Particpates in Discussion to Benefit Veterans
- Schnader Attorneys Among Those Selected For Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2017
- Aviation Happenings- Winter 2016-2017
- Benchmark Litigation Recommends Schnader
- Many Schnader Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers 2016
- Aviation Happenings- Fall 2016
- Thirty-Seven Schnader Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2017
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Nationally Ranked by Legal 500 USA for Fifth Consecutive Year
- Schnader Attorneys Named “Top Aviation Lawyers” by Institutional Investor
- Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis Partner Denny Shupe Elected to the AIA Eagle Society
- Aviation Happenings- Summer 2016
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Ranked Nationally by Chambers USA
- Schnader Recognized as a Top Firm by Chambers USA – Ten Schnader Partners Also Recognized
- Aviation Happenings- Spring 2016
- Schnader Recognized as a Top Firm by Chambers USA – Nine Schnader Partners Also Recognized
- Schnader Litigation Practices and Attorneys Recognized in the 2016 Benchmark Litigation Guide
- Thirty-Three Schnader Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2016
- Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2015
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Again Ranked Among Top Firms in the United States
- Aviation Happenings- Summer 2015
- Schnader Recognized as a Top Firm by Chambers USA – Nine Schnader Partners Also Recognized
- “Walking Point”
- Al Dandridge and Denny Shupe Receive Veterans of Influence Awards
- Denny Shupe Named the “Lawyer of the Year-Aviation” in Pennsylvania for 2014
- Denny Shupe Recognized on Penn Law’s Tumblr
- Schnader Litigation Practices and Attorneys Recognized in the 2015 Benchmark Litigation Guide
- Thirty-Two Schnader Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2015
- Three Partners in Schnader’s Aviation Group Recognized by Legal Media Group’s Expert Guide as World Leading Aviation Attorneys
- Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2014
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Again Nationally Ranked in Chambers USA and The Legal 500 USA
- Pennsylvania Superior Court Reverses Forum Non Conveniens Dismissal of International Air Crash Case, But Don’t Equate Pennsylvania with Cook County, Illinois (Just Yet)
- Schnader Recognized as a Top Firm by Chambers USA – Nine Schnader Partners Also Recognized
- Denny Shupe Named Among the 2014 Leading Litigation and Product Liability Lawyers in the World
- Schnader Hosts New Leash on Life USA Event Introducing New Program for Veterans with PTSD
- Aviation Happenings – Winter 2014
- Schnader Defends Airline from Mistaken-Meal Suit
- Denny Shupe Included in the International Who’s Who of Aviation Lawyers 2014
- Schnader Ranked as “Highly Recommended” in the 2014 Benchmark Litigation Guide
- Denny Shupe Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2013
- Schnader Honors Denny Shupe with Pro Bono and Community Service Awards
- Denny Shupe Named Among the 2013 Leading Aviation Lawyers in the World
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Ranked in Chambers USA and The Legal 500 USA
- Denny Shupe Addresses New Leash on Life USA Graduating Class
- New Leash on Life USA Featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer Six-Article Series
- Denny Shupe’s Contributions to “New Leash On Life” Spotlighted in DRI’s “For The Defense”
- Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP on Shortlist for Northeast Appellate Firm of the Year and Pennsylvania Firm of the Year
- Schnader Ranked as “Highly Recommended” in the 2013 Benchmark Litigation and Appellate Guides
- Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2012
- Schnader Supports American Benefactor Foundation Event Honoring Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston and Celebrating “I WILL Be Great Leaders”
- Legal 500 Recognizes Schnader’s Aviation Group Among the Best Practices in the U.S. for 2012
- Schnader and New Leash on Life Featured in Recent U.S. Department of Justice Article
- Three Schnader Attorneys Named 2012 “Leading Litigation and Product Liability Lawyers” by Expert Guides
- “Recent Developments in Aviation Products Liability”
- Schnader Ranked as “Highly Recommended” in the 2012 Benchmark Litigation and Appellate Guides
- Schnader Supports New Leash on Life USA
- J. Denny Shupe Named Among the 2011 Leading Aviation Lawyers in the World
- Sixty-Eight Schnader Attorneys Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Schnader’s Aviation Group Listed Among the Best in the U.S. for 2011 by Legal 500
- Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2011
- Products Liability Litigation – Past, Present and Into the 21st Century
- Products Liability Litigation – Past, Present and Into the 21st Century
- Products Liability Litigation – Past, Present and Into the 21st Century
- Denny Shupe Featured in For The Defense for his Work with the “New Leash on Life” Program
- “Third Circuit Rules That ‘Abdullah’ Does Not Apply To Oversight Of Passenger Disembarkation”
- Schnader’s Aviation Practice Group Listed Among the Best in the U.S. for 2010 by Legal 500
- Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2010
- “Compensatory Damages in Aviation Litigation: How to Avoid and Reduce Speculation and Faulty Assumptions in Compensatory Damage Awards”
- Many Schnader Attorneys Honored as 2009 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
- Denny Shupe Helps Raise Funds for Liberty USO
- Denny Shupe Re-Appointed to the Board of the USS New Jersey
- “Airline Does Not Have to Assist Deplaning Passenger on Crutches”
- Shupe Featured in DRI’s Weekly Newsletter
- Schnader Proudly Co-sponsors the Liberty USO’S 67th Anniversary Gala
- Shupe Appointed to Board of USS New Jersey
- Schnader Well-Represented in Bar Association of the Third Federal Circuit
- Shupe, Gisleson to Head Litigation Services Department
- Many Schnader Attorneys are 2007 Super Lawyers, 2008 Best Lawyers
- Denny Shupe Receives U.S. Presidential Honor
- Twenty-Seven Schnader Attorneys Named 2007 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
- Shupe Honored at National USO Conclave
- Shupe Continues Support of USO
- Shupe Appointed Chair of DRI Aerospace Law Committee
- Thirty-Five Schnader Attorneys Are 2006 Super Lawyers
- Pennsylvania Federal Court Extends Alternative Liability Theory to Products Liability Case
- Thirty-Three Schnader Attorneys Honored as ‘Pennsylvania Super Lawyers’
- Shupe Again Named to Leadership Post in USO Affiliate Council
- Shupe Invited to Join International Association of Defense Counsel
- Schnader Attorneys Feted as Super Lawyers
- “Going on the Offense with the Government Contractor Defense”
- Schnader Appoints Hiring Co-Chair, Hires New Legal Recruiter
- “Commercial Aircraft Transactions: Liability of Owners, Lessors and Finance Parties”
- “Daubert’s Unwritten Mandate: Win in the District Court”
- Schnader Lawyers Noted as ‘Pennsylvania Super Lawyers’ in 19 Categories
- Products Liability Litigation – Past, Present and Into the 21st Century
- Products Liability Litigation – Past, Present and Into the 21st Century
- “Toward a More Uniform and ‘Reasonable’ Approach to Products Liability Litigation: Current Trends in the Adoption of the Restatement (Third) and its Potential Impact on Aviation Litigation”
- “Toward a More Uniform and ‘Reasonable’ Approach to Products Liability Litigation in the U.S.: Current Trends in the Adoption of the Third Restatement and Its Potential Impact on Aviation Litigation”
- “The Effective Use of Jury Focus Groups: A Trial Lawyer’s Perspective”
Community & Pro Bono
Mr. Shupe’s current pro bono and community service focus is in support of a variety of military veteran causes, including representation of veterans before the Veterans Administration. The Philadelphia Business Journal presented him with one of its inaugural Veterans of Influence Awards in 2015, the Pennsylvania Bar Association presented him with its Ernico Award for lifetime pro bono service in 2018, DRI presented him with its national community service award in 2003, and Schnader presented him with its Harrison Award for community service in 2013. His community activity board service has included the following:
- New Leash on Life USA Board Member, 2011-2015
- Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey, Inc., Board of Trustees, 2008-2015
- Gettysburg College Parents Advisory Board member, 2008-2011
- United Service Organizations (USO) Affiliate Council, national chair, 2003-2005 and 2006-2007; national chair emeritus, 2005-2006
- United Service Organizations (USO) of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey (Liberty USO), Board of Directors, 1991- 2008; Board chairman, 2001-2004
He has been a frequent keynote speaker to veteran organizations and other community groups.
