Overview

Chris Senn is a policy and regulatory attorney in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office. Mr. Senn's practice focuses on matters related to public policy development, legislative advocacy and regulatory compliance, with an emphasis on aviation and autonomous vehicles. He has extensive experience in aerospace and the unmanned aircraft systems field, and his comprehensive background in policy and regulatory affairs positions him as a trusted advisor for clients navigating complex and evolving legal and policy landscapes.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Senn worked as an attorney in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served as counsel on the Aviation Subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. During his tenure on Capitol Hill, Mr. Senn played a pivotal role in shaping key legislation, notably as one of the principal drafters of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act that was fully passed and signed into law in 2024.

Leading up to his career in law and policy, Mr. Senn served as an assistant professor of aviation at Kansas State University, where he not only imparted knowledge to his students but also fostered practical skills by teaching students the intricacies of building and operating unmanned aircraft systems. Additionally, Mr. Senn's tenure at a major defense contractor further enriched his knowledge in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Additionally, Mr. Senn served on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he piloted unmanned aircraft systems as an operator and instructor. His experience in the Marine Corps provided him with firsthand knowledge of the operational aspects of unmanned aircraft systems and their applications in various environments.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Senn holds an instrument-rated private pilot license, bringing a distinct perspective to his work grounded in hands-on aviation experience. This practical understanding enhances his ability to understand and address the diverse needs of clients in the aviation and autonomous vehicle industries, offering innovative solutions and steadfast advocacy.

Credentials

Education
  • Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, J.D.
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, M.S., Unmanned Systems, summa cum laude
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, B.S., Aeronautics, magna cum laude
Bar Admissions/Licenses
  • Arizona
  • District of Columbia
Court Admissions
  • Arizona Supreme Court
Memberships
  • American Bar Association (ABA), Forum on Air and Space Law, Membership Co-Chair, 2023-Present
  • The Aero Club of Washington, D.C., 2022-Present
  • International Aviation Club of Washington, D.C., 2022-Present

Publications

Speaking Engagements