Led by Paul Hirst and Anna Heaton the team at Addleshaw Goddard has an ‘excellent knowledge of the rail sector and is highly experienced with an in-depth knowledge of the complexities involved in the sector and a clear grasp of the issues and challenges’. It is known for its considerable strength in depth across all aspects of the rail sector (infrastructure, operating franchises/concessions and rolling stock in both passenger and freight markets) and is regularly involved in high-profile national projects as well as local schemes that add value to the local and regional economy. Other core areas of expertise include advising public sector authorities on devolved rail schemes and it has a leading rail disputes practice too. There have been changes to the team at a senior level – Clive Smith is now at gunnercooke LLP, while Simon Gwynne has joined the team from Norton Rose Fulbright and Rachel Scott is a new addition to the practice from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. The team is praised for its ability to ‘provide risk-based advice, on time and in a personable manner’.

Ashurst frequently advises on the most complex rail deals and acts for many of the leading players in the rail sector with particular strength in the public sector. Under the leadership of Terry van Poortvliet, Mark Elsey and Naomi Horton the group also has extensive experience in the private sector and regularly works with the key regulatory bodies. It is best known for its rail franchising expertise as well as its involvement in some of the most nationally significant infrastructure projects. In addition, it has an excellent reputation for its work on rolling stock procurement as well as related asset leasing. The team is well-placed to advise on all aspects of the rail industry such as the acquisitions and disposals of rail-related businesses through to rail regulation, systems and signalling issues as well as on investment projects and general commercial contracts in the rail sector. Senior associate Jamie Illingworth is also a name to note.

Through its Bristol and London offices, Burges Salmon LLP fields a large and dedicated rail team that covers a broad range of issues. Its clients include the UK’s largest train operating groups as well as several of their JV partners. The group is skilled at advising on a range of complex issues relating to rail infrastructure, health and safety and regulatory matters. In addition it has been involved in some of the most significant franchising matters in recent years and has handled many of the UK’s largest rolling stock procurement exercises. Its rail infrastructure practice has also been involved in a range of projects of national importance. Among the key names to note are Simon Coppen who heads the public service contracting unit. Brioney Thomas is another leading figure in the department and heads the transport offering while Chris Jackson leads the firm-wide infrastructure group. Ian Tucker is well regarded for his litigation work and regulatory advice and Chris Simms is also well regarded. Brian Wong was recently promoted to the partnership.

With Paul Carrington at the helm at Clifford Chance LLP the rail team has consistently acted on the UK’s market leading rail projects over the last 30 years. It has an in-depth understanding of the rail industry and works on behalf of major rail infrastructure bodies, rail sector financiers and manufacturers as well as rail operators. It also works alongside its excellent construction and infrastructure teams on a range of complex rail projects and construction contracts and it is adept at handling complicated franchising matters and rolling stock procurements. Carrington also has extensive experience in structured finance and corporate restructuring work in the rail sector. Michael Pearson advises on major rail projects in the UK and internationally. Ranbir Hunjan specialises in asset financing, leasing and banking in the rail sector. Alain Dodds and Dominic Watts are other significant members of the team.

The first-rate team at Dentons advises on all aspects of the rail industry from passenger and freight to infrastructure development and operations. It also excels in light rail and trams as well as regularly advising on a whole host of other issues from franchises and concessions, stock procurement and maintenance to financing, technology and safety matters. It fields a large UK rail team that has a national coverage with significant international capabilities. Matthew Hanslip-Ward heads the team – he has continued to lead on various matters in the aftermath of the Covid 19 pandemic affecting the UK passenger industry and has been involved in several highly strategic projects. Christopher McGee-Osborne also plays a pivotal role in the department while Mark Macaulay is adept at advising on major infrastructure contracts. Counsel Martin Watt has particular expertise in rolling stock matters and senior associate Jonathan Smith’s work spans franchising, concessions and rolling stock.

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides ‘advice that has been consistently excellent – clearly articulated, pragmatic and showing a very sound appreciation of commercial reality as well as the pure legal considerations’ under the direction of Mark Brunton and Agnes Koko. It has a strong national offering throughout the country and specialises in all aspects of rail commercial and regulatory matters. The group is recommended for its skill at handling rail franchising/operation contracts as well as rolling stock, infrastructure matters in addition to planning and parliamentary issues. The group also has substantial international expertise with a global focus on concessions, rolling stock and infrastructure projects. Anne Harris specialises in rail related commercial contracts such as rail franchise agreements, regulated access agreements and rail project procurement related matters. William Spickett has recently been promoted to the partnership and has a strong track record in advising on rail projects.

