Addleshaw Goddard continues to advise on some of the UK’s most significant rail infrastructure and rolling stock projects, all the while growing its international presence. The team continues to advise on the Intercity Express Programme, a major UK infrastructure initiative and one of the government’s largest PFI projects. Internationally, it has been involved in work on a proposed cross-border rail network in the Gulf region. Practice head Paul Hirst remains a key contact for large-scale UK public sector mandates, drawing on 25 years of experience supporting both private and public sector clients. Simon Gwynne has a broad knowledge and experience of rolling stock and other rail assets transactions both in the UK and internationally. Rachel Scott is a key partner in the team, with over 20 years of sector experience and a focus on infrastructure and franchising projects. Leeds-based legal director Carla Hancock is also recommended.

Ashurst maintains its reputation as a market leader in the UK rail sector, advising a wide range of public and private clients on franchising, rolling stock, infrastructure, and reform matters. The team advises a mix of public sector bodies and private operators across the UK transport sector. Recent work includes acting on a ten-year rolling stock and maintenance contract worth around £500m, involving the supply of electric and bi-mode trains. It has also advised on the structuring and implementation of alliance arrangements covering multiple rail systems on a major national infrastructure project. Naomi Horton is a highly experienced rail specialist who advises widely within the sector. Terry van Poortvliet continues to lead on major mandates, including TfL’s Docklands Light Railway refranchise, reinforcing his market-leading position across operations, rolling stock, and infrastructure. The vastly experienced Mark Elsey continues to be active in the space whilst Jamie Illingworth was promoted to partner in 2024.

Burges Salmon LLP maintains a leading reputation in the UK rail sector, fielding one of the largest dedicated rail teams in the country, with wide-ranging expertise spanning public service contracting, rolling stock procurement, infrastructure, safety, and regulatory matters. The group continues to expand, with several internal promotions including Lydia Cullimore, who became a partner in 2024. The firm advises a wide-ranging and high-profile client base, including Transport for Wales and Greater Anglia. The team recently advised a major transport operator on its entry into the open-access rail market, including securing track access rights and negotiating rolling stock arrangements for a number of battery-electric trains. Rolling stock procurement is another area of strength, with the firm advising on major mandates, while on the infrastructure side, the group advised on the redevelopment of major stations, and other large-scale depot and infrastructure projects. Key individuals include Brioney Thomas, head of transport, noted for her leading role in rail procurement and public sector contracting; Chris Simms, head of rail, who is active across infrastructure and asset finance; and Charlotte Whitaker, recognised for her safety and incident-related work. Ian Tucker is a recommended disputes specialist.

Dentons’ rail practice draws on a broad team with deep coverage across infrastructure, rolling stock, and regulatory work. Recent instructions reflect the breadth of the team’s experience, with the firm advising on bids for high-profile rail concessions, including the Elizabeth Line, and acting on major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and HS2. Matthew Hanslip-Ward leads the team as head of rail, leaning upon vast sector knowledge. Hanslip-Ward continues to lead the work advising on the Crossrail Elizabeth Line concession and the major East West Rail project, one of the UK’s largest recent rail developments. Mark Macaulay, based in Glasgow, is another important member of the practice, while Jonathan Smith continues to develop his practice in franchising/concessions and rolling stock matters, contributing to some of the team’s most significant matters.

Eversheds Sutherland continues to demonstrate their deep capabilities across a host of rail-related issues, with a bench of experienced specialists spread across the UK. The team boasts strong expertise across franchising contracts, concession agreements, rolling stock procurement, and regulatory matters, and continues to be a trusted adviser to both public and private sector clients. Parliamentary and planning work remains robust, with ongoing advice on major schemes such as HS2 and the TransPennine Route Upgrade. Internationally, the group acts on projects being conducted by DeutscheBahn and the RTA, Dubai’s transport authority. Agnes Koko is an industry specialist lawyer with extensive experience advising on commercial contracts in the regulated rail sector, including franchise agreements and rolling stock contracts. Koko leads the rail team and transport sector Group. Stephen Collings and James O’Connor are the driving forces behind a strong parliamentary practice that advises on major infrastructure projects. William Spickett, based in Nottingham, is also recommended.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP’s rail practice boasts a strong track record in projects, continuing to act on flagship UK matters and complex regulatory mandates. The team advises London St Pancras High Speed (HS1) on operational, commercial, and regulatory matters, and continues to represent HS 2 Ltd on rolling‑stock procurement and other aspects of the major infrastructure project. John Williams is noted for long‑standing experience across rail infrastructure and operational contracts. Competition and regulatory partner Tim Briggs is active on market access and sector investigations, and Tom Marshall leads rolling‑stock and secondary‑market engagements, including for HS1 and HS2. Nusrat Zar handles contentious public law and procurement matters, with a track record that includes successful challenges and defences for train operators and public bodies. David Nitek also contributes to a robust contentious practice, regularly representing clients on disputes arising out of significant infrastructure projects.

