Stuart Fraenkel

Stuart Fraenkel is a senior partner at Nelson & Fraenkel LLP in Los Angeles, California, recognized globally for his practice in aviation, maritime and admiralty law. His extensive litigation experience spans across all 50 U.S. states and multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Recognized as an authority on state and federal tort claims, he frequently navigates complex international choice-of-law issues, national jurisdiction conflicts and high-profile maritime appeals.

Throughout his career, Mr. Fraenkel has successfully managed numerous catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death and commercial aviation matters. He has served as counsel in landmark commercial airline disaster cases worldwide, including Alaska Airlines Flight 261, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 and Malaysia Airlines Flights MH370 and MH17. His comprehensive practice encompasses both general aviation incidents and commercial carrier crashes, securing critical relief for victims and families affected by complex global disasters.

A United States Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Fraenkel served as a CH-46 Sea Knight crew chief and A-4 Skyhawk plane captain, earning multiple commendations. His military tenure provided deep technical knowledge across turbine engines, avionics, hydraulics and ejection systems. For over two decades, this hands-on background in complex aircraft mechanics has provided the foundational nuance required to successfully litigate high-stakes domestic and international airline, commuter, military and general aviation disaster cases.

Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mr. Fraenkel went on to gain his Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School in 1994. Additionally, a graduate of the National Transportation Safety Board of the Aviation Accident Investigators School, he possesses rare technical insight into wreckage analysis, flight data and accident reconstruction. Licensed to practice law in California since 1994, his commitment to quality client service has garnered him an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.