Transport: Rail: Franchising
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7329 4422About
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Our rail team combines first-class legal skills, unbeatable commitment to our clients, outstanding market knowledge and genuine commercial understanding. Being at the table with the industry means we have unique insights from all perspectives. This benefits our clients, who comprise some of the most significant stakeholders in the industry.
Our team acts for private sector operators and owning groups, public bodies, financiers, lessors, industry bodies, infrastructure owners, manufacturers and maintainers and includes lawyers who have worked in or been seconded to the industry (including to General Counsel roles in both of High Speed 1 and High Speed 2).
We can help you with:
- franchise agreements and concessions (including direct awards)
- mobilisations and demobilisations
- competition issues
- infrastructure procurement, ownership, operation and maintenance
- access agreements and options
- stations, depots and adjacent property
- rolling stock procurement, operation, leasing and maintenance
- signalling arrangements
- employment, unions and pensions
- joint ventures
- planning and environmental issues
- procurement and regulation
- real estate and construction
- intellectual property rights and protection
- dispute resolution
Chambers Review
Stephenson Harwood houses a prominent team with leading expertise in franchising. It also offers noteworthy experience in rolling stock matters and infrastructure projects. The team regularly works with large clients including manufacturers, owners and financiers. It is also called upon by public sector bodies and has additional strength in rail regulatory work.
Work Highlights
- Stephenson Harwood advised Transport for London on the re-procurement of an operator for the Elizabeth Line.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm's ability to handle vast amounts of complex information, distilling it and advising on the risks in short timeframes, is impressive."
"The team at Stephenson Harwood are extremely responsive and always make themselves available to advise on short notice."
"The firm's ability to handle vast amounts of complex information, distilling it and advising on the risks in short timeframes, is impressive."
"The team at Stephenson Harwood are extremely responsive and always make themselves available to advise on short notice."
Notable Practitioners
Tammy Samuel, co-head of the rail department, has extensive experience advising an international roster of manufacturers, operators and public bodies on rolling stock procurement and franchising matters. She also has additional expertise in infrastructure development.
"Her knowledge and experience is second to none. She engages with you and delivers a real step forward."
"Tammy always takes a pragmatic, solutions-based approach and is always on the front foot in protecting our interests."
Suzanne Tarplee, co-head of the rail department, advises clients in both the public and private sectors. She has notable expertise in rail franchising contracts and rolling stock transactions, as well as regulatory matters and infrastructure work.
"Suzanne is extremely knowledgeable of public procurement and rail, providing incisive and considered advice."
Ranked Lawyers at
Stephenson Harwood LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Darren Fodey
Graeme Barton
Lisa Marks
Head of Department
Head of Department