Osborne Clarke LLP operates one of the UK’s largest dedicated rail practices and regularly contributes work to the Department of Transport, where it advises on franchise transitions, fares and ticketing reform, and sector‑wide procurement disputes. The group also acts for rolling‑stock lessors Beacon and Eversholt Rail and regularly supports complex cross‑border asset‑finance projects, while its contentious procurement team continues to represent Siemens Mobility in high‑value challenges. Beyond rolling stock, the firm advises on rail infrastructure projects, pensions, competition, and subsidy control, and has recently assisted energy and telecoms clients on rail‑related construction and connectivity mandates linked to HS2 and other major schemes. Practice head Edward Barratt is regularly supported by Lara Burch. Craig McCarthy specialises in contentious procurement matters across sectors, including transport, and plays a leading role in the firm’s litigation work for the Department for Transport. Jeremy Godley is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The OC team has excellent regulatory knowledge on matters surrounding rail policy and operational implementation and the surrounding private and public contracts in place.’
- 'Both Jeremy Godley and Edward Barrett provide an excellent standard of care and attention to detail and look to flag any risks or issues should decisions be made on way or the other - giving the client plenty of scope to consider, review and amend any decisions before they are finalised. Both Sarah Denny and Rhiannon Gilling also provide excellent support to the client and are equally adept and ensuring the accuracy in any drafting or advice is clear on the issues and risks.'
- 'Lara Burch is a trusted, reliable, and experienced provider of legal services for the rail transport sector. Her in-depth knowledge of the industry is reassuring and helpful. It is also helpful that OC's satellite departments, such as health and safety, rail regulation, procurement, property and litigation, are all excellent.'
Key clients
- Department for Transport
- Beacon
- Eversholt Rail Group
- Siemens Mobility Limited
Work highlights
Advised the Department for Transport on multiple initiatives to reform the rail sector and re-base the rail industry around improved customer experience and options connected with reform of the current franchised rail system.
Advised on the Secretary of State's long-term interest in the c.£3bn High Speed 1 rail network between London and the Channel Tunnel. Following a competitive tender the firm was reappointed to advise the Department on its interest in this network, including on rail regulatory, contractual matters, competition and subsidy law, real estate and finance.
Regularly acting for international rolling stock lessor Beacon on a variety of innovative and challenging mandates relating to maintenance, leasing and other rolling stock matters.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Edward Barratt
Other key lawyers
Lara Burch; Craig McCarthy; Jeremy Godley