The agile team at K&L Gates LLP has particular expertise in light rail metro and mass transit systems. The group excels at advising on a range of issues relating to operational railway systems. Recent work has included devising complex performance regimes measuring availability, reliability and maintainability of rolling stock. It has also been advising on contracts for transmission based, and communication based, train control systems. The team has extensive experience in advising on other matters, such as complex signalling procurements. It continues to work on various high-value rail projects in the UK. Matthew Smith has significant experience in advising on high speed rail, and light metro projects. Nicola Ellis is also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team possess significant experience in contentious and non-contentious matters. It is equally adept at drafting conditions and dealing with disputes in the UK and internationally.'

  • 'The partner engagement is outstanding. This ensures every matter is carefully considered, and the advice and work product is first class. They are responsive and a delight to work with.’

  • ‘Matthew Smith has a vast amount of experience in rail and works for many of the major players in the sector. He is responsive and gets to the core of a dispute quickly, is a brilliant tactician who provides pragmatic advice to his clients.'

  • 'Matthew is equally adroit at providing non-contentious advice. He has a calm, measured, and pragmatic approach.'

  • 'Nicola Ellis has a great eye for detail and works seamlessly with clients undertaking complex infrastructure projects. She really knows her stuff and provides excellent advice.'
  • 'Inga Hall has extensive experience in rail and gives excellent, considered advice on contentious and non-contentious matters. She understands the detail of the matter, is never flustered, and works tirelessly for her clients.’

Key clients

  • Hitachi Rail Ltd
  • Transport for London
  • Crossrail Ltd
  • Qatar Rail
  • Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (“MRT Corp”)
  • Tube Lines Limited
  • Rail for London Limited

Work highlights

  • Providing legal support to Transport for London (TfL) for a competitive tender process for the appointment of a single Supplier for the provision of maintenance of c125 existing London Underground escalators located principally at stations on the Jubilee Line Extension.
  • Continued to act as external legal advisor to the Crossrail Project and has advised on various packages forming part of the project including station and system wide packages.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Matthew Smith

Other key lawyers

Nicola Ellis, Inga Hall