The road and rail offering at Hogan Lovells US LLP is comprehensive, with a strong track record in class action suits and advising on emission standards and fuel economy regulations. Furthering its experience, the team frequently undertakes a range of international trade and labor matters in the sector. In Washington DC, Joanne Rotondi is well-placed to handle government relations for the automotive sector, as well as working on a range of vehicle and product safety, compliance, and rulemaking matters. Emily Kimball leads the rail practice from Denver, where she has a strong focus on environmental issues. Rotondi and Kimball lead the team alongside DC-based William Yavinsky. Also in DC, Ryan Ford is a key contact for vehicle sales and distribution, alongside his experience in litigation for motor vehicle manufacturers. Rounding out the team in DC is Allisa Newman, who undertakes a range of federal regulatory issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Hogan Lovells offers pragmatic advice that is tailored to our business needs and appreciates the business realities we face. The team members are very strong and knowledgeable in all areas of automotive law.’
- ‘The group is very focused on client service and very interested in not only understanding the legal issues presented but also the business aspects of the issues they are being asked to address as well.’
- ‘The firm has a very deep knowledge of its field of expertise. Also, they have a broad overview of other fields and recent developments, so they are able to take all that into account in their advice. They follow a pragmatic and business-oriented approach, looking for the best solutions, which is very helpful.’
- ‘Joanne Rotondi is a knowledgeable leader in the industry.'
- ‘The group's knowledge goes very far, and they help with finding the best solutions. They are people whom you can rely on.’
- ‘Hogan Lovells excels at clearly communicating key regulatory issues and articulating an industry’s position, goals, and objectives on complex regulatory matters.'
Key clients
- Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
- Rail Security Alliance
- Valero, Tesoro, American Fuel and Petrochemicals Manufacturers (AFPM)
- Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Motor America
- Genesis Motor America
- Ford Motor Company
- Kia America, Inc.
- Nissan North America Inc.
- Aston Martin
- Mercedes Benz AG
- Subaru of America
- Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Work highlights
Secured a summary judgment victory for Ford Motor Company in a class action challenging its treatment of the MECS pump under California's emissions warranty laws.
Representing Valero, Tesoro, and American Fuel and Petrochemicals Manufacturers (AFPM) in their lawsuit before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) challenging Union Pacific (UP) Railroad’s charges for empty railcar movements.
Providing environmental regulatory and compliance advice to Nissan North America on various topics, including regulatory and legislative developments and potential policy changes.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Ryan Ford
Emily Kimball
Practice head
Joanne Rotondi; William Yavinsky; Emily Kimball
Other key lawyers
Ryan Ford; Allisa Newman; Edward Fishman