DLA Piper fields a strong transport team, advising on matters across rail, light rail, bus, highways, aviation, and wider mobility. The team is particularly well regarded for complex regulated transport procurements and major public sector mandates, with notable strength in bus franchising, rolling stock projects, and strategic infrastructure instructions. Robert Smith and Petra Billing jointly lead the practice, especially active on major transport procurements across rail, bus, and emerging mobility models and bring significant contentious property and infrastructure expertise. Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby is also a prominent member of the team, with a growing profile across bus reform, rolling stock, and light rail mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Deep knowledge of the industry.
- Robert Smith's team has an excellent understanding of what we need as a client, combined with a sound knowledge of the sector in general. Andy Batty is extremely detailed and rigorous in his advice around procurement law and delivers it in a constructive and legible way, with a risk-averse approach. DLA's knowledge of Bus Franchising is unique in that they trailblazed the first Franchise Agreements outside of London. The team works well together, and they are really communicative and available.
- I really value Andy Batty's excellent communication and availability - he is responsive, approachable, and always manages expectations. His procurement knowledge is exceptional, and he always tries to see the client's perspective in giving his advice - as well as considering avenues and risks that we may not have considered.
Key clients
- Northern Trains Limited
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Transport UK
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- North East Combined Authority
- South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive
- Transport for Wales
- National Highways
- DfT Operator Limited
- Hitachi Rail
- A1 Steam Trust
- West Coast Railways
Work highlights
Advising Northern Rail on the procurement of up to 450 multiple units to replace its legacy rolling stock fleet, including financing and maintenance.
Advising Liverpool City Region on the procurement of their first round of bus franchises, bringing buses under local control for the first time in 40 years.
Advising Transport for Greater Manchester on the procurement of the new £1.6bn contract for the operation and maintenance of the Metrolink light rail system.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Robert Smith; Petra Billing
Other key lawyers
Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby