
With extensive experience acting before the U.S. Supreme Court, regulatory bodies, and the Surface Transportation Board, the team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP handles the full spectrum of litigation and regulation mandates. The group has particular strength in environmental litigation and regulation in the rail and road spaces, advising multi-national companies on a range of vehicle and engine emission issues, including the Clean Air Act. Frequently appearing for the Association of American Railroads, Thomas Dupree Jr. is well-versed in a range of product liability and class action matters. Stacie B. Fletcher is the key contact for environmental litigation and mass tort mandates. Further strengthening the team’s environmental offering is Michael Murphy, who undertakes a range of ESG-related issues in corporate transactions and compliance, alongside having experience in investigation matters. Dupree, Fletcher, and Murphy co-lead the practice from Washington, DC. Rounding out the team is Jacob Spencer, also in Washington, who is notable for his work in constitutional law and transactional litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Key clients
- American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association
- Association of American Railroads
- BNSF Railway
- CSX Corporation
- Daimler Truck
- Florida East Coast Railway
- Mercedes-Benz
- Prime Inc.
- Star America Rail Holdco, LLC
- Tesla, Inc.
- Tikehau Star Infra
- Union Pacific Railroad Co.
Work highlights
Gained a victory in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit for the entire rail industry, convincing the court to strike down the Surface Transportation Board’s signature rulemaking, a scheme called final offer rate review, or “FORR.”
Secured a favorable settlement for Daimler AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group AG) and Mercedes-Benz USA, resolving industry-wide diesel emissions investigations —without requiring a third-party monitor or auditor.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head
Thomas Dupree Jr.; Stacie B. Fletcher; Michael Murphy
Other key lawyers
Jacob Spencer
