The ‘highly commercial and pragmatic’ team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is best known for working on strategic rail contracts for train operators. It also fields an excellent rail planning & authorisations team. David Rewcastle had another busy year advising on various rail matters. Rewcastle specialises in rail franchise bids, transfer schemes, rolling stock procurement/leasing, and rail infrastructure projects. Paul Coleman is recommended for his work on heavy and light rail franchises and concessions. Coleman is also experienced in advising on rail infrastructure projects. Joseph Causer is well-regarded for his advice to both public and private sector clients on a variety of issues concerning the rail industry.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The rail team led by David Rewcastle is extremely responsive, intelligent and provides detailed counsel tailored directly to the issues raised. They have extensive knowledge coupled with a thorough insight of the rail sector.'
‘WBD stands out with the level of detailed knowledge they bring to their work. Paul Coleman, as an example, is by himself a compendium of wisdom, and the commercial acumen he can bring to bear on even the thorniest of issues is comforting for the client.'
'Joseph Causer is an excellent lawyer, provides exceptional sound counsel balanced perfectly between legal and commercial.’
‘The transport rail team are exceptional, they have a wealth of knowledge in the rail and transport sector and there isn't a firm that I would trust more to provide sound legal advice to the rail sector.’
‘David Rewcastle, Paul Coleman, Joseph Causer and the Transport - Rail team are exceptional. Their knowledge, skills, expertise and advice is best in class.’
‘The team is very competent and has worked for our industry for a long time. It is this experience and the ability to view legal matters from all angles that help to find solutions.’
‘They have incredible knowledge of the rail sector (and all aspects) and have a dedicated team which has now established itself as an industry leader. Good quality service, coupled with this knowledge, make WBD an excellent alternative to the London-centric firms.’
‘David Rewcastle's knowledge is second to none and is able to work in a very pragmatic fashion. Paul Coleman is a super lawyer and is able to work through all of the technical aspects of rail franchising (and associated leasing) with ease.’
Key clients
- The Go-Ahead Group Plc/Govia
- Govia Thameslink Railway
- SE Trains Limited
- Arriva
- XC Trains Limited
- Transdev
- London North Eastern Railway
- Stadler
- Nexus
- The Chiltern Railway Company Limited
Work highlights
- Advising LNER on its procurement of 10 x 10-car new rolling stock units for the Inter City East Coast franchise.
- Advising Southeastern on its ongoing procurement of new and existing rolling stock for the South Eastern franchise.
- Advising ATOC in relation to the expansion of Contactless Pay (CPAY) further outside of London, initially to 53 new stations as part of Phase 1.
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.
David Rewcastle
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Joseph Causer
Practice head
David Rewcastle
Other key lawyers
Paul Coleman; Joseph Causer