Shoosmiths adds rail industry expert to its national commercial team

Rail and renewable energy expert Michelle Craven-Faulkner has joined Shoosmiths’ commercial offering as part of the firm’s ambitious growth strategy.

Michelle, who joins the firm as partner, has significant experience, profile and credibility in the rail sector, and her appointment will ensure the firm can provide a full service in this competitive sector, working closely with colleagues in real estate, finance and construction.

The appointment is also part of the firm’s intent to grow its commercial practice within the East Midlands.

Shoosmiths’ national head of commercial David Jackson said: “We are really pleased to welcome Michelle to Shoosmiths. She brings with her an enviable reputation and experience in the rail industry and this, coupled with the skills we already have, means we can expand our regulatory work, particularly crucial given speculation surrounding nationalisation of rail operators and ongoing HS2 discussion.

“Beyond that, Michelle’s renewable energy work means we can continue to grow our national offering in this increasingly competitive industry.”

Some of Michelle’s most recent work includes advising on a new highly innovative ticketing system in one of the UK’s major cities, helping clients to deliver contracts to established transport providers, and advising a client on entry into the UK renewable energy market.

Michelle has also held the position of vice-chair of the Rail Forum Midlands (in its various guises) since 2009. Since the pandemic, Michelle and the forum have sought government support for businesses affected in China, while in the UK Michelle provides input into cabinet office papers on the impact to the sector. Michelle also sits on the East Midlands Strategic Board for HS2 and the steering committee for the Rail Sector Deal Midlands Pilot.

Michelle joins Shoosmiths from Geldards, where she was a partner. Among other roles, she was an in-house lawyer at Alstom Transport.