Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s transportation group routinely appears before both federal and state courts, as well as regulatory bodies. In rail-related highlights, the practice was recently mandated to assist CSX Transportation with a US Supreme Court case involving Ohio’s blocked-crossing law; and to represent Union Pacific Railroad in high-profile appeals. In relation to the road industry, the firm acts for leading auto manufacturers, rental car companies and automobile trade associations, as well as companies involved in the manufacture of transportation industry-related materials. Thomas Dupree Jr, whose career includes serving in the United States Department of Justice, is an experienced trial and appellate advocate; and Raymond Ludwiszewski‘s track record covers defense-side environmental civil enforcement cases. The practice also includes Daniel Nelson, who has a national complex litigation practice; and Los Angeles-based Theodore Boutrous Jr, whose experience encompasses hundreds of appeals, including before the Supreme Court of the United States, federal circuit courts of appeals, and state supreme courts. Other names to note are Jacob Spencer, Rachel Levick and Matt Gregory. All attorneys listed are based in the firm’s Washington DC office unless otherwise mentioned.

‘Dedicated to delivering solutions’, Hogan Lovells US LLP‘s global automotive and mobility sector practice is consistently mandated by both traditional automotive companies and emerging mobility entities on regulatory matters, including the use of biometric data and incident preparation and response issues. The department also has widely-respected litigation credentials. In relation to rail, the group represents major suppliers to railroads, in addition to light rail transit systems and freight and national passenger railroads; and it has notable expertise in the compliance aspects of transporting hazardous materials by rail. New York-based John Sullivan represents automotive companies in franchise litigation; Michael Kidney defends automotive industry-related lawsuits; and Joanne Rotondi and Ed Fishman are ‘very knowledgeable and responsive’. The practice also includes litigation and trial attorney Ryan Ford; Denver-based Emily Kimball, who is the Railway Supply Institute’s outside counsel; and the firm’s global automotive and mobility sector group co-head, William Yavinsky. Hannah Graae and Carolyn Kraska are other active team members. Kevin Sheys departed the firm in January 2024, and Latane Montague left the team in April 2024. All attorneys named are in Washington DC unless otherwise mentioned.

The cross-disciplinary transportation team at McGuireWoods LLP represents both Class I and short line railroads on a diverse range of issues. The rail group has extensive experience in the implementation of federal policies, regulations and laws concerning railroad operations, property management and cargo transportation. On the disputes front, it routinely acts in commercial litigation involving federal preemption, real estate, private and public crossings, cargo transportation claims, and contract enforcement and interpretation issues. The practice is also experienced in defending railroads against environmental enforcement actions. In the world of trucking, the group acts in state and federal courts across the country, as well as before the National Transportation Safety Board and in investigations involving the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Bryan Brantley leads the firm-wide transportation industry group from Pittsburgh, where the primary role of product and consumer litigation specialist Natalie Zagari is serving as national coordinating counsel for a major transportation company. The practice also showcases longstanding commercial litigation expert Eric Bilik; and Christopher Thanner, whose track record includes representing railroads in disputes with state agencies and local governments over vested railroad rights in state-owned and public lands. All attorneys named are based in Jacksonville unless otherwise mentioned.

Dykema Gossett PLLC has longstanding experience in representing traditional original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The team also advises electric and autonomous vehicle companies and suppliers, and its litigators frequently defend automotive product liability, wrongful death, defect, property damage, and recall claims. The litigation practice of automotive industry group director Laura Baucus covers contract terminations, procurement and supply chain issues, and warranty and cost recovery matters. In Detroit, Lisa Brown represents global automotive companies in litigation, while Michael Cooney is litigation department director. Further key lawyers include Los Angeles-based Dommond Lonnie, an expert in automotive liability cases and defending OEMs, and Minneapolis-based Michael Carey, who co-leads the electric and autonomous vehicles and advanced mobility practice. The next line of practitioners includes San Antonio-based Daniela Gonzales Aldape, whose experience includes catastrophic injury and death claims, John Black, an expert in product liability, wrongful death and commercial litigation, and automotive dealer statute-related compliance specialist Robert Hugh Ellis. Nina Gavrilovic, along with Los Angeles-based Samantha Hughes and Dmitriy Kopelevich are other active advisers. All attorneys named are based in Bloomfield Hills unless otherwise stated.

