Stephenson Harwood

Tammy Samuel

Head of the finance practice and a leading commercial and regulatory rail expert advising on all aspects of the heavy and light rail markets both in the UK and internationally. Tammy works closely alongside her clients as part of the team, rolling up her sleeves to work with rolling stock manufacturers and maintainers, train operators and the public sector. Her experience includes providing comprehensive and strategic advice on railway franchises and concessions (including in bidding and operational phases and emergency measures agreements), rolling stock procurement (including manufacturing and maintenance arrangements), infrastructure development (including station and depot construction) and on regulatory matters (including the development of new regulatory frameworks). Tammy's projects have included advising bidders in all rounds of franchising and concessioning in the UK (including EMAs and Direct Awards) and concessions overseas. She advises on the most high profile rolling stock procurements, including working with commercial litigation colleagues on disputes relating to the same. The rail team at Stephenson Harwood is at the forefront of the industry, writing numerous articles, presenting seminars and hosting industry dinners.

Suzanne Tarplee

Suzanne is a commercial and regulatory rail expert and advises on all aspects of the heavy and light rail markets, both within the UK and internationally. Her clients include rolling stock manufacturers and maintainers, train operators and the public sector. Suzanne has worked within the rail industry for over 15 years (including a train operator and as general counsel for HS2) and really understands the issues faced by her clients and the industry as a whole. Her experience includes providing comprehensive advice on railway franchises and concessions (both in the bidding and operational phases), rolling stock procurements (including all elements of procurement, evaluation, financing, leasing and maintenance of the new fleets) and regulatory matters (including track, depot and station access and new regulatory regimes). Suzanne’s broader experience includes advising on PPP and PFI projects. Suzanne's recent projects have included advising bidders in all rounds of franchising and concessioning in the UK as well as advising on all recent high profile rolling stock procurements. The rail team at Stephenson Harwood is a significantly expanding team, noted for its very high-profile instructions across a range of rail issues. Especially noted for its expertise in franchise bids and rolling stock-related issues. Ranked in Chambers UK where clients commented in relation to the rail team stating: "They're very commercially astute and have made the effort to understand our business."

Darren Fodey

Darren is an expert in rail regulation, regulated contracts and railway operations, with broad expertise in all areas affecting railway businesses: bidders, infrastructure managers and train operators. He has been named as a Leading Individual by the Legal 500 directory. He works with both the public and private sectors, offering insights on how the railway works in the real world. Darren is known for his deep knowledge of the rail sector, rail regulation and regulated contracts, as well as the rail franchise/concession cycle, offering pragmatic advice on the day-to-day operation of a rail business and its supply chain arrangements. Acting for train operators, infrastructure managers, funders and procurers of railway services, both in the public and private sectors, he offers broad perspectives of how the railway operates in the real world. Deploying his detailed knowledge of industry laws, regulation and practice, working alongside industry stakeholders such as the Office of Rail and Road and the Department for Transport, he has delivered a regulatory regime and suite of contractual documentation for the operation of the new Elizabeth line railway and regularly advises on the operation of Elizabeth line services. Darren's experience extends to the private sector too. He has vast experience acting for private bidders and train operators. Experienced in all aspects of franchises/concessions, he acts from the bid stage, through mobilisation and associated supply agreements and then into the operational phase. He has advised on the impacts of Brexit, Covid-19, the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and the cost challenges faced by the rail industry. Recognised by clients for his attention to detail and ease to work with, his knowledge of how the railway works in the real world means he can "talk trains" and offer down-to-earth, practical advice to railway businesses. Darren continues to write for various industry publications on some of the latest rail issues – having featured in RAIL magazine, Rail Review magazine and Rail Professional.