‘Dedicated to delivering solutions’, Hogan Lovells US LLP’s global automotive and mobility sector practice is consistently mandated by both traditional automotive companies and emerging mobility entities on regulatory matters, including the use of biometric data and incident preparation and response issues. The department also has widely-respected litigation credentials. In relation to rail, the group represents major suppliers to railroads, in addition to light rail transit systems and freight and national passenger railroads; and it has notable expertise in the compliance aspects of transporting hazardous materials by rail. New York-based John Sullivan represents automotive companies in franchise litigation; Michael Kidney defends automotive industry-related lawsuits; and Joanne Rotondi and Ed Fishman are ‘very knowledgeable and responsive’. The practice also includes litigation and trial attorney Ryan Ford; Denver-based Emily Kimball, who is the Railway Supply Institute’s outside counsel; and the firm’s global automotive and mobility sector group co-head, William Yavinsky. Hannah Graae and Carolyn Kraska are other active team members. Kevin Sheys departed the firm in January 2024, and Latane Montague left the team in April 2024. All attorneys named are in Washington DC unless otherwise mentioned.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Excellent lawyers across the board, but particularly strong drafters who have great strategic insights.’
‘Dedicated to delivering solutions to clients in a timely and cost-effective manner, while understanding how to balance the counterparties’ concerns and issues.’
‘Deep understanding of the rail industry and regulatory environment, which facilitates concise and effective responses for clients.’
‘Availability for clients (including weekends) when needed.’
‘Strong rail industry and regulatory knowledge, solid technical and legal expertise, and good business sense make the Hogan team the best in class.’
‘Well versed in freight rail regulatory work, so clients do not need to spend a lot of time teaching them the industry - they hit the ground running.’
‘Emily Kimball does a great job. She knows rail regulation extremely well, has good sensitivity in relation to business realities, and is knowledgeable about the regulatory landscape.’
‘Joanne Rotondi and Ed Fishman are very knowledgeable and responsive. For every kind of question clients ask, the team has someone with deep knowledge in that particular area.’

Key clients

BMW
General Motors
Honda
Hyundai
Kia
Mercedes-Benz
Stellantis
indie Semiconductor
Hyundai Motor America
Genesis Motor America
Nissan North America Inc
Daimler Truck
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
Ford Motor Company
TBC Corporation
Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Railway Supply Institute
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Denver Regional Transportation District

Work highlights

Secured a victory for Hyundai Motor America in a challenge (brought before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles by a dealer in the Tampa area) to Hyundai’s requirements for dealers to sell and service Hyundai-Ioniq brand electric vehicles.
Provides compliance advice to Nissan North America on numerous topics, including corporate investments and the implications of regulatory and legislative policy changes.