Education
- University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D., summa cum laude, Order of the Coif, 1989
- Arizona State University, M.B.A., high honors, 1983
- United States Air Force Academy, B.S., With Distinction, 1976
Bar Admissions
- Pennsylvania, 1989
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. Tax Court
Professional Affiliations
- American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow, 2013-present; Special Problems in the Administration of Justice Committee (US), chair, 2017-2019, vice chair, 2015-2017
- International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) member, 2005-present
- American Bar Association, Section of Litigation and Forum on Air and Space Law, member
- Defense Research Institute Aerospace Law Committee: chair, 2006-2008; vice chair, 2004-2005; Product Liability Committee (member)
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, adjunct assistant professor, aviation law
- Philadelphia Bar Association, member; Military Affairs Committee, Co-chair, 2015- present
- International Aviation & Transportation Safety Bar Association, member
Other Distinctions
- Ranked by Chambers USA as “America’s Leading Aviation Lawyers,” 2013-Present
- Recognized by The Legal 500, Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Aerospace/Aviation, 2010-Present
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Aviation Law, 2015-present
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2018-21, in Aviation Contentious; Thought Leaders – Global Elite (Aviation) 2020-21
- Listed as Leading Aviation Attorney by Aviation Expert Guides 2013-Present, and as Leading Product Liability Attorney 2016
- Listed among the Leading Litigation and Product Liability Lawyers in the World by the Legal Media Group, 2012-Present
- Listed among the Leading Aviation Lawyers in the World by the Legal Media Group, 2011-Present
- Recognized as a “Local Litigation Star” for Pennsylvania in Benchmark Litigation, 2013-Present
- Listed in The International Who’s Who of Aviation Lawyers (Transport: Aviation-Contentious), 2013-Present
- Recognized in the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards for Industrial Defence, 2016
- Selected by Corporate LiveWire as “Lawyer of the Year-Aviation,” Pennsylvania, 2014
- Selected as one of the “Leading Lawyers 500” by InterContinental Finance Magazine, 2013-Present
- Selected as a “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer” for aviation, 2004-present
- Rated AV® Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Member, Aviation Insurance Association Eagle Society
- National Law Journal Defense Win of the Month, 2002
- Recipient of the Earl G. Harrison Community Service Award, 2013
- U.S. President’s Call to Service Award from President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (nominated by USO of Illinois for at least 4,000 hours of support of U.S. armed forces through the USO), 2007
- Selected as a “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer” for business litigation, 2004-2010, 2019
- Defense Research Institute Community Service Award, 2003
- Philadelphia Business Journal Veterans of Influence Award, 2015
- United States Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots, Commander’s Award, 2002
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leadership Class of 1998
- Honorary commander, McGuire Air Force Base, NJ, 1994-1995, 2004-2005, 2006-2013
- Bronze Good Citizenship Medal from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, September 1999
- Military service awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal
- University of Pennsylvania Law Review, editor
- Recipient of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Jeffrey A. Ernico Award for lifetime pro bono service, 2018
Representative Matters
- Lead counsel for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of general aviation and corporate aircraft, and multiple aircraft/engine component manufacturers, in state and federal court actions nationwide in litigation alleging product defects and noncompliance with federal aviation regulations;
- Lead counsel in achieving a defense verdict for one of the world’s largest international airlines in a case brought under the Montreal Convention after a passenger suffered anaphylactic shock;
- Lead counsel for one of the defendants in litigation arising from the 2014 crash of a Gulfstream IV aircraft in Bedford, Massachusetts;
- Lead counsel for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of unmanned aerial systems and command and control systems in litigation arising from the U.S. Army’s operation of drones;
- Lead counsel for a finance company in litigation arising from the crash of Cessna Citation 560XLS near Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2014 while carrying Brazilian presidential candidate Eduardo Campos;
- National counsel for aircraft component manufacturer in multidistrict litigation arising from the 2008 crash of a Spanair MD-82 aircraft in Madrid, Spain;
