Mark C. Fava has had a career unlike most lawyers. A former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, and now a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace manufacturing company, Mark has spent decades leading in high-pressure environments. His new book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, shares leadership insights from his time working with an admiral and how those lessons apply to law, business, and life. In this episode, we dive into his career pivots, risk-taking, and why understanding people—not just legal rules—is the key to success.
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Mark C. Fava grew up in a military family, moving frequently before settling in Charleston, South Carolina. His path to aviation law started with an ROTC scholarship at the University of North Carolina, which led him to serve six years as a naval flight officer. During his time in the Navy, he flew in the back of P-3 Orion aircraft, tracking Soviet submarines during the Cold War—a role that required adaptability, precision, and strong leadership.
“I was a military brat… Dad was in the Navy. We moved to Charleston. I went to high school .. and then went to Chapel Hill; undergrad Navy ROTC, six years active duty in the Navy, [and] decided I wanted to go to law school," shares Mark C. Fava on You Are A Lawyer.
After his military service, Mark transitioned into aviation law, working at a law firm before moving in-house to work on regulatory compliance, passenger claims, and aviation safety. His legal career took him from serving as chief operations attorney for a major commercial airline during 9/11 to his current role as a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace manufacturing company. Along the way, he’s combined his legal expertise with leadership lessons learned from his time in the Navy—insights that he shares in his new book.
Mark’s decision to go to law school came after six years of active duty in the Navy. While he loved aviation and leadership, he wanted a new challenge that would allow him to build a long-term career beyond the military. His choice to pursue law was a significant pivot, requiring him to step away from a structured military path and into the rigorous world of legal education.
"I decided I wanted to go to law school …and made one of those big transition decisions," reflects Mark C. Fava on Episode 183 of You Are a Lawyer.
Unlike many law students who follow a direct path from college to law school, Mark C. Fava entered with a unique perspective—he already had leadership experience, had managed high-stakes operations, and understood the value of strategic decision-making. His time in law school helped him refine these skills and transition them into the legal profession, ultimately shaping the path he took as an aviation lawyer and executive.
Mark C. Fava believes a law degree is more than a license to practice—it’s a tool for critical thinking, leadership, and solving complex problems. While many lawyers stay within the traditional paths of litigation or corporate law, Mark used his degree to build a career in aviation law, regulatory compliance, and corporate leadership. He emphasizes that law school teaches discipline, adaptability, and the ability to navigate high-pressure situations—all skills that are valuable beyond the legal field.
“You can do whatever you put your mind to, right? Don't let anybody tell you you can't," emphasizes Mark C. Fava on Episode 183 of You Are a Lawyer.
Mark’s own journey—from naval flight officer to aviation lawyer to corporate executive—proves that lawyers can pivot into new industries, manage large organizations, and apply their expertise in unexpected ways. He encourages young lawyers to think beyond traditional roles and embrace opportunities where their legal skills can make an impact.
Mark’s career has been defined by leadership, storytelling, and mentorship—all of which led him to his side hustle as an author and speaker. His book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, is not just a collection of naval stories—it’s a leadership guide for professionals, including lawyers, looking to refine their decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills.
“The same habits I learned as an admiral's aide transferred almost flawlessly to being a lawyer... It's very simple things, being on time, striving for perfection, knowing the audience, knowing the people in the room,” shares Mark C. Fava in Episode 183 of You Are a Lawyer.
Beyond writing, Mark C. Fava speaks at industry events, law schools, and leadership conferences, sharing insights from his military and legal career. His side hustles allow him to combine his passion for mentorship with his expertise in leadership and law, proving that lawyers can build fulfilling careers outside of traditional practice.
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Mark C. Fava is licensed to practice law in South Carolina, Georgia, and DC.
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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