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Rail
Addleshaw Goddard
The team at Addleshaw Goddard is ably co-led by Paul Hirst and Anna Heaton. It has a ‘strong infrastructure practice’ and is renowned for its considerable strength across all areas of the rail sector – this expertise spans advising on operating franchise/concessions, as well as on rolling stock in both the passenger and freight markets. Hirst is highly regarded for his work on operating concessions, franchise and rolling stock procurements. Heaton has a particular specialism in major transport hub led regeneration projects. Simon Gwynne plays a pivotal role in the department – he is known for his significant expertise in rolling stock and other rail assets, both in the UK and internationally. Carla Hancock joined the team from DLA Piper. Hancock has considerable experience across a broad range of transport and infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on both heavy and light rail projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An experienced team who have the necessary competencies and experience to deliver top quality work whilst also being hugely approachable, personable and - quite frankly and uniquely - good fun in the process'.
'A seriously capable team with a welcome informality of approach which puts clients at ease, gives confidence, and results in excellent advice and very accessible and pragmatic drafting'.
‘Throughout the project, we had the pleasure of working with an exceptional team consisting of Sam Price, Paul Hurst, Carla Hancock, and Michael Rainey as well as Simon Gwynne'.
- 'It is evident that AG possesses extensive experience and expertise in rolling stock procurement. The team has proven to be incredibly collaborative, always prioritising our specific needs as the client. They have demonstrated a commendable level of flexibility in tailoring their approach to align with our requirements'.
- 'Overall, we have had an outstanding experience working with AG on the new trains project. Their professionalism, expertise, and client-centric approach have greatly contributed to our progress thus far. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and achieving further success together'.
‘Good strength in depth. A number of team members have worked "client side" in the industry, which makes agreeing remits easier and submissions are more suitable for onward communication in the business. Are willing to come "off the fence" when giving advice'.
‘Sam Price - strong experience client side and puts himself in your shoes before giving advice. Good at working in a small, multidisciplinary and focused project team'.
Key clients
- Prologis Group Companies
- VTG Rail UK Limited
- London Luton Airport Limited
- ScotRail Trains
- Rail Operations Group Limited ("ROG")
- Department for Transport
- High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
- Greater London Authority / Transport for London
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- West Midlands Combined Authority
- Hitachi Rail Limited
- MerseyTravel
- HS1 Limited
- Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited
- SMBC
- DB Cargo
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Qatar Railways Company
Work highlights
- Advised the Department for Transport on the development and roll out of the new National Rail Contract (replacing franchise agreements).
- Advising Qatar Railways on its multibillion-pound programme to deliver a new railway line between Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is planned to link with Etihad Rail.
- Advising ScotRail Trains on their rolling stock procurement programme under which they plan to replace 65% of their current train fleet over 10 years and decarbonise their train fleet through a series of procurements commencing in early 2023.
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Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Paul Hirst, Anna Heaton