Railroad Practice

Lewis Brisbois’ Railroad Practice team represents both freight and commuter railroads throughout the United States, including Class 1 railroads, short lines, and commuter lines. We handle a full array of litigation and risk management matters on behalf of railroad clients, including FELA cases, grade crossing accidents, trespasser claims, premises liability, derailments, 20109 claims, eminent domain, property disputes, nuisance claims, cargo loss, property damage, asbestos, and toxic torts.

We understand that your legal needs may not always occur during normal business hours, which is why our attorneys are available on an emergency response basis and can attend on-scene investigations when called upon, helping to ensure the proper preservation of evidence and the protection of railroad assets. Our team collaborates across Lewis Brisbois’ nationwide network of offices, and works with seasoned investigators and experts to provide effective and cost-efficient representation. Our strong record of defense verdicts, successful summary judgment motions, and outright dismissals speaks to our commitment to get the best results for our clients.

In addition to our litigation expertise, our transactional team has deep experience helping railroad clients develop infrastructure and capacity projects and negotiate agreements related to commuter rail operations, railroad joint facilities, and public-private partnerships. Our work helps clients grow their businesses and improve safety while protecting their right of way and other rail assets.

Our team also has extensive regulatory and compliance experience, having successfully represented railroad clients before multiple regulatory agencies in rulemakings, litigated administrative matters, and dispute resolution processes. We can also provide legal counsel in relation to legislative proposals across the wide range of issues of interest to the rail industry.