- Lead counsel for one of the world’s international and domestic leading aircraft engine manufacturers in litigation arising from a variety of commercial and military helicopter crashes, including a military helicopter crash in Iraq;
- Co-lead counsel for a defense contractor in litigation arising out of a multiple fatality aircraft crash in Afghanistan;
- Lead counsel for one of the world’s leading helicopter engine manufacturers in multiple actions arising from the fatal crashes of civilian and Navy and Army aircraft in the United States and overseas;
- Co-lead counsel for a Part 135 charter operator in litigation arising from a multiple fatality crash in Owatonna, MN;
- Lead counsel for one of the world’s leading international manufacturers of thrust reversers for transport category aircraft in achieving a defense verdict in a commercial dispute in a Florida federal court involving tens of millions of dollars of alleged damages;
- Lead counsel for an aerospace insulation blanket manufacturer in federal multidistrict litigation arising out of the crash in 1998 of Swissair Flight 111;
- Lead counsel for a manufacturer of diacetyl in litigation alleging diacetyl-induced lung disease;
- Lead counsel for an FAA Part 145 Certified Repair Station in litigation arising out of the fatal crash of a Cirrus SR22 aircraft;
- Lead counsel for an avionics company in a multi-fatality general aviation crash involving a Mooney M20U aircraft;
- Defended the engine manufacturer in multiple wrongful death suits arising out of the crash of the developmental V-22 Osprey titlt-rotor aircraft in Virginia, including a defense verdict;
- Defended the owner/operator of a Bell 412 helicopter involved in a mid-air collision over Merion, Pennsylvania, involving the death of a U.S. senator;
- Defended a helicopter engine manufacturer in state and federal court litigation involving a wide range of commercial, tort and RICO claims;
- Lead counsel for one of the world’s largest international airlines in litigation involving personal injury, baggage and cargo loss, and damage claims.
Related Events
- Planning for Autonomous Aircraft and Products Litigation – an Aviation Trial Lawyer’s Perspective
- Juries and Jury Trials: Is a New Defense Playbook Needed for Insurers and Trial Counsel?
- Penn Law Crisis Negotiation Exercise
- Eleventh Hour Defense Tactics as Jury Selection Approaches
- Denny Shupe and Barry Alexander Presented at ABA Aviation Litigation Conference
- Denny Shupe to Speak at IATSBA Aviation Law Conference
- Denny Shupe Particpates in Discussion to Benefit Veterans
- Partner Denny Shupe Spoke at AVICON 2016
- Denny Shupe Gave Aviation Law Update at PBI Program
- Denny Shupe Spoke at University of Pennsylvania Law School
- John Armstrong Memorial Golf Classic
- Schnader Attorneys Presented at 2015 AIA Conference
- Denny Shupe Presented at the 8th Annual McGill Conference on International Aviation Liability and Insurance
- Denny Shupe to Spoke at IATA Legal Symposium in Seoul
- Denny Shupe Spoke at University of Pennsylvania Law School in Honor of Veterans’ Day
- Schnader Hosts Reception for “Saving and Reclaiming Lives,” New Leash on Life USA’s Service Dog Program for Veterans
- Schnader Attorneys Present “Does Criminalization of Aviation Accidents Impact Safety?”
- Denny Shupe Serves as Co-Chair at ACI’s 4th Annual Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Litigation
- Denny Shupe Participates in ABA Webinar on “Aviation Litigation: Recent Decisions and Their Financial, Operational and Practical Impact”
- Denny Shupe Speaks at American Bar Association’s Forum on Air and Space Law 2012 Conference
- Denny Shupe Participates on Panel for the American Bar Association Law Firm Marketing Strategies Conference
- The Three “E’s” of Aviation Litigation: Evidence, Experts and E-Discovery
- Schnader Attorneys Attend the 69th Anniversary Liberty USO Gala
- Shupe and Stern Speak at the American Conference Institute’s 2nd Annual Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Litigation
- Presentation and Panel Discussion: Criminalization of Aviation
- Compensatory Damages in Aviation Litigation: How to Avoid and Reduce Speculation and Faulty Assumptions in Compensatory Damage Awards
- Navigating the Risks of Aerospace Product Liability
- Sublimits or Substandard: What Are the Ramifications of Low Seat Liability Limits on General Aviation Insurance?
- Basic Airport Liability Insurance Panel Presentation
- Effective Use of Trial Consultants: What Should Be on Your Radar Screen
- Cleared Direct to Federal Court – Why Aviation Cases Are More Likely Than Other Types to Take Flight from State Court
- Cleared Direct to Federal Court–Why Aviation Cases Are More Likely Than Other Types to Take Flight from State Court
- Liability of Owners and Lessors of Aircraft
- Depositions: Ethical Considerations
- Airline Liability Update