John Scott Hoff, the founder and a partner of the Firm, possesses a background which uniquely qualifies him for his specialty in aviation law, insurance defense, and litigation.

While on active duty, Mr. Hoff attended graduate school at night while simultaneously pursuing and obtaining an MBA in Accounting and Finance from California State University (CSU) at Fullerton in 1971.  Thereafter, he attended law school at Southwestern University in Los Angeles, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1975.  Mr. Hoff also studied law at Oxford University (Worcester College) in Oxford, England in 1973 through Berkeley.  He completed a second Masters Degree in Military History from the American Military University in 1995. John is a graduate of the Air War College (AWC) 1995; Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) 1991; and Squadron Officer School (SOS) 1979.

After completing his legal studies and leaving active duty after eight (8) years in the USAF in 1975, John Hoff began his legal career as a staff and trial attorney in the Headquarters of the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, Litigation Division, in Washington, D.C. (1975-76).

Mr. Hoff entered private practice in late 1976 by joining the Chicago law firm of Lord, Bissell and Brook in Chicago, performing litigation in the aviation section of the firm.  Mr. Hoff specializes in Aviation Litigation and Insurance Defense. His practice brings together a unique blend of aviation, insurance defense, environmental and litigation.

In addition to Mr. Hoff’s aviation and legal credentials, he continues to serve as a Colonel in the Active Reserves of the USAF.  He was selected “Outstanding Reserve Officer” for the entire USAF in 1982 and again in 1993 for his Division and Command.  Further, he holds the credential of a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) since conferment in 1981, as well as a Certified Cost Estimator (CCE).  He is also a licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker (REB).

Mr. Hoff has authored numerous articles on aviation and military matters.  He was a featured speaker at the SMU Air Law Symposium and the Aviation Insurance Association.

He was the past President of the Aviation Insurance Association (AIA), and also serves as its past Vice President and Secretary, as well as Director of the Attorneys Section.  He is also President of the Great Lakes Chapter of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI).

He also is a member of a wide variety of legal and aviation organizations including the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA); Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association (LPBA); the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI); the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA); the Air Force Association (AFA); the Reserve Officer Association (ROA); the Air Force Museum Association (AFMA); and is a founder of the Aero Club of Chicago.

Mr. Hoff is admitted to practice law in the following states: Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, California, Michigan, New York, Minnesota and the District of Columbia, as well as numerous Federal Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Hoff’s courtroom skill and litigation proficiency have resulted in numerous favorable verdicts, settlements and dismissals for his clients.