Nossaman LLP announced today that Linda J. Morgan has joined the Firm as a partner in the Infrastructure and Public Policy Practice Groups. Ms. Morgan has extensive legislative and regulatory experience in the transportation sector, including her roles as chair of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and its successor the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and general counsel for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Her practice focuses on a broad range of rail and other transportation matters, as well as general legislative, regulatory, and policy issues. She is based in Nossaman’s Washington, DC, office and will work on projects across the country.
“The addition of Linda, an experienced lawyer in regulatory and policy matters and a national leader in the transportation field, immediately enhances our depth in the transportation policy arena. Her knowledge of the rail industry strengthens our capabilities in one of the world’s fastest-growing project sectors,” said Geoffrey S. Yarema, co-chair of Nossaman’s Infrastructure Practice Group. “Linda’s strong transportation policy and rail expertise will add to our ability to advise clients on the broad range of issues facing transportation agencies and the transportation industry today, from the formation of governing laws and policies to the implementation of innovative projects on the ground. Clients seek out Nossaman because of our proven track record advising on successful projects throughout the U.S. and our prominent position on the cutting edge of policy development. Linda’s transportation expertise greatly enhances our ability to continue to address our clients’ critical infrastructure needs as the nation’s transportation networks continue to grow and evolve.”
Timothy W. Jenkins, chair of Nossaman’s Public Policy Practice Group said, “Linda adds additional marquee value to Nossaman’s distinguished Public Policy Practice Group. She has extensive relationships with key policymakers and has substantive expertise on a wide range of issues, particularly those under the jurisdiction of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.” Mr. Jenkins added, “We are thrilled to have her on board.”
Ms. Morgan was appointed by President Clinton as chair of the ICC in 1995, oversaw the transformation of that agency into the STB in 1996, and served until 2002 as the STB’s first chair. In that capacity, she presided over numerous transportation regulatory proceedings, including rail rate and service matters and railroad merger cases of unprecedented national scope and complexity. As general counsel for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, she handled a broad array of legislative matters and was responsible for much of the legislation that established the framework for today’s transportation system. More recently, she was chair of the Transportation Practice Group at Covington & Burling LLP, where her practice included counseling railroad and other transportation industry clients on economic regulation, infrastructure investment, safety, and other related matters. Ms. Morgan is the second partner to join Nossaman’s Washington, DC, Infrastructure Practice Group this year, following the addition in January of railroad and public transit lawyer Kevin M. Sheys.
“I have always respected Nossaman’s innovative counsel to its public and private sector clients, which has involved virtually every major infrastructure project completed in North America over the last two decades,” Ms. Morgan said. “The team’s depth in all aspects of the business—from project development to contract negotiations to enabling legislation—offers a terrific opportunity for me and my clients to work alongside the very best in the business. I also look forward to working closely with the Firm’s Public Policy Practice Group on important legislative initiatives of the day.”
Widely recognized for her contributions to the legal profession, Ms. Morgan was selected in 2011 and prior years by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer nationally in the area of rail transportation. Clients commented to the publication that she is an “asset on the Hill … a real policy person as well as a substantive regulatory lawyer.” She has also been regularly recognized by Best Lawyers in America. She earned her J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center and an A.B. degree from Vassar College. Ms. Morgan also completed the Program for Senior Managers in Government at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
