Rail
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Spearheaded by Gavin Williams, the versatile team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP covers every aspect of the rail sector. It is skilled at handing the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters, from advising on the development of new railway infrastructure and rolling stock procurement and leasing, through to advising on various regulatory matters. The group is also adept at advising on infrastructure management and operational issues. Tim Briggs frequently advises on the rail regulatory regime as well as on competition, procurement and subsidy control matters. David Nitek is a key partner in the construction and infrastructure disputes practice. Of Counsel, John Williams, has a vast array of experience in the rail sector. Williams is well-placed to advise on the procurement of rolling stock in addition to access/operational issues, and is also recommended for his advice on railway systems and franchise issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'John Williams continues to provide comprehensive knowledge and calm and considered advice. Our team rely on his encyclopaedic knowledge of the sector and ability to get to nub of the matter'.
- 'Excellent knowledge base honed over decades which gives them a "feel" for the sector and the issues which come up and an understanding of what really matters to clients in the sector'.
Key clients
- Stagecoach Group
- High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
- HS1 Limited
- East Midland Trains
- Transport for London and London Underground
- Dalmore Infrastructure
- DIF
- South West Trains
- London Luton Airport Operations Limited
- London and North East Railway
- Department for Transport/Crown Commercial Service
- Ove Arup & Partners International
- The Go-Ahead Group
Work highlights
- Advising High Speed Two on one of the most widely known infrastructure projects in the UK since 2015, including advising on the main works contract for the phase 1 civil works, the procurement of a fleet of high speed rolling stock and associated maintenance services and the defence of procurement claims.
- Advising AIP Management on all aspects of its acquisition of an equity interest in Cross London Trains - the owner of the rolling stock used to operate Thameslink passenger services.
- Advising HS1 Limited (HS1) since the inception of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project in the mid-nineties, including in relation to the changes to the regulatory framework for HS1 stations.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gavin Williams