Rail & Transportation Law

Recognizing The Best

Harrisburg, PA – (August 17, 2023) The 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® was recently published and includes three Nauman Smith attorneys. Proudly representing the firm are Senior Partner, Spencer Nauman, and Partners, Steve Feinour and Craig Staudenmaier. Spencer Nauman is recognized in the category of Trusts and Estates; a practice area of law that he leads at Nauman Smith… Read On

Two Nauman Smith Partners Recognized as 2023 Super Lawyers

The 2023 Super Lawyers list published by Thomson Reuters was recently released, and we are proud to announce that two Nauman Smith attorneys are once again recognized for their commitment to excellence. Craig Staudenmaier has ranked among this elite group for 12 years for his work in Railroad/Transportation Law. When reflecting on his work in this practice area… Read On

Lessons Learned in My 30 Years of PUC Work

By Benjamin Dunlap, Jr. In my 30 years of doing PUC regulatory work for our railroad clients at Nauman Smith, I have acquired skills and learned many lessons. I realize that most other attorneys have had similar learning experiences within their particular spheres of practice, but I will share some of mine in this context. Negotiations Railroad crossing cases under the Public Utility Code are subject to an equitable standard… Read On

Railroad Q&A with Ben Dunlap

This month we are reflecting on and celebrating the remarkable 142-year history that Nauman Smith has representing Pennsylvania railroads. The railroad industry and evolution of transportation are integral parts to our past, present, and future. I sat down with Managing Partner, Ben Dunlap, to discuss his experiences within this practice area. QUESTION: Nauman Smith’s first railroad client was in 1880 with Hall v… Read On

Justice Thomas and Defamation: Why Current Press Protections Should Stand

On February 19, 2019, United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas called for a reevaluation of the existing libel and defamation laws grounded in the precedential case of New York Times v. Sullivan. Justice Thomas’ thoughts appeared in a concurrence to deny Kathrine McKee, a woman who accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault, the opportunity to appeal her defamation case to the U.S… Read On

Federal Preemption Protects Railroads from a “Flood” of Claims

In September, 2011, Hurricane Lee slammed into the eastern seaboard of the United States. The northeast was particularly hard hit, including Pennsylvania. Damage to both commercial and residential property was extensive. Many of those affected did not have flood insurance. Those home and business owners have looked for deep pockets out of which to recoup their losses. … Read On

PUC General Assessment Factor Drops to 2007-2008 Fiscal Year Level

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s General Assessment Factor for the Railroad Transportation Group dropped about 10.5% this fiscal year over last, with payments on each $1,000 of intrastate revenue dropping from $15.08 to $13.47. At the same time, the industry assessment factor in the current fiscal year is about the same as it was in 2007-2008… Read On

Nauman Smith Attorney Craig Staudenmaier Named 2011 Pennsylvania Super Lawyer

Nauman Smith Attorney Craig J. Staudenmaier has been named by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers magazine as one of the 2011 top attorneys in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, according to an announcement by Spencer G. Nauman, Jr., Esq., Senior Partner… Read On

Nauman Smith Attorney Successfully Represents National Railroad Company

Nauman Smith Attorney Craig J. Staudenmaier successfully represented a national Railroad company recently in a Federal Employer Liability Act case involving an employee who claimed he was injured when a piece of automated equipment he was operating allegedly failed. The employee claimed permanent, career ending back injury. The 5-day jury trial in Dauphin County resulted in a verdict in favor of the Railroad… Read On

Nauman Smith Launches 130th Year of Rail Industry Service at PA Rail Freight Seminar

Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall marked its 130th year of service to the Pennsylvania railroad industry in 2010 through two events tied to the Pennsylvania Rail Freight Seminar in Harrisburg. The firm hosted a reception on May 19, 2010, to celebrate the anniversary of two definitive 1880 cases, Duncan v. Pennsylvania Railroad Company and Hall v… Read On

Nauman Smith Rail Group Celebrates 130 Years of Pennsylvania Railroad Industry Service

Nauman Smith Shissler & Hall will celebrate its 130th year of service to the Pennsylvania railroad industry this year, Craig Staudenmaier, Managing Partner of the firm announced today. "We are exceptionally proud of the firm's historic record of service to the railroad industry," Staudenmaier said. "It is certainly gratifying to look back and see how our attorneys over two centuries have helped shaped the industry in Pennsylvania, a true "Keystone Corridor" system of Class I and short line railroads… Read On