The team at Stephenson Harwood specialises solely in rail-related work, but is able to draw on cross-practice expertise where necessary. It is one of the best-known rolling stock advisors, advising a broad client base of operators, financiers, manufacturers and maintainers in major UK transactions. The group also has immense experience in access disputes and arbitrations, in addition to having an excellent reputation for its work on franchising and concessions. Led by Tammy Samuel and Suzanne Tarplee, the team is well regarded for its procurement work, and for its knowledge of rail regulations. Darren Fodey is another key figure, and particularly excels in advising on rail regulation and regulated contracts. Caroline Hooton is vastly experienced in infrastructure and outsourcing. Hooton regularly advises on the procurement of station facilities management services, station improvements and upgrade projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The whole team understand our specific industry really well and the business issues this creates for us. An organisation which clearly cares about its own people. Excellent adaptation to our needs for each assignment, adjusting resources to fit perfectly with what we can offer ourselves.’
‘Suzanne Tarplee understands our specific industry really well and the business issues this creates for us. She clearly cares about her staff and works very well with whatever and whoever is presented to her.'
‘Insightful knowledge of the market with clients ranging from manufacturers, operators, infrastructure & regulatory bodies and financiers.'
‘Tammy Samuel, Suzanne Tarplee and Darren Fodey complement each other very well with a range of capabilities which is hard to beat outside the magic circle firms. They are very much hands-on partners.'
‘Great team, knowledgeable, available, engaged.'
Key clients
- CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)
- Transport UK Group(including all TOCs – Abellio Greater Anglia, Abellio East Midlands, West Midlands Trains, and Merseyrail)
- Trenitalia UK Limited and Trenitalia c2c
- Arriva Plc
- Arriva UK Trains Limited (including all TOCs – Arriva Rail London, CrossCountry, Chiltern, Grand Central)
- Lombard North Central plc
- Transport for London/London Underground Limited/Rail for London Limited
- Northern Trains Limited
- LNER
- Centrus/Corelink
Work highlights
- Advised Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and CAF Rail UK Limited on the manufacture and supply of 10 new tri-mode, 10-car units and corresponding maintenance of the same to LNER.
- Advising Transport for London on the re-procurement of the Elizabeth Line. This is the only competition currently ongoing for heavy rail operation in the United Kingdom, and is one of just two for railway services generally.
- Advised Arriva's management team on the purchase of Arriva by I Squared Capital.
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.
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.
Caroline Hooton
Practice head
Tammy Samuel; Suzanne Tarplee
Other key lawyers
Darren Fodey