Before I became an attorney, I practiced architecture for nearly 15 years. Having been in the business of getting things built, my approach to legal questions and strategic advising is rooted in crafting practical solutions at every point of a project’s life cycle. I’ve spent most of my career in the private sector, working with a broad range of public and private entities, and recently had the privilege to serve as the Chief Counsel of the Federal Railroad Administration for over three years.
Allison possesses broad expertise in transactional and regulatory matters related to transportation infrastructure. Her diverse client portfolio includes public transportation agencies, state and local governments, transit operators and safety oversight organizations, and private entities. Allison’s practice encompasses a wide array of issues, such as the acquisition and abandonment of railroad rights-of-way, agreements for shared use of freight and passenger rail corridors, the conversion of rail corridors into recreational trails under the rails-to-trails program, and development and construction agreements for complex infrastructure projects.
Before rejoining the firm in 2025, Allison served as Chief Counsel at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), where she was the agency’s top legal officer. In this role, she provided strategic counsel on complex regulatory, legislative, and policy matters affecting the nation’s rail system to FRA and US Department of Transportation leadership. Leading FRA’s team of legal professionals, she helped guide FRA’s implementation of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and ensured compliance with federal laws while advancing the agency’s mission to promote safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail transportation. Her responsibilities included drafting and reviewing regulations, negotiating agreements with industry stakeholders, addressing policy and legal matters regarding the conduct of FRA’s mission, and managing the legal dimensions of federal grant and loan programs.
Allison’s leadership and extensive experience have made her a trusted advisor in navigating the intricate legal and regulatory landscape affecting transportation infrastructure. She also is a licensed architect, currently inactive, and has practiced architecture in both the United States and Canada. Allison has directed feasibility studies, master plans, and building projects for institutional, government, and educational clients from the project programming stage through construction.
