Transportation: Rail (for Railroads): Nationwide

THE FIRM This group is an acknowledged leader in the rail space. The firm boasts considerable industry expertise and is noted for the high-caliber counsel it provides on matters ranging from regulatory compliance to M&A and complex litigation. Its enviable client roster includes the Association of American Railroads and railroads such as Canadian Pacific Railway, the Norfolk Southern Railway and CSX Transportation.

Commercial Awareness "The team has done a lot of work over the years and is up to speed on all the issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients particularly appreciate Paul Moates for his "seasoned, mature and thoughtful judgment." His impressive client list includes some of the USA's biggest railroads, which benefit from his extensive experience litigating at administrative, trial and appellate levels in large antitrust and commercial cases.

Paul Hemmersbaugh draws praise from peers for his ability to work well with co-counsel and is also recognized for an analytical approach to matters. Along with Moates, he frequently makes appearances before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on large rate cases.

Senior counsel Terence Hynes is noted as "an excellent writer" and has been the lead player in Canadian Pacific's STB proceedings. His counsel has been recently sought in relation to the potential development of new passenger rail services on the Eastern Seaboard.

THE FIRM Based in DC, this firm has an excellent reputation for its work before state and federal courts, typically in high-stakes commercial disputes. Sources comment favorably on the firm's extensive grounding in regulatory matters and its cases are regularly heard before the STB. For example, the Association of American Railroads recently selected Steptoe to represent it in high-profile rulemaking proceedings at the STB. The firm also continues to provide counsel to BNSF on a range of commercial and regulatory matters. Its other clients include Amtrak and Genesee & Wyoming.

Commercial Awareness "They have a complete understanding of the way the board regulates the railroads; they're deeply expert." 

Client Service "They are incredibly responsive and also very flexible in terms of the work product they create."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Railroad sources describe Samuel Sipe as "one of the finest attorneys in his field" and "truly an excellent lawyer in all respects." Clients remark on his "terrific judgment" and praise his depth of industry knowledge. He has experience in antitrust litigation and represents railroads on a wide range of matters including rate cases, STB proceedings, M&A, commercial arbitration and federal court litigation.

Anthony LaRocca, new chair of the firm's rail practice, is described as an invaluable asset. He is praised as a diagnostic and creative thinker who "approaches things like a chess player." He is recognized in particular for his strength as a regulatory lawyer.

Betty Jo Christian remains a much lauded figure in the field and wins praise from clients who describe her as an outstanding lawyer with a strong expertise in state railroad taxation. She represents an excellent choice of counsel for high-stakes work. 

THE FIRM This firm has a focus on regulatory issues and also maintains an excellent reputation for its work in antitrust litigation. Its rail team has experience in matters which range from regulation proceedings before the STB to commercial disputes and corporate transactions. Its client roster features Union Pacific, the Association of American Railroads, and Expeditors. In a recent highlight it acted for Union Pacific on a number of agency rulemakings pertaining to, among other matters, competitive access and the transportation of hazardous commodities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Rosenthal chairs the firm's transport group. Clients say: "He's an outstanding lawyer. Not only is he smart but he has no agenda and no ego. I would always want him on my team." Recent highlights include representing Union Pacific with respect to several ongoing agency rulemakings.

THE FIRM This firm has an international reach and represents some of the country's best-known railroads in a diverse range of matters, from regulatory disputes and antitrust claims to commercial transactions, arbitrations and appeals. Some of the firm's recent cases, for clients such as CSX Transportation, BNSF, and New York, Susquehanna & Western, potentially establish key legal precedents in this area.

Sources say: "They communicate well amongst themselves and they move things forward quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Best known for his strong practice in federal preemption, Robert Jenkins is sought out by railways that require his "expertise and specialized counsel on arcane matters which require deep legal knowledge." He recently litigated in Southern California on behalf of the American Association of Railroads on a federal preemption of environmental agency regulations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS This respected litigation boutique wins recognition for its highly experienced rail practice. As a firm it has had a hand in the passage of many modern railroad laws and it enjoys a reputation for being able to resolve tricky legal disputes.

Sources say: "A firm with a long pedigree in railroads."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market sources say that Paul Cunningham is "highly creative in terms of thinking of alternative ways to cope with challenges." In particular, he has a strong regulatory practice and provides counsel to some of America's largest railroads. He is also an experienced attorney in matters ranging from M&A to all manner of commercial and appellate litigation.

THE FIRM This firm has been active in the railroad space for over a century and continues to handle a broad spread of corporate, litigation and regulatory matters for its rail clients. It has impressed sources this year with its expertise in real estate issues pertaining to railroad lines and easements. In the past year the team has acted for clients such as BNSF and the Kansas City Terminal Railway Company.

Client Service "The firm has a very positive customer service culture and its members work very well together."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Allison Bergman is a key contact at the firm.