Addleshaw Goddard continues to advise on some of the UK’s most significant rail infrastructure and rolling stock projects, all the while growing its international presence. The team continues to advise on the Intercity Express Programme, a major UK infrastructure initiative and one of the government’s largest PFI projects. Internationally, it has been involved in work on a proposed cross-border rail network in the Gulf region. Practice head Paul Hirst remains a key contact for large-scale UK public sector mandates, drawing on 25 years of experience supporting both private and public sector clients. Simon Gwynne has a broad knowledge and experience of rolling stock and other rail assets transactions both in the UK and internationally. Rachel Scott is a key partner in the team, with over 20 years of sector experience and a focus on infrastructure and franchising projects. Leeds-based legal director Carla Hancock is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent knowledge and ability to communicate.’
‘The work they have undertaken for us has often been very complex due to the age of the agreements/contracts they have been working on. They have been very good at setting out the options and quite innovative in providing different approaches.’
‘Rachel Scott is always very quick to respond and extremely flexible when it comes to short-notice meetings. This has not only helped our relationship but has been very important in managing our relationship with our own customers.’
‘The global nature of the expertise of this practice, alongside deep knowledge of the regulatory and political risks here in the UK, is a powerful combination. ’
‘Paul Hirst is an exceptional leader, having deep knowledge of the industry issues and uniquely placed in the market in the UK, the Middle East, and more widely. ’
'Ross Sandford provides carefully considered, thorough legal advice and has a calm, friendly manner.'
'Andrew Carter is analytical and thorough in his ability to carry out complex legal analysis.'
'Ursula Gould is very approachable and offers pragmatic, sensible advice, always with an eye on the bigger picture.'
Key clients
- Nexus (Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive)
- Clyde Metro
- Agility Trains
- Prologis Group Companies
- Department for Transport
- Keolis UK
- VTG Rail UK Limited
- London Luton Airport Limited
- ScotRail Trains
- Rail Operations Group Limited ("ROG")
- High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
- Greater London Authority / Transport for London / London Underground
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- West Midlands Combined Authority
- Hitachi Rail Limited
- MerseyTravel
- HS1 Limited
- Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited
- SMBC Bank
- DB Cargo
Work highlights
Advising ScotRail on various rolling stock procurement programmes for the replacement and decarbonisation of their train fleet over a 10-year period. Programme value approx. £2bn.
Advising Agility Trains to provide legal support to Agility as it delivers its obligations under the Intercity Express Project (IEP). Value exceeding £4.5bn.
Advising Qatar Rail (QR) on three schemes: the proposed international railway line linking Saudi Arabia and Qatar; a rail link into Etihad Rail linking Qatar with the UAE; and a rail link into the proposed GCC Wide rail system. Value in the billions of USD.
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.
Paul Hirst
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Rachel Scott
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Carla Hancock
Practice head
Paul Hirst
Other key lawyers
Simon Gwynne; Rachel Scott; Ross Sandford; Andrew Carter; Ursula Gould