Gavin Williams heads the practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP that is highly rated for its work across every aspect of the rail sector on both the contentious and non-contentious side. It has been busy advising on an array of issues from rolling stock procurement and leasing to passenger and freight operations. The skilled team is also adept at advising on regulatory issues and the development of new railway infrastructure. Tim Briggs frequently advises on the rail regulatory regime as well as on competition, procurement and subsidy control matters. John Williams, who is of counsel, has a wealth of experience in advising clients on the development of railways and many other issues including rolling stock maintenance, concession and franchise issues and other operational matters. On the contentious side, David Nitek is a known name in the UK and particularly in the Middle East for his work on major rail infrastructure projects.

Linklaters LLP has considerable expertise in all rail matters both domestically and internationally. It advises on the full range of deals from heavy rail matters (including high speed rail) to light rail, rolling stock and train systems as well as station real estate. Fiona Hobbs is recognised for her work on many of the biggest deals in this sector. Charlotte Morgan has immense knowledge of the regulated infrastructure sector. Stuart Rowson is a well-known infrastructure partner and deals with significant rail financings. The first-class team continues to assist a wide range of sponsors, lenders, rolling stock companies and governments to bring some major industry leading rail deals to a close. Jessamy Gallagher  has now moved to Paul Hastings LLP.

The ‘extremely knowledgeable team’ at Stephenson Harwood is ‘always pragmatic and at the forefront of all developments in the rail sector’. It has a broad depth of rail expertise across the firm on a whole host of contentious and non-contentious matters including all issues relating to franchising and concession matters. It remains an integral player in the rolling stock market by advising a broad range of procurers, operators and manufacturers on major deals both nationally and internationally. It has particular experience too of assisting train operating companies on procurement issues as well as handling all aspects of rail regulation. Tammy Samuel and Suzanne Tarplee co-head the practice that includes Darren Fodey who has considerable experience in rail regulation and regulated contracts. Paul Thwaite deals with various commercial disputes. Ron Nobbs and Lisa Marks are both well-regarded.

Allen & Overy LLP is best known for its work on complex and high value transactions in the rail sector and in particular on infrastructure (light and heavy rail), concessions and rolling stock deals. The practice has a blend of concessions/PPP, financing and regulatory expertise and acts for governments, sponsors, manufacturers and financiers both nationally and internationally. Practice head Jonathan Bevan has extensive experience of advising on domestic and cross-border transactions on a range of rolling stock procurement, rail infrastructure and regulatory matters as well as on the financing aspects of these deals. Tim Conduit is among the other key senior members of the practice.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner fields an excellent team that works for leading financiers, operating lessors, investors and developers on a range of significant mandates. It has considerable experience in regulatory and litigation matters and is adept at handling rail financing and leasing work as well as handling disputes in the sector. Jason Chamberlain is vastly experienced in railway infrastructure projects and rail regulatory issues. Head of department Russell Clifford specialises in structured asset finance and leasing on the domestic and cross-border markets. Jamie Wiseman-Clarke is particularly skilled in rolling stock-related work.

CMS is well-regarded for its work on large infrastructure projects both nationally and internationally. It continues to be active in the Middle East in particular. The group is adept at supporting its clients with the procurement of new build rolling stock (and the associated maintenance and spare parts supply arrangements) and with the financing aspects of rolling stock (including the leasing of rolling stock). It also garners praise for its light rail expertise and has considerable strength on the contentious side too. Names to note are Bill Carr who focuses on rolling stock procurement and maintenance arrangements; Eleanor Lane who has a wealth of experience in the modernisation of subway systems and David Moore who advises on various issues such rail projects (including PPPs), rolling stock procurement and rail franchising.

Robert Smith and Colin Wilson head the practice at DLA Piper that acts for both private and public sector clients in the rail sector on a wide a range of issues. The versatile team is skilled at delivering high-profile rolling stock procurements, advising on rail franchise competitions and on wider infrastructure projects. It has a detailed knowledge of the UK statutory and regulatory regime and is well-placed to advise on many complex matters relating to the regulation of the rail industry in the UK. It also has an excellent planning practice and the group is recommended too for its work on various operational matters such as franchise support and rolling stock leasing in addition to health and safety matters, station and depot leasing and competition law.

K&L Gates LLP has a ‘thorough understanding of the sector‘ and continues to play a pivotal role in some major projects both nationally and internationally. Its expertise relates principally to light rail metro and mass transit systems. In addition it has extensive experience in advising on complex signalling procurements. Practice head Matthew Smith regularly works on complex and high value rail infrastructure projects. Nicola Ellis has significant  experience in signalling contracts. Special counsel Inga Hall is another important member of the team. Senior associate Daniel Lopez has a wealth of experience in advising on non-contentious infrastructure projects particularly in the rail sector. Sarah Drinkwater (also a senior associate) concentrates on rail-related adjudications and international arbitration.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a broad client base that includes governments, rail companies, transport authorities and other companies such as cargo and rolling stock owning companies as well as train operating companies, manufacturers and leasing companies.  It has considerable international expertise and the group frequently advises on many high-profile rail transactions both in the UK and globally. The full service offering is now headed by Andrew Buisson. There have been changes to the practice with the departures of Simon Gwynne to Addleshaw Goddard and Tom Johnson to Freeths LLP, but Susanna Rogers remains a key member of the team and is highly rated for her considerable experience in advising on competition and regulatory matters in the rail sector; and counsel Louise Auty is also active in the field.