With ‘significant industry experience that is relevant to clients’ operations’, Holland & Knight‘s widely-respected rail practice acts as counsel to Class I railroads such as BNSF Railway Company. It also represents several Class II and Class III regional railroads. On the road transportation side, the practice operates from several of the firm’s offices, including Jacksonville, DC, Tampa, Chicago, Boston, and Los Angeles, and it represents motor carriers, logistics companies, freight brokers, automotive companies, manufacturers, shippers, and app-based gig economy companies. The practice’s expertise ranges from litigation and arbitration to regulatory and governmental matters, and the firm’s highly-regarded public policy and regulation group also fields a sizeable transportation team. In Jacksonville, William Byrne, who is ‘strongly recommended to everyone’, has longstanding experience in rail, road, intermodal and ocean transportation, while Jameson Rice predominantly practices in road, rail and intermodal transportation and logistics, with a particular penchant for handling warehousing and supply chain issues. The group further includes Dallas-based Charles Shewmake, a specialist in railroad-related litigation and regulatory work; and Linda Auerbach Allderdice in Los Angeles, who has extensive transportation sector experience.

Representing automotive and transportation companies and suppliers, King & Spalding LLP‘s recent experience encompasses the the automotive industry’s diesel-related issues. In addition to the firm’s regulatory, enforcement and policy work, the group assists automakers with litigation, government investigations, international trade, and data privacy and security issues. Representing automotive manufacturers and transportation companies in product liability, class action and mass tort actions, Susan Clare chairs the automotive and transportation litigation team from Atlanta, where Geoffrey Drake assists vehicle manufacturers in disputes; Madison Kitchens defends automotive sector-related product manufacturers; and Adam Reinke assists automotive clients with defense-side class actions. In New York, John Hooper‘s track record includes automotive industry-related mass tort litigation settlements, while Jacquie Seidel is a class and mass action litigation specialist. Over in Washington DC, Granta Nakayama‘s experience includes assisting automakers with diesel-related issues, and Ilana Saltzbart advises on battery storage, recycling, transportation, and marketing regulations. The practice further includes Chicago-based Livia Kiser, an adviser to automotive manufacturers, automotive technology companies, distributors and suppliers on vehicle components; and Los Angeles’ product liability expert Susan Vargas.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, which acts for a vast array of motor vehicle manufacturers, offers experts in federal and state legislation frameworks, as well as the regulation of motor vehicles. The automotive practice regularly litigates disputes involving class actions, product liability, terminations, relocations, and ownership transfers; and it is particularly involved in franchise and dealership litigation on behalf of major car companies. The firm also houses a robust advisory practice, in relation to distribution models, sales and data privacy; and it is increasingly active in growth areas such as driverless cars, electric vehicles, and over-the-air repairs. In Columbia, Steven McKelvey is consistently mandated by manufacturers of cars, trucks, motorcycles, powersports, and recreational vehicles; Andy Bertron in Tallahassee predominantly represents automotive manufacturers and distributors in vehicle franchise matters, including litigation; and Los Angeles office managing partner Richard Otera is an expert in automotive-related franchise and distribution law, as well as litigation. The practice further includes automotive lawyers Mark Clouatre, Jody Porter and Christie Iannetta in Denver, Los Angeles and Washington  DC, respectively.

Steptoe LLP‘s railroad practice consistently represents major rail carriers in commercial disputes and preemption matters before the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The team also acts in federal and state court cases, as well as arbitration proceedings; and its expertise additionally extends to rail-related safety and environmental issues. Focused on regulatory proceedings, civil litigation and arbitration involving the railroad industry, Linda Stein chairs the firm’s transportation practice; Anthony LaRocca advises railroad clients on complex economic regulations and preemption matters; and Peter Denton also routinely acts for railroad industry clients. The group further includes former chief of staff to the STB’s chair, Tim Strafford; Molly Bruder Fox, whose practice includes  railroad-related litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters; Onika Williams, a specialist in compliance and enforcement issues; Sally Mordi, an adviser to railroad industry clients on regulatory issues; and Tara Woods, who currently serves as an officer on the Association of Transportation Law Professionals’ Young Professionals Committee. All attorneys listed are in the firm’s Washington DC office unless otherwise stated.

