Hogan Lovells Launches Global Transportation Regulatory Practice – Incudes UAS

International law firm Hogan Lovells announced that it has launched a new global Transportation practice, to be led by Washington, D.C.-based partner Latane Montague, one of the transportation industry’s most seasoned regulatory lawyers.

As part of the firm’s Regulatory Practice, the new practice combines the strengths of the firm’s top-tier Aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems practices with its industry-leading surface transportation and automotive practices.

The new practice covers a wide array of regulatory matters involving all modes of transportation, including: automotive, aviation, autonomous vehicles, drones, rail, ships, and trucking. It focuses on:

The regulation of transportation manufacturers, including: environmental regulation of vehicles and engine makers; safety regulation of car and truck manufacturers; regulation of manned aircraft and drone manufacturers; and autonomous vehicle regulation.

Regulation related to transportation projects, including: environmental and historic preservation reviews and approvals; transportation agency participation in public-private partnership (P3) projects; grants; noise regulation; and licensing of port projects.

Economic and safety regulation of transportation operators, including: accident investigations; economic regulation of rail operations; regulation of rail car owners and shippers; regulation of airlines; and commercial drone operators.

Speaking about the formation of the new practice, Montague commented:

“This new practice combines the firm’s unmatched experience in the industry’s most complex and heavily regulated sectors, with a truly global platform.  As the pace of technological innovation accelerates and outpaces the ability of historical regulation to keep-up, a new generation of regulatory issues is emerging that only increases the importance of experienced regulatory counsel that can help clients see around corners, reduce risk, and prepare for the future.”

In addition to combining the strength of several existing practices, the new Transportation practice will work closely with the Environment and Natural Resources practice area,  and align closely with the firm’s Aerospace Defense and Government Services and Automotive and Mobility sector groups.