Stephenson Harwood’s rail practice centres on franchising and concessions, procurement, and rolling‑stock mandates, fielding a team of three dedicated partners and a wider group of rail specialists. Often led by Darren Fodey, franchising and procurement remain a key strength, advising major public-sector transport authorities on the procurement of key urban rail concessions and supporting bidders in rail procurement processes. Fodey leverages vast experience acting on rail matters in both private and in-house roles, serving as key contact for some of the firm’s most significant clients. Tammy Samuel  is noted for her rolling‑stock work, spanning the bidding, delivery, and operational phases. Charlotte Heywood boasts a strong contentious rail practice, including issues in relation to construction-related rail and infrastructure and rolling stock manufacturing. Suzanne Tarplee left the firm in 2025.

A&O Shearman’s rail practice is active across the lifecycle of major infrastructure projects, with particular strength in financing matters. The firm is instructed by train operating companies, rolling stock manufacturers and public authorities on high-value and strategically significant mandates. In the past year, the team has advised on significant financing agreements, such as advising the lenders on the HS1 project. Jonathan Bevan has extensive experience handling domestic and cross-border financing matters and is adept at advising both borrowers and lenders. Tim Conduit advises on a range of bank and institutional debt matters pertaining to project work.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s rail finance and leasing practice advises on the full asset lifecycle, from funding and procurement through to operation, maintenance and disposal. The team is a long‑standing adviser to Angel Trains and Beacon Rail and is currently acting on rolling‑stock leases for open‑access services, as well as supporting clients’ expansion into continental European leasing platforms. Beyond financing matters, real estate and infrastructure projects remain an important feature of the practice, advising major airports on rail‑related projects and continuing to act for Lendlease on the £5.8 billion Euston Station HS2 redevelopment. Practice head Russell Clifford leads the financing stream of the practice, and has acted for banks, lessors, investors, operators, manufacturers, vendors, and purchasers on transactions involving all types of asset classes and a diverse range of financing products and structures. Jason Chamberlain leverages vast experience to act in some of the UK rail market’s most complex activities, while Jamie Wiseman-Clarke is noted for his work concerning rolling‑stock procurement. Deborah Boddy, recently seconded to Angel Trains, is highlighted for asset finance matters.

Clifford Chance LLP advises investors, operators and suppliers on high‑value rail transactions in the UK and internationally, with particular strength in rolling stock and infrastructure financings. The cross‑practice team combines sector knowledge in procurement, leasing and project finance with firm-wide expertise in corporate, regulatory, competition, and tax matters, ensuring that the team is capable of handling complex mandates such as PPP concessions, fund investments, and restructurings alongside big‑ticket M&A. Paul Carrington, co-head of the firm’s rail industry group, specialises in financing, leasing, M&A, and restructuring transactions in the rail sector, with extensive experience on high-value UK and European rolling stock and PPP deals. Michael Pearson, who leads alongside Carrington, is the driving force behind the infrastructure side of the practice. Ranbir Hunjan specialises in transport financings and logistics, while Dominic Watts has extensive experience across the rail sector in both UK and Continental Europe.

CMS advises across the life cycle of rail infrastructure and rolling stock projects. The team continues to act on high-value infrastructure matters, including advising HS2 construction partners on Birmingham Curzon Street Station, while being recognised for advising lenders and funders on rolling stock procurement and financing.  The team also continues to advise on light rail operations, including Nottingham Tram and the Edinburgh Tram project. Internationally, the firm is instructed by Etihad Rail and Oman Rail on a proposed UAE–Oman railway, whilst also handling rolling stock financings in Germany. Regulatory and planning capabilities are a key part of the practice’s rail focus, and the team also handles major disputes in the sector, particularly in relation to international construction and engineering. David Moore advises on domestic and international rail matters, including rolling stock procurement, cross-border infrastructure development, franchising, and regulatory and industry arrangements. Bill Carr is well regarded for his rolling stock practice, and is joined by Kate Duffield, who continues to grow the rail finance offering. Chris Hallam leads on major rail station redevelopments, and Eleanor Lane is a key contact in Scotland.

K&L Gates LLP‘s rail practice is experienced in delivering strategic legal support across the full project lifecycle, regularly acting for transport authorities, infrastructure contractors, and rolling stock providers. In recent years, the firm has conducted significant work for Transport for London, including advising on the Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) project. In 2025, the team regularly advised on procurement and contract structuring, with work encompassing framework agreements for infrastructure works and complex supply chain arrangements linked to major airport and rail developments. It also regularly advises bidders and contractors on high-value rail system tenders globally, with recent work conducted in Australia and the Middle East. Matthew Smith, joint head of the firm’s global Construction & Engineering practice group, advises on complex UK and international transport, energy and infrastructure projects and disputes. With nearly 30 years of experience, he acts for clients across the rail sector, including public authorities, contractors, and consultants and is regularly supported by Special Counsel Inga Hall. Nicola Ellis has vast experience in non-contentious matters, whilst construction arbitration specialist Matthew Walker often handles rail disputes.