Thompson Hine LLP‘s motor carrier practice assists shippers, intermediaries, and carriers with regulatory rule-making proceedings before the US DOT and other federal agencies. It also acts in litigation involving federal preemption matters as well as claims for loss, damage, and delay. The team additionally advises on safety and licensing issues, as well as legislative developments. On the rail transportation side, the firm acts for shippers, electric utilities, and chemical and crude oil companies on regulatory matters, and it also has enviable experience in rail rate cases. Karyn Booth, who is ‘an excellent leader of this group’, represents multinational corporations, trade associations and transportation intermediaries; Sandra L. Brown‘s practice includes regulatory proceedings before the Surface Transportation Board; and Jeff Moreno represents shipper clients and transportation intermediaries. The group also features David Benz, whose workload covers freight railroad regulation; Jason Tutrone, an adviser to motor carriers on regulatory matters; and Columbus-based Dan Ujczo, who assists with both domestic and international matters involving motor carriage. All attorneys listed are in DC unless otherwise mentioned. Former partner Tim Goodman  left the firm in January 2023.

ArentFox Schiff is home to experts in regulatory matters, franchising, distribution, litigation, and corporate law. The practice also comprises specialisms in real estate, vehicle safety, environmental law, and emissions. The client base includes several large retail dealership groups, auto-tech players, and global auto parts, equipment and aftermarket suppliers. The firm additionally acts as general counsel to industry parts supplier associations, as well as dealership and brand advertising associations. Focused on autonomous vehicles, ride sharing, online sales, and direct manufacturer sales, Aaron Jacoby heads the automotive practice from Los Angeles, where Gary Brophy‘s experience includes being the co-founder of an automotive technology business. In New York, litigation specialist Russell McRory, who assists auto dealerships with issues involving factories and franchising, leads the national practice’s East Coast operations; and Michael McMahan represents automobile dealerships in significant disputes involving automotive manufacturers.

Representing rail carriers, investors and public transit agencies, Dentons‘ transportation practice predominantly assists with matters involving freight railroads and rail passenger carriers, but it also has notable trucking credentials. ‘Widely respected in the transportation industry’, the practice is additionally active in relation to autonomous vehicles. With ‘vast industry knowledge and the ability to deliver results’, David Hirsh, who is experienced in rail-related rate and competition issues, leads the firm’s US transportation and rail practice; former US Supreme Court clerk Simon Steel is an expert in federal appellate work; and James Guinivan assists transportation companies with administrative and appellate matters. Over in Chicago, Shannon Shin specialises in complex commercial litigation and appellate advocacy, while Amber Morris advises on commercial real estate issues. In July 2023, regulatory specialist Theodore Hunt joined the firm as partner from the Surface Transportation Board. All attorneys named are based in the firm’s Washington DC office unless otherwise stated.

With ‘great experience and technical understanding of key policy issues and challenges’, Venable LLP‘s autonomous and connected mobility practice is particularly experienced in emerging mobility technology.  Its client base includes startups, technology firms, global original equipment manufacturers, major suppliers, and component manufacturers; and in addition to the firm’s representation of corporations, it acts for several trade and industry association clients. The group regularly advises on the issues that arise at the intersection of automation, connectivity, electrification, and safety. Practice head Ariel Wolf is a former senior official at the US Department of Transportation. Beyond his work on high-stakes investigations and regulatory compliance, Wolf serves as general counsel to the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. The department also features David Bonelli, a January 2023 partner-level hire from Lyft, where he managed the company’s autonomous vehicle regulatory and legislative portfolio. All attorneys mentioned are in the firm’s DC office unless otherwise stated.

Increasingly active on behalf of automotive manufacturer clients, Winston & Strawn LLP formed a separate automotive industry group during 2023, which includes both litigation and transactional attorneys. In addition to its longstanding representation of Toyota, the group acts for several electric vehicle manufacturers, as well as vehicle rental, trucking and transportation logistics companies. The firm has also traditionally acted for railroads and rail equipment suppliers. The track record of Chicago-based Bill O’Neil includes several major cases for Hertz Corporation; Troy Yoshino (a February 2023 hire from Squire Patton Boggs) in San Francisco routinely defends class actions; and Brett Johnson heads up the firm’s Dallas litigation practice. Over in DC, Andrew Tauber’s railroad sector experience includes litigating cases under the Federal Railroad Safety Act, the ICC Termination Act, the Federal Employer’s Liability Act, the Locomotive Inspection Act, and the Safety Appliances Act.