Ashurst maintains its reputation as a market leader in the UK rail sector, advising a wide range of public and private clients on franchising, rolling stock, infrastructure, and reform matters. The team advises a mix of public sector bodies and private operators across the UK transport sector. Recent work includes acting on a ten-year rolling stock and maintenance contract worth around £500m, involving the supply of electric and bi-mode trains. It has also advised on the structuring and implementation of alliance arrangements covering multiple rail systems on a major national infrastructure project. Naomi Horton is a highly experienced rail specialist who advises widely within the sector. Terry van Poortvliet continues to lead on major mandates, including TfL’s Docklands Light Railway refranchise, reinforcing his market-leading position across operations, rolling stock, and infrastructure. The vastly experienced Mark Elsey continues to be active in the space whilst Jamie Illingworth was promoted to partner in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has an in-depth, highly detailed knowledge of the Rail market and the key issues facing it from just about every perspective. They are very well coordinated, always keen to help and offer opportunities to join in with round tables’
‘Great team, very good industry knowledge - focussed on transaction and not unnecessarily adversarial. ’
‘As for the team - all very reliable to deliver in that way’
‘Excellence in rail contract matters. People are fantastic - from accounts to Principal Directors. Excellent diversity and opportunities worldwide for the Ashurst staff. They just make you feel so special.’
‘Naomi Horton - Always prepared to assist in any way requested. Makes it feel personal relationship at all times. Experience and patience. Always will to take questions and scenario testing. Agile in commitment to time for the business I work in.
Key clients
- Department for Transport
- Hitachi Rail
- Keolis
- Amey & Amey Infrastructure Wales
- Transport for London
- HS2 Ltd
- East West Rail
- Docklands Light Railway Limited
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- London Underground Limited
- Stagecoach
- SNCF
Work highlights
Advised Docklands Light Railway Limited (DLRL) and Transport for London (TfL)on a new eight-year contract with KeolisAmey for the operation and maintenance of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
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Advised Hitachi Rail on a ten year contract with FirstGroup and Angel Trains to supply 14 new five-car Hitachi electric and bi-mode trains, with the capability to convert to battery electric trains, at a cost of c.£500 million including maintenance.
Advised HS2 Limited on the structuring, development and finalisation of the ground breaking new Rail Systems Alliance arrangements for nine separate rail systems package contractors to be appointed by HS2 Limited in relation to the HS2 project. This process had to be undertaken against a demanding timetable and pass through a multi-tiered governance arrangement involving not only internal HS2 review and assurance processes but also significant scrutiny from DfT, the IPA and HM Treasury. The project is valued at over £3 billion.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Terry van Poortvliet; Naomi Horton
Other key lawyers
Mark Elsey; Jamie Illingworth