Ashurst

Ashurst maintains its reputation as a market leader in the UK rail sector, advising a wide range of public and private clients on franchising, rolling stock, infrastructure, and reform matters. The team advises a mix of public sector bodies and private operators across the UK transport sector. Recent work includes acting on a ten-year rolling stock and maintenance contract worth around £500m, involving the supply of electric and bi-mode trains. It has also advised on the structuring and implementation of alliance arrangements covering multiple rail systems on a major national infrastructure project. Naomi Horton is a highly experienced rail specialist who advises widely within the sector. Terry van Poortvliet continues to lead on major mandates, including TfL’s Docklands Light Railway refranchise, reinforcing his market-leading position across operations, rolling stock, and infrastructure. The vastly experienced Mark Elsey continues to be active in the space whilst Jamie Illingworth was promoted to partner in 2024.