Rail

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

The ‘highly competent, responsive and proactive’ team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, is one of the UK’s leading rail financing and leasing law firms, notably in relation to rolling stock. The practice also advises some of the most prominent developers and investors on major rail-related projects. In addition, it is equally skilled at handling disputes in this sector. Jason Chamberlain continues to work on many important transactions in the UK rail market, including advising on railway passenger franchising. Practice head Russell Clifford is another leading figure who advises on rail financing and leasing transactions in the domestic and international markets. Jamie Wiseman-Clarke is highly regarded for his particular specialism in rolling stock leasing, procurement and financing work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Jamie Wiseman-Clark - very good at all the technical detail, working with people across our business, helpful and responsive and always respectful even in difficult negotiations.'
'Russell Clifford and Jamie Wiseman-Clarke are both excellent lawyers, highly personable and very good at meeting the demands of our business. Both also have a level of industry knowledge you would struggle to match at other firms.'
'Deborah Boddy is a stand-out senior associate: a scrupulous technical lawyer who is very proactive and, like the rest of the team, very personable and easy to work with.'
‘Jamie Wiseman-Clarke remains the "go to" partner for all aspects relating to the purchase and leasing of rolling stock and other rail related assets. The breadth of his knowledge and meticulous attention to detail is coupled with a pragmatic and commercially astute approach to negotiation.’
‘The team at BCLP are our go-to legal advisers for all complex and time-sensitive matters. They are always available, even at short notice. Their understanding of our business is impeccable and the key to our successful relationship. They are truly an extension of our in-house team.’
‘Jamie Wiseman-Clarke is a very detail-oriented lawyer who can be trusted with the most complex technical matters. He will not leave any stone unturned for his clients.'
‘Jamie Wiseman Clarke and Russell Clifford always put the client first. ’
‘Jason Chamberlain is jam packed with knowledge and is engaged with us as if he were part of the business.’

Key clients

Angel Trains
Beacon Rail
Heathrow Airport
Transport for London
LendLease
Alstom Transport

Work highlights

Advised Beacon Rail on the re-leasing of Voyagers to CrossCountry Trains, an Arriva Group franchisee, which was awarded a new National Rail Contract (NRC) by the Department for Transport commencing in October 2023
Advised Angel Trains in relation to the NW&C Trailblazer proof of concept project, which involves the procurement of train-borne equipment and software as a service to capture video footage and data of Network Rail's overhead line equipment.
Advised Angel Trains on the financing of expansion works at Tyseley Depot in the West Midlands to accommodate a new fleet of Class 196 DMUs.