Thompson Hine LLP

Transportation

Jeff is senior counsel in the firm's Transportation practice group, where he handles both commercial and regulatory transportation issues, with a heavy focus upon transportation by rail and truck. Based upon interviews with clients and peers, Chambers USA has recognized him as one of the top leading lawyers nationwide who represent shippers in rail transportation matters.

Jeff represents major utility, petrochemical, mining, agricultural, metals, automotive and other industrial interests. He advises shipper clients and transportation intermediaries on transportation contract matters, service issues, loss and damage claims, hazardous materials liability, rail line purchase and construction, rail abandonments, rail car leases, and a host of related transportation issues. This includes litigation or arbitration, when necessary.

Jeff has extensive experience in matters before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and agencies within the Department of Transportation, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). He handles all rail regulatory matters within the jurisdiction of the STB. Before the NHTSA, Jeff advises auto equipment manufacturers on various vehicle equipment safety requirements and safety recalls. At the FRA and FMCSA, he advises clients on rail and motor carrier safety requirements, respectively. In addition, Jeff handles hazardous material enforcement and compliance matters before the FRA and PHMSA.

Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1991 Eckerd College, B.A., 1988, Economics, with honors