Osborne Clarke LLP has an impressive roster of clients. It has considerable expertise in rail franchising, concession agreements and other issues relating to fare and ticketing reform. Another core area of expertise is advising on rail procurement disputes. In addition the group is recognised for its specialist asset financing and leasing work and receives a steady flow of work from leading rolling stock leasing companies. The group under the leadership of Lara Burch also excels in advising on regulated procurement work in the rail sector. Edward Barratt is an experienced rail and rolling stock lawyer; and Jeremy Godley is another well-regarded practitioner. Craig McCarthy, who was promoted to partner in 2021, has led on significant procurement litigation matters.

Jonathan Hart leads the practice at Pinsent Masons LLP that advises on all aspects of rail assets and projects. It is recommended for its advice on the planning and consenting issues relating to large rail and other infrastructure projects across all sectors in the UK. In addition the team is well-regarded for its work on rolling stock and rail assets, PPS, procurements and planning in addition to civil engineering contracts. Robbie Owen is a recommended infrastructure planning lawyer and has substantial experience in advising on the promotion of major UK rail projects. Anne-Marie Friel is highly rated for her work on multi-party civil project joint ventures. Duncan O’Connor is now at BDB Pitmans.

The team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is praised for its ‘flexible approach to meeting the needs of its clients in a time efficient and cost-effective way’. David Rewcastle whose ‘knowledge of the industry and the law is second to none’ heads the practice. It continues to act for a broad range of train operator clients. The dynamic team has also been involved in some key rail and infrastructure projects and is adept at handling planning and authorisation issues. Paul Coleman specialises in heavy and light rail franchises, concessions and related mobilisations as well as rolling stock financing, procurement and rail infrastructure projects. Associate Joseph Causer is another name to note.

Giles Clifford heads the practice at Gowling WLG that is recommended for its work in diverse areas such as rail station development and station upgrades as well as overstation and over track development. It supports rail freight operators and users and has extensive experience of acting for developers and operators of logistics facilities. Its pensions and employment practices are also skilled at advising on the Railways Pensions Schemes. Dominic Richardson continues to be involved in numerous rolling stock transactions. Richard Green and Sarah Riding are among the other key members of the practice at a senior level.

Practice head at Hogan Lovells International LLP is counsel Charles Ford who has a strong presence in the rail sector. Ford has been heavily involved in some recent developments in the rail industry such as the Government’s rail reform agenda and the sector’s Covid response. The group has advised on some major projects in the UK and it has also been active on some large and important projects in Europe recently. The team is able to utilise the firm’s international network of offices to assist on some key rail matters globally. Andrew Gallagher continues to advise lenders, sponsors and borrowers on a variety of rail projects.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP has a proven track record in the rail sector and has been instrumental in the promotion of major railway infrastructure and tramway schemes. It regularly advises on issues as diverse as compulsory purchases and compensation, related property issues and environmental impact assessments as well as planning and statutory procedures. Head of department Paul Irving specialises in advising on the drafting of legislation in relation to railways. Hazel Anderson is well-regarded for her infrastructure planning work.

BDB Pitmans focuses on the planning and authorisation aspects of rail schemes. It is particularly well equipped to help its clients in obtaining authorisations for major infrastructure projects (covering both light and heavy rail). In addition it has five ‘Roll A’ Parliamentary Agents who offer substantial experience in the promotion and opposition of railway bills. Mark Challis heads the team that was pleased to add Duncan O’Connor to its ranks from Pinsent Masons LLP. O’Connor has a wealth of experience in the rail sector too.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has considerable global capabilities in the rail sector and regularly advises on complex matters spanning rail infrastructure to rolling stock work. Its broad client base includes government authorities, operators and developers as well as leasing companies, financial institutions and other rail related businesses. Graeme McLellan leads the practice and focuses on asset financing in the rail sector. In addition McLellan regularly works on some key international transactions and continues to advise on some major rolling stock deals.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP has a large asset finance practice. It routinely handles domestic and cross-border projects for rolling stock lessors, financial institutions, investors, train operators and other clients including manufacturers and public bodies. Louise Mor leads the practice and has considerable experience in the rail sector. Ryland Ash is another known name and is a skilled construction lawyer.