Sidley & Austin: Hynes Terence M

For residents and businesses in the District of Columbia, especially those involved in the dynamic and highly regulated transportation industry, navigating complex legal and regulatory challenges demands the expertise of a seasoned attorney. Washington D.C. is not only the nation's capital but also a critical hub for federal transportation policy, administrative law, and significant industry transactions. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Terence M. Hynes, a distinguished Senior Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP, a globally recognized law firm with a significant presence right here in D.C. Our goal is to help locals and those with transportation-related legal concerns understand the specialized services he offers and how his extensive experience can be a valuable resource for their legal needs.

The transportation legal landscape in D.C. is uniquely challenging, characterized by constantly evolving federal regulations, complex mergers and acquisitions, and high-stakes regulatory and appellate litigation. Attorneys practicing in this area must possess not only a deep understanding of federal transportation statutes but also a nuanced appreciation for the economic and operational realities of the industry. Terence M. Hynes, with his dedicated focus on transportation and rail law, and his long-standing role within Sidley Austin's highly acclaimed practice, exemplifies the caliber of legal professional essential for success in this demanding environment.

Choosing the right legal representation is paramount, as the outcome of transportation-related legal matters can profoundly impact an individual's career or an organization's operations, finances, and public standing. This decision requires careful consideration of an attorney's experience, their specific areas of specialization, and their approach to client advocacy. This overview will delve into his office’s strategic location, the specialized legal services Terence M. Hynes provides, and the distinguishing features that highlight his commitment to clients navigating transportation challenges across the District of Columbia and nationwide.

Our goal is to equip you with factual information needed to make an informed choice when seeking legal assistance. By focusing on a highly recognized and locally established attorney like Terence M. Hynes at Sidley Austin LLP, we aim to connect you with legal expertise that is both accessible and deeply knowledgeable about the complex challenges faced by individuals and corporations in our community and throughout the country, offering a valuable resource for anyone facing legal questions or disputes in the District of Columbia's transportation sector.

Terence M. Hynes practices as a Senior Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP, a prominent global law firm with a strategically located office in Washington, D.C. His office can be found at 1501 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA. This prestigious address places the firm squarely within the city's vibrant Central Business District, a pivotal hub for governmental, professional, and commercial activity in the nation’s capital.

The 1501 K Street NW location offers exceptional convenience for clients throughout the District and the wider metropolitan area. For those relying on public transportation, the building is within short walking distance of several key Metro stations, including McPherson Square (Orange, Blue, Silver Lines) and Farragut North (Red Line). This connectivity makes it remarkably straightforward for individuals commuting from various neighborhoods in D.C., as well as from Maryland and Virginia, to reach the firm with ease. Numerous bus lines also service the K Street corridor, further enhancing its public transport accessibility.

For clients who prefer to drive, the Central Business District offers numerous parking garages and metered street parking options in the vicinity. While downtown D.C. parking can sometimes be competitive, the abundance of choices helps facilitate visits. The building itself is a well-known and reputable structure, providing a professional and secure environment for confidential client meetings and legal discussions, reflective of the high-stakes nature of the legal matters often handled.

Being centrally located in Washington, D.C., also means that Sidley Austin's office is in close proximity to federal courthouses, key transportation-related government agencies (such as the Surface Transportation Board), and other essential regulatory bodies. This strategic positioning is not only convenient for clients but also logistically beneficial for attorneys, streamlining various aspects of legal proceedings and engagements with federal entities.

Terence M. Hynes focuses his practice extensively on matters involving the transportation industry, with a particular emphasis on rail. With over 45 years of experience, he advises a diverse range of clients, including railroads, ocean carriers, private equity firms, and financial institutions. His key service areas include:

• Transportation and Maritime Law: Advising clients on complex issues within the broader transportation sector, including maritime concerns.
• Rail Transactions: Extensive experience in advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, asset acquisitions, rail equipment leases, and bankruptcy proceedings related to rail assets, including seeking regulatory approvals.
• Railroad Regulation and Regulatory Litigation: Representing railroads in high-stakes regulatory litigation before federal agencies like the Surface Transportation Board, handling rate reasonableness disputes, service-related litigation with rail shippers, and disputes with Amtrak or other freight railroads. This also includes federal court representation in rulemaking challenges and litigation raising complex regulatory issues.
• Rail Preemption and Preclusion: Litigating cases involving federal preemption of state and local laws that seek to regulate rail transportation, including cases under the ICC Termination Act, the Federal Railroad Safety Act, and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, across various court forums.
• High-Speed Passenger Rail: Serving as counsel to privately-developed high-speed passenger railroad projects throughout the U.S. and advocating for regulatory reforms to promote private investment in this sector.
• Inter-Carrier Agreements: Advising on agreements between different transportation carriers.
• Transportation and Logistics Arrangements: Providing counsel on the legal aspects of complex transportation and logistics setups.
• Rail Corridor Development Projects: Assisting with legal matters related to the development of rail infrastructure for both freight and passenger service.
• Commercial, Regulatory, and Appellate Litigation: Representing transportation industry clients in a wide range of disputes in these areas, including numerous appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of railroad interests.
• Administrative Law: Handling matters before various federal administrative agencies relevant to the transportation sector.

