The Dentons rail team is led by Matthew Hanslip Ward. The group advises clients on rail reform, rolling stock procurement, and decarbonisation matters. Hanslip Ward advises on a variety of work, including concessions, railway development matters, and issues in the rail freight sector. Jonathan Smith specialises in the rail industry, with expertise in rolling stock, commercial contracts, and regulation matters. Mark Macaulay, based in Glasgow, is a construction procurement specialist and advises clients across a range of infrastructure and development projects. Katja Obed adds depth to the team, with experience working with public companies, advising on expansion projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Deep and wide-ranging experience in UK rail.
- Matthew Hanslip Ward and Jonathan Smith have a deep understanding of the UK rail market and provide excellent legal advice due to their extensive knowledge of the industry.
- We work with Matthew Hanslip Ward and Jonathan Smith. The best way to describe Matthew is like a very stable ship that we sail on through choppy seas. We really value his calm disposition in the face of the panicked frenzy that is project work, his clear advice, and his willingness to help in whatever way he can. Jonathan is the worker bee, and we truly appreciate him helping us meet our deadlines, sometimes even overextending himself to do so. It is also noteworthy that despite our requests for work to be done on weekend nights or client meetings at 6 AM in the morning, the quality of work is constantly excellent.
- The team is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the Rail Regulatory and Legal Framework for the Rail Industry. This includes both contentious and non-contentious aspects. They are extremely innovative, working on pragmatic and novel solutions to issues.
Key clients
- MTR Corporation
- Deutsche Bahn
- Virgin
- Network Rail
- Alstom
- Transport for London
- GB Railfreight
- Govia Thameslink
- Department for Transport
- East West Rail
Work highlights
Continuing to work on the £18 billion+ Crossrail/Elizabeth Line concession.
Working on the £3 billion rolling stock InterCity Express Programme for the Department for Transport.
Working for East West Rail on the new c.£5 billion railway between Cambridge and Oxford.
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