Manuel von Ribbeck

Attorney-at-Law, Industrial Systems Engineer, Doctor of Jurisprudence, Of Counsel

Dr. Manuel von Ribbeck is a trailblazing leader in aviation law, renowned for his groundbreaking approach and strategic genius. He made history as the first lawyer in the world to represent victims of the Boeing 737 Max 8 disasters, filing the initial lawsuit against Boeing in Chicago and playing a pivotal role in bringing the company to justice in United States courts. His legal practice is distinguished by innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and extraordinary results. His pioneering methods have been emulated by others but remain unmatched. Combining engineering expertise with legal acumen and a passionate commitment to justice, Dr. von Ribbeck achieves the impossible. His tireless advocacy has redefined industry standards, cementing his status as a visionary and influential figure in aviation law.

Dr. Manuel von Ribbeck is widely recognized as the foremost global aviation attorney, acclaimed for his unwavering dedication to representing victims of catastrophic accidents, particularly those arising from aviation disasters linked to human and mechanical failures. With an unparalleled track record, he has represented more clients in aviation disasters than any other attorney worldwide, establishing himself as a leading advocate for those seeking justice in the aftermath of tragedy. His involvement in numerous aviation accidents underscores his extensive experience in the field, including notable incidents such as Swissair Flight 111, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.

Dr. von Ribbeck has been involved in the following aviation accidents:
– Garuda Airlines Flight 152 (9/26/1997, Indonesia)
– Austral Airlines Flight 2553 (10/10/1997, Uruguay)
– Swissair Flight 111 (9/2/1998, Canada)
– LAPA Airlines Flight 3142 (8/31/1999, Argentina)
– Egypt Air Flight 990 (10/31/1999, New York)
– Air Philippines Flight 541 (4/19/2000, Philippines)
– Singapore Airlines Flight 006 (10/31/2000, Taiwan)
– American Airlines Flight 587 (11/12/2001, New York)
– ATA Airlines Flight 208 (4/18/2002, Chicago)
– China Airlines Flight 611 (5/25/2002, Taiwan)
– Flash Airlines Flight 604 (1/3/2004, Egypt)
– American Eagle Flight 5401 (5/9/2004, Puerto Rico)
– Lion Air Flight 538 (11/30/2004, Indonesia)
– Tans Airlines Flight 204 (8/23/2005, Peru)
– Mandala Airlines Flight 091 (9/5/2005, Indonesia)
– Chalk’s Ocean Airways 101 (12/19/2005, Florida)
– Gol Airlines Flight 1907 (9/29/2006, Brazil)
– Adam Air Flight 574 (1/1/2007, Indonesia)
– Kenya Airways Flight 507 (5/5/2007, Douala, Cameroon)
– One-Two-Go Flight 269 (9/16/2007, Thailand)
– AtlasJet Flight 4203 (11/30/2007, Turkey)
– Spanair Flight 5022 (8/20/2008, Spain)
– Aerolot-Nord Flight 821 (9/14/2008, Russia)
– Turkish Airlines Flight 1951 (2/25/2009, Holland)
– American Airlines Flight 331 (12/22/2009, Jamaica)
– Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409 (1/25/2010, Lebanon)
– Georgian Airways Flight 834 (4/4/2011, Kinshasa, Dem Rep Congo)
– RusAir Flight 9605 (6/20/2011, Petrozavodsk, Russia)
– Caribbean Airlines 523 (7/30/2011, Georgetown, Guyana)
– First Air Flight 6560 (8/20/2011, Resolute, Canada)
– Costa Concordia (1/13/2012, Italy)
– Jenni Rivera Learjet LJ25 (12/9/2012, Sierra de Iturbide, Mexico)
– Asiana Airlines 214 (7/7/2013, San Francisco, California)
– Lao Airlines Flight 301 (10/16/2013, Pakse, Laos)
– Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 (3/8/2014, Indian Ocean)
– Metrojet Flight 9268 (10/31/2015, Sinai, Egypt)
– Flydubai Flight 981 (3/19/2016, Rostov-on-Don, Russia)
– Cubana de Aviacion Flight 972 (5/18/2018, Havana, Cuba)
– Lion Air Flight 610 (10/29/2018, Java Sea, Indonesia)
– Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (3/10/2019, Bishoftu, Ethiopia)

Dr. von Ribbeck’s legal practice is distinguished by his ability to navigate the complexities of the U.S. legal system on behalf of clients from more than 75 countries. Many of these individuals face daunting cultural and language barriers, along with intricate legal processes that can overwhelm even the most determined seekers of justice. His mission is to empower these victims, guiding them through state, federal, appellate, and Supreme Court proceedings. His innovative legal strategies consistently yield record-breaking settlements and successful trial outcomes against formidable corporate defendants.

At Ribbeck Law, Dr. von Ribbeck leads a highly skilled team of attorneys who possess the financial resources and legal expertise necessary to take on the most complex cases. Together, they stand as a formidable force against well-resourced corporate adversaries, ensuring that justice is not just an aspiration but a reality for their clients.

Dr. von Ribbeck’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in Engineering through the Institute of International Education (IIE), a recognition reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and leadership potential. This experience reflects his commitment to fostering international understanding and collaboration. He further enhanced his legal expertise by studying European Community and International Law in Italy and France, broadening his global perspective on aviation regulations and practices.

His journey into law began with a successful career in systems and industrial engineering, culminating in his admission to DePaul University Law School in Chicago, where he earned his Juris Doctor. This unique blend of engineering knowledge and legal scholarship allows Dr. von Ribbeck to approach aviation cases with a comprehensive, analytical mindset.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. von Ribbeck has been involved in 44 significant aviation disasters worldwide, successfully representing survivors and families from every continent. His client base from 74 different countries includes individuals from Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Sweden, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, the Dominican Republic, Ireland, the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Belgium, Great Britain, Jamaica, Laos, Lebanon, Nepal, the Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland, Iran, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Niger, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Austria, Israel, Turkey, France, Egypt, Singapore, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and India.

In addition to his legal practice, Dr. von Ribbeck is dedicated to social justice through his pro bono work with the Chicago Volunteer Legal Service (CVLS), a nonprofit organization devoted to providing legal representation to those in need. His commitment to serving vulnerable populations has solidified his reputation not only as a leading attorney but also as a compassionate advocate for change.

Outside of his professional commitments, Dr. von Ribbeck is an avid sports enthusiast who dedicates significant time to various athletic pursuits. He is an expert skier, hitting the slopes for 45 to 60 days each year across North America, the Alps, and Hokkaido in Japan. Additionally, he enjoys playing polo in Argentina and engaging in wing foiling and water skiing in the picturesque Mayan Riviera. His passion for sports not only keeps him physically active but also fosters a sense of balance and well-being in his demanding professional life.

Due to his extensive expertise and experience, Dr. von Ribbeck is frequently sought after by international media as a spokesperson on aviation disasters, offering insights and analysis that reflect his deep understanding of the field. As one of the best aviation lawyers globally, he continues to set the standard for excellence, ensuring that victims of aviation disasters receive the justice they deserve while holding accountable those responsible for their suffering.

Manuel von Ribbeck
Ribbeck Law Chartered
505 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60611
manuelribbeck@ribbecklaw.com