Sidley & Austin: Hynes Terence M

Hello, District of Columbia residents! In the complex and highly regulated world of transportation, particularly within the rail and maritime sectors, having legal counsel with extensive experience and deep industry knowledge is not just beneficial—it's essential. Today, we are spotlighting a prominent attorney right here in Washington, DC, who stands as a "giant in the rail industry": Terence M. Hynes, Senior Counsel at the prestigious firm of Sidley Austin LLP.

Terence M. Hynes, often referred to as Terry, brings over 45 years of dedicated experience to his practice, focusing on matters involving the transportation industry. His expertise is vast, covering everything from complex mergers and acquisitions for railroads and ocean carriers to intricate regulatory proceedings and high-stakes appellate litigation. Mr. Hynes is particularly known for his deep involvement in the development of high-speed passenger rail service in America, serving as counsel to significant projects throughout the United States and actively advocating for regulatory reforms that promote private investment in this sector.

Working with Sidley Austin LLP, a firm recognized globally for its representation of the railroad industry, Mr. Hynes provides comprehensive advice to a diverse clientele. This includes major U.S. railroads, private equity firms, companies in the emerging high-speed passenger rail industry, equipment manufacturers, rail car companies, and logistics providers. His work often involves representing clients before federal agencies like the Surface Transportation Board and in federal courts, including numerous appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court.

For any individual or entity in the District of Columbia connected to the transportation sector, especially those dealing with rail or maritime issues, understanding the profound expertise offered by Terence M. Hynes is crucial. His consistent recognition by leading legal directories like Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in America underscores his standing as a top-tier legal professional, offering invaluable guidance in a specialized and critical field.

Terence M. Hynes practices at the Washington, DC office of Sidley Austin LLP, located at 1501 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA. This address places the firm in an exceptionally central and easily accessible part of downtown Washington, DC, within the bustling financial and business district. The location offers outstanding convenience for clients residing or working across the District and those commuting from the surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs.

The office benefits from superb public transportation connectivity. It is strategically positioned within a very short walking distance of multiple Metro stations, including McPherson Square Metro Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines) and Farragut North Metro Station (Red Line). These stations provide seamless and efficient access from various neighborhoods throughout DC and the wider metropolitan area. Additionally, numerous Metrobus routes operate along K Street NW and other major thoroughfares nearby, offering extensive bus service options for commuters.

For those who prefer to drive, there are several commercial parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 1501 K Street NW. While parking in downtown DC can be busy, the abundance of these facilities helps ensure that visitors have reliable options. The building itself is a prominent and recognizable structure on K Street, making it straightforward to locate for first-time visitors. This highly strategic and accessible location underscores Sidley Austin LLP's commitment to being readily available to serve their diverse and high-profile clientele, facilitating smooth and efficient consultations for their specialized transportation and regulatory matters.

Terence M. Hynes's legal services at Sidley Austin LLP are deeply specialized within the transportation industry, with a primary focus on rail and maritime law, along with related corporate and administrative matters. His comprehensive practice areas include:

• Rail Transactions: Advising clients on complex transactional matters within the rail industry, including mergers and acquisitions, asset and stock acquisitions, rail equipment leases, and legal aspects of bankruptcy proceedings involving transportation firms. He has advised on over 100 rail-related transactions.

• Railroad Regulation and Regulatory Litigation: Representing railroads and other stakeholders in high-stakes regulatory litigation before federal agencies such as the Surface Transportation Board (STB). This includes rate reasonableness disputes, service-related litigation with rail shippers, and disputes with Amtrak or other freight railroads. He also handles challenges to agency actions and rulemakings in federal courts.

• Rail Preemption and Preclusion: Litigating matters involving federal preemption of state and local laws that seek to regulate rail transportation. This includes cases under the ICC Termination Act, the Federal Railroad Safety Act, and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, litigated in various forums from state trial courts to the U.S. Supreme Court.

• High-Speed Passenger Rail Development: Serving as counsel to privately developed high-speed passenger rail projects across the U.S., including notable projects between Dallas and Houston, and Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. He is a strong advocate for legislative and regulatory changes to promote private investment in this sector.

• Transportation and Logistics Arrangements: Providing legal counsel on various agreements and arrangements related to transportation and logistics for railroads, ocean carriers, and logistics providers.

• Mergers & Acquisitions: Extending beyond just rail, he advises on M&A activities within the broader transportation sector and other industries, including representing private equity firms and financial institutions.

• Administrative Law: Handling a broad range of administrative law issues that arise in the context of federal regulation of the transportation industry.