Linklaters LLP‘s rail practice combines sector knowledge with full‑service corporate and finance capability. In conjunction with taking on advisory roles on major projects, the team is capable of advising on the full gamut of rail-related transactions and agreements, such as rolling stock, real estate, construction, and franchising. Clients, ranging from government bodies and regulators to sponsors, lenders and rolling‑stock companies, also engage the firm’s corporate and restructuring teams on transport‑sector M&A and innovative financing structures, drawing on experience from wider transactional and infrastructure teams in the firm. Fiona Hobbs and Charlotte Morgan are leads for the team’s relationship with the Department of Transport panel, and have vast experience working closely with both private and public bodies. Counsel Rasha Sami, who sits in the Energy and Infrastructure team, focuses her practice on rail matters and has worked on various matters involving M&A of UK and international rail assets. Karen Clarke is also noted.

Pinsent Masons LLP's expertise spans the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from initial planning and consenting through to procurement, delivery, and long-term operations. The firm regularly advises sponsors, government bodies, and major contractors on complex rail projects across the UK and internationally. Recent instructions have involved mass transit developments linked to regional growth agendas, including schemes in Leeds and Milton Keynes, as well as light rail projects in key UK cities. The practice is also advising on rail infrastructure procurement and planning in Ireland and across global markets, including major matters in Canada, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Robbie Owen, head of infrastructure planning and government affairs, has decades of experience advising on major rail and transport projects. Jonathan Hart, an infrastructure specialist, co-leads the rail practice alongside Owen. Sonal Shah specialises in infrastructure projects, including PPP transactions and concessions.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s rail practice is noted for advising train operators on high‑value, strategically significant contracts, alongside a broader capability that covers franchising, rolling stock, infrastructure, and planning. The team recently acted for a joint‑venture operator on the procurement process and contractual package to take over a major London commuter line. Internationally, the group guides operators through rolling‑stock procurements in North America and supports clients on maintenance and leasing arrangements across multiple jurisdictions. Led by David Rewcastle and Paul Coleman, the practice fields experience in rail procurement, rolling stock matters, and contractual compliance, complemented by public‑law and competition expertise for franchising and infrastructure matters. Kevin Bell advises on large‑scale rolling‑stock manufacturing and supply contracts, while Joseph Causer and Todd Rayner are highlighted for their work on fleet acquisitions, technology‑driven ticketing projects, and operator support.

Freeths LLP’s rail team has grown in visibility, with an expanding client base and a steady flow of complex, high-value work across the sector. The firm advises a wide range of stakeholders, including rolling stock-owning companies, freight and passenger operators, rolling stock manufacturers, developers, and infrastructure investors. The practice draws on broader firm expertise to advise local authorities and transport bodies on rail-related policy development, franchising models, and decarbonisation initiatives, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure.  Tom Johnson is particularly noted for his expertise in rolling stock procurement, leasing, maintenance, refurbishment, franchising, concessions, and financing. Michael Bray is a highly experienced real estate lawyer who advises private, public, and government clients on logistics matters. Iain Bowler‘s transactional practice often sees him active in rail matters.

Gowling WLG ’s rail practice provides a broad offering to public and private‑sector clients across the UK’s rail landscape. The team is known for its station development and over‑station projects, recently advising on new station schemes and over‑track developments in London, with TfL being a repeat client, and the Midlands, and for its ongoing work on network‑interface agreements for developers. Key contacts include Giles Clifford and Kate Cunningham for station work, Dominic Richardson for freight and infrastructure matters, and Nisha Jassal for HS2‑related development advice.

Norton Rose Fullbright's rail practice advises operators on a range of transactional, regulatory, and contentious matters. The London group draws on specialists across Europe and the Middle East, enabling cross‑border coverage on projects. Recent headline mandates include rail-related litigation matters, such as advising on multiple high-value compulsory purchase compensation claims concerning HS2, the Environment Agency, and National Highways. Andrew Buisson, who leads the rail practice, has experience advising on urban and regional projects both in the UK and abroad.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP continues to demonstrate capabilities in issues surrounding the planning of major UK rail projects, with a strong track record in advising on complex legislative and infrastructure matters. Its expertise encompasses compulsory purchase and compensation, statutory procedures, and environmental impact assessments. Clients include longstanding public and private sector bodies who rely on the team’s experience in navigating sensitive and high-profile infrastructure developments. Alex Dillistone leads the public infrastructure team, while consultant Paul Irving boasts a rail-related advisory practice. Jane Wakeham is also recommended.

Shoosmiths LLP provides broad legal support across the rail sector, including rolling stock manufacturing and supply, infrastructure projects,  regulatory compliance, and commercial agreements. Recent work spans employee relations, procurement, incident response, and real estate matters linked to depots and stations. The rail offering is led by Michelle Craven-Faulkner, who continues to advise the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Transport on industry developments and policy matters.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP advises rail clients on a range of matters, with a strong emphasis on asset finance. A range of clients, including lessors, banks, financiers, governments, operators, and project sponsors, turn to the firm for support on domestic and cross-border matters. The team draws on its position as the largest asset finance practice of any law firm globally to advise on complex rail financing and leasing structures, including project and structured finance, capital markets, and finance facility restructuring. Louise Mor, the key contact in the team, has significant experience in the rail sector, advising on portfolio and secured debt financings, asset acquisitions, and operating leases.