Department profile
Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

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About

Provided by Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

Ashurst Perkins Coie is a recognised market leader in the rail sector, advising on the largest and most complex global rail transactions and projects. We have dedicated rail practice whose rail and transit experience is unsurpassed, both in terms of structuring workable and financeable solutions and in helping clients understand and address the demands and requirements of the differing stakeholders involved in these exciting and ambitious projects.

The team has first rate experience of working on deals across all key aspects of the rail sector, including rolling stock, light rail, freight and franchising.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Ashurst Perkins Coie has noteworthy expertise across the board in rolling stock and infrastructure projects, and advises clients on open access opportunities in regard to ongoing nationalisation. 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. The firm also has notable experience in the freight industry.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Ashurst Perkins Coie advised East West Railway Company in relation to the core aspects of its development and delivery of proposals for a strategic railway connecting East Anglia with Central, Southern and Western England.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their knowledge of the industry is comprehensive, and the standard of work is very high.

    Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure respondentUK

  • They combine a detailed understanding of the rail market and its regulatory framework with sophisticated commercial and contract experience to deliver high-quality, actionable advice.

    Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure respondentUK

  • They are highly strategic and experts in their field.

    Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Naomi Horton
    Naomi Horton

    Naomi Horton

    Naomi Horton is a highly regarded practitioner with enviable expertise in the rail industry. She represents key clients in infrastructure projects, rolling stock procurement and commercial contracts. Horton also advises on franchise bids and mobilisation.

    • She's a strong negotiator, she's very strategic and she's good to be deployed on complex transactions.

      Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure respondentUK

    • She not only understands the rail industry well, but also our business.

      Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure respondentUK

    • Naomi is technically brilliant.

      Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure respondentUK
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  • Terry van Poortvliet
    Terry van Poortvliet

    Terry van Poortvliet

    Terry van Poortvliet is the head of the rail department at Ashurst. He advises on a plethora of rail matters and has particular expertise in project financing. He also advises on rolling stock procurement and sale and leaseback, as well as rail-related M&A.

    • Terry is extremely knowledgeable and responsive. He is good at pulling the right people in to make a seamless service.

      Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure respondentUK
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  • Rachael Chapple
    Rachael Chapple

    Rachael Chapple

    Senior associate Rachael Chapple has considerable experience of the rail industry, having completed a two-year secondment at the Department for Transport. She advises on matters including franchising, rolling stock and financings.
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Ranked Individuals at Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney (3)

UK-wide

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Provided by Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

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