MATTHEW CAHILL represents surface transportation clients in regulatory proceedings, commercial litigation, and mergers and acquisitions. His experience includes working with the nation’s largest railroads to resolve disputes before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) related to track access, rates, and service issues. He assists railroads in responding to proposed STB and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rulemakings, including arbitration of rate disputes, reciprocal switching, and crew size.
Recently he has helped clients navigate a rail access dispute in the southeastern United States, advised a client in connection with a proposed major rail industry merger, and advised potential buyers on regulatory aspects of acquisitions in the rail, trucking, and intermodal freight industries. Matthew maintains an active pro bono practice, advising the nation’s largest freight railroad safety advocacy organization and assisting criminal defendants with appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, the latter in collaboration with Northwestern University’s Bluhm Legal Clinic.
Prior to joining Sidley, Matthew was a consultant to federal agencies, public transit authorities, private bus operators, and railroad equipment suppliers. His services included project management, government affairs, communications, and business development focused on the transportation industry. He advised the federal government on oversight of US$2.5 billion in grants to improve railroad infrastructure in the midwestern and northeastern United States. Matthew earned his B.S. from Eureka College and his J.D. and MBA from Northwestern University.