CMS advises across the life cycle of rail infrastructure and rolling stock projects. The team continues to act on high-value infrastructure matters, including advising HS2 construction partners on Birmingham Curzon Street Station, while being recognised for advising lenders and funders on rolling stock procurement and financing. The team also continues to advise on light rail operations, including Nottingham Tram and the Edinburgh Tram project. Internationally, the firm is instructed by Etihad Rail and Oman Rail on a proposed UAE–Oman railway, whilst also handling rolling stock financings in Germany. Regulatory and planning capabilities are a key part of the practice’s rail focus, and the team also handles major disputes in the sector, particularly in relation to international construction and engineering. David Moore advises on domestic and international rail matters, including rolling stock procurement, cross-border infrastructure development, franchising, and regulatory and industry arrangements. Bill Carr is well regarded for his rolling stock practice, and is joined by Kate Duffield, who continues to grow the rail finance offering. Chris Hallam leads on major rail station redevelopments, and Eleanor Lane is a key contact in Scotland.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent pragmatic advice provided with a commercial understanding of the business' aims.’
‘Excellent availability and an understanding of the relative importance of the given matter to the business.’
‘Continuity of service. The deals take a long time to structure and negotiate. Then during the construction phase, CMS remains close to the deal with the same teams looking after lenders during the asset management phase. ’
- 'A strong partner in this business and has been with us for many years. They are always reliable, competent, and timely in their feedback.'
- 'Katie Duffield is highly competent and always helpful. She is very knowledgeable about the topics and always willing to help.'
- 'Bill Carr - technically excellent, responsive, focused on solutions and results for his clients, and a thoroughly nice person to work with also. The full package for a client!'
Key clients
- Eurostar International
- Rock Rail
- Mace Ltd and Dragados S.A. JV
- Etihad Rail
- MEAG
- SLC Management
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
- University of St Andrews
- Edinburgh Tram Limited
- Stagecoach
- Aviva
- Sun Life Canada
- Deutsche Bank
- Patel Engineering Limited
Work highlights
Advising the senior funders to a Rock Rail and Infracapital investment platform to finance a new electric rolling stock fleet for Lot 2 of the Leipzig Central German S-Bahn Network 2025.
Advised the agent and lenders on the financing of a new electric rolling stock fleet for Lot 1 of the Leipzig Central German S-Bahn Network 2025.
Advising Etihad Rail on various issues relating to the operation of Stage 2 of the railway, including the development of a railway between the UAE and Oman, the development of a smart ticketing system, the introduction of passenger rail operations, the development of new infrastructure and other matters relating to the rail sector or rail assets.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Bill Carr
Other key lawyers
David Moore; Kate Duffield; Chris Hallam; Eleanor Lane