Tim Strafford

With over twenty-five years of experience, Tim Strafford focuses his practice in the rail regulatory space, counselling clients on regulatory and legislative issues and business transactions. He represents railroads in disputes before the Surface Transportation Board (STB), arbitrations, court actions, and appeals in federal court. He also advises clients on federal preemption of state and local regulation under the ICC Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA) and other Federal statutes. His practice includes counselling clients on the scope of federal rail safety laws administered by the Federal Rail Administration (FRA).

Prior to joining Steptoe, Tim worked at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) representing the railroad industry before federal regulatory agencies, including the STB, FRA, Federal Communications Commission, and Customs and Border Protection. He was also responsible for railroad industry matters related to federal preemption, communications law, and transborder transportation.

Before joining the AAR, Tim served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the STB. He also worked as an attorney at the STB in a variety of positions in the Office of Proceedings.