• Appellate Litigation: Representing clients in complex regulatory and commercial appeals in federal circuit courts and the U.S. Supreme Court, where Sidley's appellate lawyers have represented railroad interests more than 50 times over the last 30 years.

His deep industry focus and extensive experience make him a go-to attorney for complex transportation law matters.

Terence M. Hynes's career is marked by an exceptional array of features and highlights that firmly establish him as a preeminent attorney in the transportation law sector:

• Decades of Experience: With over 45 years of practice, he possesses a profound depth of knowledge and experience in advising clients within the transportation industry, particularly concerning rail and maritime matters.

• "Giant in the Rail Industry": This direct quote from Chambers USA 2024 underscores his highly respected standing and influence within the rail sector, highlighting his extensive knowledge and experience.

• Consistent Top Rankings: Mr. Hynes has been consistently recognized by leading legal directories:

  • Chambers USA: Ranked as a leading practitioner for Nationwide Transportation: Rail (for Railroads) every year since 2008.
  • Best Lawyers in America: Listed in the area of Transportation Law since 2017.
  • Super Lawyers: Selected to Super Lawyers for Washington, DC from 2012 to 2020, a designation given to only the top 5% of attorneys.

• Pivotal Role in High-Speed Rail Development: He has been at the forefront of the development of high-speed passenger rail service in the U.S., serving as counsel to numerous projects nationwide and advocating for supportive regulatory reforms. He was recently named to the Executive Committee of the U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition.

• Extensive Transactional Experience: Terry has advised clients on more than 100 rail-related transactions, demonstrating his deep experience in mergers, acquisitions, and other commercial dealings.

• Broad Clientele: His clients include major railroads, ocean carriers, private equity firms, financial institutions, and emerging high-speed rail companies, reflecting his versatile expertise across the industry.

• Recognized Authority: Beyond his legal practice, he has authored articles on transportation topics, contributed to books, and frequently speaks at industry conferences, further cementing his status as a thought leader.

These highlights collectively showcase Terence M. Hynes's exceptional reputation, deep expertise, and significant contributions to the transportation legal landscape.

As a Senior Counsel at a globally recognized law firm like Sidley Austin LLP, and a leading authority in specialized areas of transportation law, Terence M. Hynes does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. The value he provides is derived from his unparalleled experience, deep industry insights, and proven track record in handling complex and high-stakes legal and regulatory matters.

The "offer" here is access to a legal professional whose expertise can be critical for major corporations, financial institutions, and emerging companies navigating the intricate regulatory frameworks of the transportation sector. His ability to advise on large-scale transactions, defend against regulatory actions, and shape policy through advocacy represents a significant investment in securing successful outcomes and ensuring compliance.

Prospective clients interested in engaging Terence M. Hynes and the Sidley Austin LLP transportation team are encouraged to contact the firm directly for a consultation. During this initial discussion, they can explore their specific legal needs related to rail, maritime, or other transportation issues. The firm can then outline its approach and fee structure, which will be tailored to the unique demands and complexities of each case. The focus is always on delivering sophisticated and effective legal solutions to their high-profile and demanding clientele.

To connect with Terence M. Hynes at Sidley Austin LLP in Washington, DC, local residents and interested parties can use the following contact information:

• Address: 1501 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA

• Phone: (202) 736-8198

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-736-8198

It is highly recommended to call the firm's main number directly during standard business hours to schedule a consultation or to inquire about Mr. Hynes's specific areas of practice within transportation law. The administrative team at Sidley Austin LLP will be able to assist with setting up an appointment and provide any necessary preliminary information for your legal inquiry.

For locals in the District of Columbia, especially those involved in the vast and vital transportation industry, Terence M. Hynes and Sidley Austin LLP offer an exceptionally suitable and indeed indispensable legal resource. In a city that is a hub for federal regulatory bodies, including those governing transportation, having an attorney with Mr. Hynes's four decades-plus of experience in rail and maritime law is an unparalleled advantage. His deep expertise in complex transactions, regulatory litigation before the STB, and his instrumental role in the development of high-speed passenger rail across the U.S. make him a go-to authority.

His consistent recognition by leading legal directories and his central location in downtown DC further cement his status as a top-tier legal professional easily accessible to local businesses and organizations. For any DC-based entity navigating the intricate regulatory frameworks, high-stakes transactions, or potential litigation within the transportation sector, engaging Terence M. Hynes means securing strategic, informed, and highly effective legal counsel from a true "giant in the industry."