Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure | UK

Addleshaw Goddard has a strong practice that is frequently sought out for its expertise in both rail-related infrastructure matters and rolling stock. It is also adept at advising on franchising concerns. The firm's clients include train operators, suppliers and public sector bodies.

Ashurst has noteworthy expertise across the board in rolling stock, franchising and infrastructure projects. It also excels in complex rail M&A. The firm is frequently sought out by an enviable client roster featuring some of the largest players in the rail space to advise on high-value and high-profile projects. The department possesses a strong light rail practice, which sees its lawyers advising on operational and infrastructure matters.

Linklaters has an established practice with extensive experience handling major rail projects and infrastructure matters. Financing is a particular area of strength for the firm. It is also sought after for its counsel on key rail policy issues. The team represents a diverse range of clients, including governments, lenders and regulators. In addition, it also offers significant international capabilities.

Dentons has excellent expertise in franchising work, routinely securing instructions in big-ticket and high-profile projects. The firm is also noted for its strength in rolling stock bids for major manufacturers. It offers additional expertise in operational arrangements as they relate to passenger and freight trains.

DLA Piper is a well-respected firm known for its expertise in rolling stock and infrastructure matters. It also has experience with franchising work. The team is frequently sought after by a range of public and private sector clients for representation in some of the largest deals in the market. In addition, the firm is recognised for its considerable strengths in rail regulatory matters.

Herbert Smith Freehills has a prominent team of rail specialists known for their advice on major projects and infrastructure matters. It offers clients significant capability in franchising competition and mobilisation matters. The firm also excels in cross-border rail matters. In addition, the team has expertise in the development of real estate relating to the rail market.

Pinsent Masons is well equipped to handle rail projects for an impressive roster of domestic and international clients. The firm is highly adept at handling infrastructure projects, and planning and authorisation matters. It works closely with government agencies and developmental stakeholders.

A&O Shearman has a prominent team that works on high-profile domestic and international rail-related deals and projects. It has particular expertise in dealing with rolling stock and infrastructure matters. The firm is widely recognised for its work with financiers on new and refinanced loan facilities serving the sector.

BCLP offers extensive expertise across the full spectrum of rolling stock matters. The team is also adept at advising on planning and authorisation mandates. It routinely acts for operating lessors, financiers and investors in the rail assets market, as well as local government bodies.

Burges Salmon has an outstanding rail practice that works with clients across the spectrum of franchising matters. It provides expert representation for joint ventures and is also recognised for its expertise in rolling stock projects and regulatory mandates. The firm is also noted for its strength in rail litigation and arbitrations.

Clifford Chance advises clients on rolling stock deals and rail projects, utilising the firm's strengths across asset finance, construction and infrastructure. It regularly handles high-value transactions on behalf of financial institutions, as well as a range of public sector clients and passenger rail operators. The firm also frequently advises on cross-border investments.

CMS regularly represents major rail clients in significant infrastructure projects, and displays particular expertise in light rail matters in the Midlands and Scotland. The firm is adept at providing investment. It also demonstrates experience handling rolling stock procurement and financing, as well as rail-related competition and regulatory advice.

K&L Gates possesses a dedicated rail department with a focus on projects and infrastructure. One area of strength for the firm is light rail metro and mass transit systems. The department is also buttressed by the firm's international legal network and deep construction expertise.

Norton Rose Fulbright possesses rolling stock expertise, including in major cross-border matters, and provides advice across procurement, financing, leasing and maintenance issues. It is has experience in bid processes and project contracts for rail infrastructure development. Its team acts for a broad range of clients, including financiers, governments and operators.

Osborne Clarke is highly adept at representing companies and manufacturers in rolling stock matters, including procurement, leasing and modification of existing fleets. The firm advises clients on franchising, infrastructure projects and public law matters, including challenges to procurement. It acts for a wide range of clients including manufacturers, rolling stock leasing companies and train operators.

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.