Brioney Thomas

Brioney is Head of the firm’s Projects Department.

She is nationally recognised for her expertise as a leading specialist rail lawyer and her ability to deliver commercial and pragmatic solutions that function within the complex regulatory framework and challenging operating environment of the railway.

She has extensive experience advising clients in the rail sector including passenger operators, freight operators, rolling stock manufacturers and government authorities.

Admitted as a solicitor: England and Wales (2000)

Admitted as a solicitor: Northern Ireland (2016)

Trained Burges Salmon; qualified 2000; partner 2011.

Law Society

Law Society of Northern Ireland

FirstGroup and TOCs: Advising DfT TOCs and open access TOCs on regulatory, commercial and operational projects including major fleet procurements, infrastructure projects, funding agreements, track access and franchise agreements.

Transport for Wales / Welsh Government: Leading the project devolving rail franchising powers to Welsh Government and subsequent regulatory/contractual arrangements to deliver a vertically integrated operation on the Core Valley Lines infrastructure.

Rail for London: Advising on regulatory issues in respect of the central operating section of the Elizabeth Line.

Transpennine Express: Advising the nationalised TPE on the procurement of new trains, maintenance services, depot and financing as part of the multi-billion investment in the Transpennine Route Upgrade project.

Translink: Advising on transport regulatory issues and complex rail contracts including compliance with relevant EU law under the NI protocol.

Eurostar: Advising on major strategic projects, UK and cross border issues.