Suzanne L. Silverman
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Suzanne L. Silverman

Of Counsel

New York
646.883.5110C 732.673.1818

My practice focuses on recommending, developing, and implementing strategies during the planning, design, construction, and operation phases of major rail and transit infrastructure projects that achieves a project’s goals in a timely and cost-effective manner. I have a tenacious attitude toward achieving my client’s objectives.

Suzanne Silverman is a transportation attorney focusing her practice on transactional and regulatory issues related to railroad and transit infrastructure projects and brings substantial expertise in real estate, joint development projects, and railroad negotiations to the Firm’s practice.  Prior to joining the Firm, Suzanne provided legal advice to NJ TRANSIT for 25 years.  She is an expert in all issues related to the acquisition of rail lines and assembles right-of-way for new commuter and light rail service expansions, as well as new stations and related facilities.  Suzanne has a breadth of experience negotiating and drafting P3 procurement documents, operating and maintenance, design, construction, force account, cost and risk allocation, jurisdictional, and shared use agreements.

Suzanne also has extensive experience interfacing with agencies such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the U.S. DOT Build America Bureau and has worked closely with Amtrak and freight railroads.  She is an expert with railroad negotiations, rail road title, real estate, and joint development projects.  Prior to her career with NJ TRANSIT, Suzanne was corporate counsel to a real estate developer in New York City where she had extensive experience negotiating commercial and retail leases.

Representative Experience

Maryland Department of Transportation

Counsel and drafting documents for major capital projects, operating agreements with Amtrak for MARC service, and regarding regulatory status and options for use of state-owned freight rail properties potentially involving short line freight service or trail development, including extensive interaction with federal regulatory agencies.

New Jersey Transit

Counsel and drafting of interagency, utility relocation, operating and maintenance, and construction documents for major capital projects including Hudson Bergen Light Rail, Portal North Bridge, Sawtooth Bridge, and other Gateway Program projects.  Advise client on host of issues related to acquisition of railroad lines from freight railroads for expansion of commuter and light rail operations.  Regulatory documents for acquisition and continued shared use of freight rail lines; strategic counsel and drafting of pleadings in administrative litigation before Surface Transportation Board.

Regional Transportation District, Denver, Colorado

Negotiated and drafting purchase and sale agreements, operating agreements, easement agreements, and related regulatory documents for the acquisition of significant rail corridors from two major freight railroads.

Port of Long Beach

Counsel and drafting documents related to railroad switching operator serving marine terminals and Class I railroads within port facilities.

North Carolina Department of Transportation

Counsel and drafting purchase and sale agreement, operating agreements, and related documents for acquisition of major rail corridor from Class I freight railroad.

Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

Counsel and drafting documents related to operation of commuter rail service on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

Private Sector Representation

  • Counsel to purchaser of Class II railroad in connection with STB authorization of transaction
  • Counsel to private developers in connection with clearing title of railroad easements and related railroad encumbrances

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