UK UK-wide Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure

Linklaters is 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.

Addleshaw Goddard advised West Yorkshire Combined Authority in relation to its stations programme, including the new White Rose, Elland and Thorpe Park stations, as well as a new station on the Leeds-Harrogate line to interface with Leeds Bradford Airport and surrounding road links.

Clifford Chance advises clients on high-profile 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.

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, franchising and infrastructure matters. 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.

Eversheds Sutherland has a highly experienced group of practitioners with an excellent reputation for representing government bodies in franchising, planning and authorisation matters. The firm has an enviable bench of both commercial and regulatory lawyers with substantial rail expertise. It continues to sit on major panels for leading players in the rail industry. The team is regularly engaged to advise upon projects internationally, frequently in North America and Asia.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner 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.

Assisted Burges Salmon First Rail and First Trenitalia in the successful mobilisation of the West Coast franchise (including shadow operator for the new HS2 line) and its operations during the early COVID period. This involved complex negotiations with the Department for Transport, Network Rail and the outgoing franchisee, West Coast Trains, in relation to the handover of franchise assets.

Hogan Lovells has considerable experience handling rolling stock matters, and has notable strength in financing and refinancing mandates. It offers additional capability in franchising and infrastructure matters and possesses noteworthy expertise in cross-border rail projects. The firm works on behalf of a diverse range of clients, including government bodies, banks and manufacturers.

K&L Gates possesses a dedicated rail group with a focus on projects and infrastructure. One area of strength for the firm is light rail metro and mass transit systems, having advised on some of the largest domestic rail cases recent years, including the Elizabeth Line. The department is also buttressed by the firm's international legal network and deep construction expertise.

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 public law matters, including challenges to procurement. It acts for a wide range of clients including manufacturers, rolling stock leasing companies and train operators.

Prominent team with strong expertise in franchising. Also offers noteworthy experience in rolling stock matters and infrastructure projects. Regularly works with large clients including manufacturers, owners and financiers. Also called upon by public sector bodies. Additional strength in rail regulatory work.

Womble Bond Dickinson has a market-leading practice with expertise in complex and high-profile transactions. The firm handles the full spectrum of franchising, rolling stock and infrastructure matters. It also demonstrates expertise in rail planning and contract work. The team's clients include leading transport companies and operators as well as rail authorities.