Rail and road

Franchising and concessions

Leading lawyer advising bidders in all rounds of franchising and concessioning. This includes bids for East Coast, West Coast, Northern, Great Western, Southern, ScotRail, CrossCountry, East Anglia, West Midlands, East Midlands, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground. Also advising on a number of direct award contracts, as well as changes of control of rail franchises and emergency measures agreements.

Rolling stock procurement

High profile rolling stock procurement is a key strength. Acting for manufacturers or financiers including on Arriva Northern, TPE, Wales & Borders, Caledonian Sleepers, Javelins, Thameslink,  IEP, DLR, Merseyrail, South West Trains, TSGN, Moorgate, West Coast, Great Western, West Midlands, East Midlands, NTFL, JNAT and Northern Rail as well as PRASA in South Africa. Also advising on procurement challenges for rolling stock contracts as well as working with Commercial Litigation colleagues on rolling stock disputes.

Regulation

Working alongside clients in their strategic rail regulation issues. Advising on all elements of rail regulation including the design and implementation of regulatory and charging frameworks (in the UK and internationally).

Light rail

Advising on a number of light rail matters in the UK and overseas including successful tram procurement bids for Blackpool and Birmingham trams and a bid for Moscow trams.

Infrastructure development

Leading teams advising on the development and financing of rail infrastructure, including stations, depots, network and rail manufacturing and assembly facilities.

Operational advice

Part of the internal team helping operators and manufacturers in the operational phase of their contracts, including on contract interpretation, disputes, supply chain arrangements and property transactions for clients such as CAF, Northern Rail, Greater Anglia, ScotRail, East Midlands, West Midlands and Trenitalia c2c.

Competition

UK and EU competition issues are at the top of the agenda in the rail industry. We advise on rail aspects of all competition filings in the UK and EU.