England - London • Transport

Clifford Chance LLP

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Paul Carrington heads the team at Clifford Chance LLP, which frequently works with rail infrastructure bodies, rail sector financiers, manufacturers and rail operators. Carrington specialises in financing, leasing and sales – he has extensive experience in structured finance and corporate restructuring work in the rail sector. The group often works with its first-rate construction and infrastructure teams on various complicated rail projects and construction agreements. It is also known for its skill at handling complex franchising matters and rolling stock procurements. Michael Pearson regularly works on a wide array of major rail projects, both in the UK and internationally. Ranbir Hunjan is another key figure who specialises in asset financing, leasing and banking in the transport sector. Senior associate Dominic Watts is an important member of the rail industry group, who works with operators, ROSCOs, manufacturers and funders on a regular basis.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Very good rail knowledge and excellent lender's counsel practice. Clarity of summary papers sent to lenders has been first class'.
  • 'Ranbir Hunjan is understated but very clear in his advice. Takes control of a large room whether in-person or virtual in an authoritative way'.
  • 'Dominic Watts has an in-depth knowledge of the rail finance sector and is someone you want to be on your side when it comes to technical discussions'.

Key clients

  • LGIM
  • Network Rail
  • Rock Rail
  • Aviva
  • Hitachi
  • The Royal Bank of Scotland
  • SMBC
  • ING
  • Lombard
  • EQT Infrastructure
  • Equitix
  • Akiem Group

Work highlights

  • Advised the Rock Rail and Abrdn consortium on the EUR450m financing of new Alstom rolling stock, to be leased to DB Regio and deployed on the Main-Weser rail network in Germany.
  • Engaged as international counsel to the prospective lending group to a consortium bidding for participation in the Tel Aviv Light Rail PPP in Israel.
  • Advising Network Rail on all aspects of the most significant telecommunications roll out program in the UK market.

Lawyers

Rising stars

Leading individuals

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Paul Carrington

Other key lawyers

Dominic Watts, Ranbir Hunjan, Michael Pearson