Terence M. Hynes's legal practice at Sidley Austin LLP is marked by several distinguished features and highlights that underscore his significant expertise and influence in the transportation and rail industry:

• Exceptional Experience and Longevity: With over 45 years of experience, Terence Hynes brings unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge in transportation law, particularly in the rail sector. This extensive tenure means he has navigated decades of regulatory changes and industry developments.
• Leading Practitioner in Transportation: He is consistently recognized by Chambers USA as a leading practitioner for Nationwide Transportation: Rail (for Railroads) every year since 2008, a testament to his prominent standing in the field.
• "Super Lawyers" and "Best Lawyers" Recognition: Selected to "Super Lawyers" for Washington, D.C. from 2012-2020 and recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" in Transportation Law since 2017, highlighting consistent peer and professional acclaim.
• Instrumental in High-Speed Rail Development: Terence Hynes has been at the forefront of the development of high-speed passenger rail service in America, serving as counsel to numerous projects and advocating for regulatory reforms to encourage private investment in this emerging sector. He was also named to the Executive Committee of the U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition.
• Extensive Appellate and Supreme Court Experience: His firm has represented railroad interests over 50 times before the U.S. Supreme Court, indicating profound experience and success in high-stakes appellate litigation.
• Diverse Client Base: He advises a wide range of clients, including major railroads, ocean carriers, private equity firms, and financial institutions, demonstrating versatility in addressing varied industry needs.
• Thought Leader and Speaker: Terence Hynes has authored articles on transportation-related topics and frequently appears as a speaker at transportation industry conferences in the United States and Canada, showcasing his deep knowledge and influence in the sector.
• Senior Counsel at a Global Firm: As Senior Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP, he leverages the vast resources and global reach of one of the world's leading law firms, providing clients with comprehensive support and access to diverse expertise.

As a Senior Counsel at a prestigious global law firm like Sidley Austin LLP, Terence M. Hynes's practice operates under a professional legal services model that does not typically involve traditional "promotions" or "special offers." Law firms of this caliber engage with clients through established professional agreements tailored to the specific, and often complex, nature of the legal work involved in the transportation industry.

While specific details on initial consultation fees are not publicly disclosed, prospective clients seeking legal counsel from Terence M. Hynes and Sidley Austin LLP are encouraged to contact the firm directly. During an initial discussion, you would have the opportunity to present the general nature of your transportation or rail-related legal matter. Depending on the firm's intake process and the complexity of your issue, this could lead to a more in-depth discussion or a formal consultation.

Legal fees for the types of high-stakes regulatory litigation, complex transactions, and administrative law matters that Terence M. Hynes handles are typically structured based on hourly rates, retainers, and the overall scope and estimated duration of the legal services required. Transparency in all fee arrangements is a core principle for professional legal practices. Clients are advised to have a clear discussion about proposed fee structures and billing practices to ensure complete understanding before proceeding with representation. Contacting the firm directly is the most effective way to ascertain their specific engagement policies and to determine how their services can be aligned with your legal needs.

For individuals, corporations, and organizations in the District of Columbia and beyond who require expert legal counsel in complex transportation and rail law matters, you can reach Terence M. Hynes at Sidley Austin LLP using the following contact details:

• Address: 1501 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
• Phone: (202) 736-8198
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-736-8198

When contacting the firm, it is advisable to have a concise summary of your transportation or rail-related legal issue prepared. This will assist the team in understanding your needs and directing your inquiry to the most appropriate legal professional within the firm's extensive network. It is recommended to call during standard business hours to arrange an appointment or to initiate a discussion regarding your legal needs. Given the often critical and time-sensitive nature of transportation regulatory and transactional matters, direct and discreet communication is paramount.

The provision of both a main office phone number and a mobile number offers flexibility for reaching the firm, underscoring their commitment to client accessibility, especially for urgent or high-priority concerns.

For locals in the District of Columbia, whether individuals or, more commonly, businesses and organizations operating within or affected by the transportation industry, Terence M. Hynes at Sidley Austin LLP presents an exceptionally suitable and invaluable legal resource. His office's prime location at 1501 K St NW in Washington, D.C., ensures unparalleled accessibility. Situated in the heart of the Central Business District, it is easily reachable via multiple Metro lines and bus routes, minimizing travel burdens for D.C. residents and those commuting from the wider DMV area. This strategic placement also means direct proximity to federal transportation agencies and courthouses, a significant advantage in regulatory and appellate matters.

What truly distinguishes Terence M. Hynes and makes him an essential asset to the local and national transportation community is his profound and highly specialized expertise in transportation and rail law. With over 45 years of experience, he possesses an unparalleled understanding of the intricate regulatory framework governing these industries. In a city that is a focal point for federal transportation policy, having an attorney with his extensive track record in regulatory litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and his active role in advancing high-speed passenger rail, is paramount. His consistent recognition by prestigious legal ranking bodies like "Super Lawyers" and "Best Lawyers" further solidifies his standing as a leading legal professional in this highly specialized field.

Furthermore, as a Senior Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP, Terence M. Hynes brings the formidable resources of a global law firm to bear on transportation cases. This means clients benefit from a vast network of legal talent, diverse practice area capabilities, and cutting-edge legal research tools, all available to support even the most challenging legal matters. The firm's reputation for handling high-stakes regulatory, transactional, and litigation issues provides a comprehensive and reassuring level of support for clients in the D.C. area and across the country.

In conclusion, for any D.C. local or entity involved in the transportation sector, from large railroads to emerging high-speed rail projects, Terence M. Hynes at Sidley Austin LLP offers an unparalleled blend of seasoned experience, highly specialized knowledge, and the robust support of a globally recognized firm. His commitment to achieving favorable outcomes and his accessible Washington D.C. location make him an exceptionally suitable and trusted advocate in our community.