Transportation: Rail (for Railroads) | USA

Sidley Austin LLP has an esteemed transportation practice noted for its representation of a significant tranche of railroad industry clients across the US. The firm offers expertise in all regulatory, financing and environmental matters and regularly represents clients before the Surface Transportation Board (STB), including on high-value rate dispute proceedings. Clients are able to call on the firm's appellate and tax controversy practices, where the team represents clients at all levels up to the Supreme Court. It also has experience assisting clients in preemption issues, M&A, antitrust litigation and class action lawsuits. Its clientele also includes trade associations, private equity funds and logistics companies.

Steptoe LLP is noted for its work in regulatory proceedings and litigation for large railroad clients, construction companies and trade associations. It is involved in matters such as line construction projects, high-value commercial disputes and representation before the STB. The firm is particularly recognized for skills in federal preemption, on which the team has frequently advised. The team also has noted expertise in safety and environmental work, including issues under the NEPA.

Covington & Burling LLP is a highly esteemed practice with experience working in transactional, antitrust, regulatory and government relations matters for rail clients. The firm frequently represents railroad interests in litigation, arbitration and mediation proceedings before the STB, with noted prowess in issues concerning rulemaking, rate challenges and abandonment proceedings. It is experienced in counseling clients on a range of operational, safety and security requirements.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a strong practice known for its work with a roster of class one railroads. It routinely represents clients in cases involving proposed regulatory requirements for the rail industry, as well as large class action lawsuits. The firm has a notable appellate practice that sees the group engaged in cases at a federal, state and Supreme Court level.

Dentons is recognized for its regulatory expertise in matters before the STB, including issues relating to interactions between passenger and freight railroads. It is well placed to advise on freight rate, antitrust, railroad construction and access issues. The firm acts for a range of national and regional railroads. It has notable expertise in cases involving the construction, sale and abandonment of rail lines.

Hogan Lovells has strong capabilities handling complex transactional and regulatory matters for a variety of railroad clients. It regularly appears before the STB, DOT, FRA and other agencies. The team demonstrates particular expertise in passenger railroad matters, often advising on complex projects in the sector. The firm is also noted for deep knowledge of the issues affecting the railroad supplier industry.

Holland & Knight LLP's practice runs the full gamut of railroad transaction mandates, representing clients in M&A as well as contractual issues. The team is also noted for its regulatory and litigation expertise and counsels clients across a range of industries including construction, environment and financial services.

McGuireWoods LLP is recommended for its expertise handling complex regulatory and litigation matters for a plethora of railroad clients. The firm is further noted for its experience in the transactional rail space, advising on financing, M&A and contractual agreements.