Dentons’ rail practice draws on a broad team with deep coverage across infrastructure, rolling stock, and regulatory work. Recent instructions reflect the breadth of the team’s experience, with the firm advising on bids for high-profile rail concessions, including the Elizabeth Line, and acting on major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and HS2. Matthew Hanslip-Ward leads the team as head of rail, leaning upon vast sector knowledge. Hanslip-Ward continues to lead the work advising on the Crossrail Elizabeth Line concession and the major East West Rail project, one of the UK’s largest recent rail developments. Mark Macaulay, based in Glasgow, is another important member of the practice, while Jonathan Smith continues to develop his practice in franchising/concessions and rolling stock matters, contributing to some of the team’s most significant matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Wide experience both within the industry and relevant sectors. An innovative, collaborative partnership.’
‘Ability to use the wide experience of the industry and relevant sectors along with access to specialist resources when required.'
‘The exceptional level of knowledge surrounding rail and associated contracts is second to none.’
‘The key individuals we work with deliver a tailored approach after working together for many years.'
Key clients
- MTR Corporation / MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited
- Deutsche Bahn
- Virgin
- Network Rail Infrastructure Limited ("Network Rail")
- Alstom
- Transport for London
- GB Railfreight
- Govia Thameslink
- Department for Transport
- East West Rail
Work highlights
Continuing work on the £18 billion+ Crossrail Elizabeth Line concession, still the biggest of its kind, and on MTR's bid for the new Elizabeth Line Concession 2.
Work on the £3 billion rolling stock InterCity Express Programme for the Department for Transport.
Act for East West Rail, on the new c.£5 billion railway to be constructed between Cambridge and Oxford (and beyond), representing a strategic new rail connection and the largest of its kind in the market.
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 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
Matthew Hanslip-Ward
Other key lawyers
Jonathan Smith