Our UK rail team has more than 30 years’ experience advising clients around the world on rail projects, regulatory developments and operations. Our team includes recognised leaders in the field and people drawn from the rail industry or seconded to it. It offers a combination of strategic and operational experience and advises the public and private sectors. It is Tier 1 for Rail in Legal 500 and Chambers. We work with world-class clients on world-class projects.

Domestically, we have been advising clients in the UK rail industry since well before privatisation. We are advisers to the current UK rail franchise operators, concession operators, freight operators and rolling stock manufacturers. This work gives us an understanding and insight into all areas of the market and the entire project life cycle. Our work is at the forefront of the industry’s progress and has supported regulatory development.

Our UK rail team is also international in its outlook and has advised clients in jurisdictions around the world, including the Middle East, India, South America and the US. We have a strong track record of helping clients gain market entry and can draw on a network of rail experts in local jurisdictions to support your business. See below for just a few examples of the work we do.

Client testimonials

Our UK rail team has been ranked Tier 1 in Legal 500 for several years and Tier 1 in Chambers for Scotland. Take a look at what some of our clients had to say about us in the 2024 editions:

"I've been consistently impressed by Dentons' knowledge and expertise. They are also prompt to respond to enquiries and forward leaning."

"Deep, longstanding industry knowledge. Matthew Hanslip Ward - expert in his field, very specialist. Jonathan Smith - very impressive, committed and responsive."

"Terrific industry knowledge and insight, coupled with a very practical and "hands on" approach for getting to grips with complex projects. Matthew Hanslip Ward, Jonathan Smith."

"Wide range of experience and knowledge across the industry. Open and direct approach. Dentons are part of the team."

"Martin Watt is patient, calm and client focused. We greatly appreciate his knowledge and expertise, but in addition his challenge, honesty, directness and good humour means he is "one of the team"."

"Mark Macaulay is an excellent lawyer and counsellor."

"Exceptional industry knowledge and pragmatic approach to dealing with complicated issues."

"Matthew Hanslip Ward and Jonathan Smith always provide robust challenge, excellent insights and work through complicated legal issues by engaging stakeholders."

"Dentons bring deep insight to both the sector and technical issues I have worked with them on. The teams provided clear and concise advice that is focused on the topic under consideration. In the rail/infrastructure sector, Dentons are ahead of other firms I have used."

"Their ability to work through and explain complex challenges while balancing operational practicalities is very strong"

"Matthew is one of the best minds in the railway industry. He is very strategic and highly sophisticated."

"Matthew is brilliant to work with. His knowledge of the transport industry is exceptional."

"Jonathan has the ability to handle highly complex structures and always manages to find solutions to complex and challenging structures and situations."

"Jonathan's commercial vision is very strong. He's a real rising star."

"Mark Macaulay is simply the best construction lawyer in Scotland for his practical and pragmatic guidance."

Insights

What does the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 mean for the rail industry in the UK?

December 23, 2024

United Kingdom: The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 (the Act) is set to renationalise passenger rail services operated under the current franchising model in Britain and represents a significant step in reshaping the UK's rail industry.

Update on Railways (Revocation and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2024

October 9, 2024

United Kingdom: In January 2024 the Railways (Revocation and Consequential Provisions) Regulations 2024 (the Regulations) came into effect. The Regulations utilise powers under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 to revoke several pieces of legislation which had become assimilated law.

Update: Public Service Obligations in Transport Regulations 2023

October 9, 2024

United Kingdom: On 25 December 2023, the Public Service Obligations in Transport Regulations 2023 (the Regulations) came into force. The Regulations revoke and replace Regulation 1370/2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and road, which enables “competent authorities” to award Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts for rail passenger services to train operating companies, and bus and tram concession services. 

View all insights for Rail in the United Kingdom

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Project Finance International (PFI) has named Hafeet Rail as a Deal of the Year at its 2024 Project Finance International Awards

March 10, 2025

Dentons advised on the Hafeet Rail project, that was named Middle East & Africa Transport Deal of the Year at the Project Finance International Awards, which took place in London on 20 February.

Dentons advises on landmark Hafeet Rail project – the GCC's first cross-border rail project

October 11, 2024

Dentons has advised on the project financing and development of the Hafeet Rail project. This initiative marks the GCC's first cross-border rail project, including the future connection between Abu Dhabi and Sohar Port in Oman.

Dentons advises KKR in the acquisition of Captain Train

March 22, 2016

Dentons advised private equity investor Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co (KKR) on the acquisition of the French start-up Captain Train by its British competitor Trainline.