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Justin J. Marks

Member
fax +1 202.772.0930

Justin J. Marks advises private sector and governmental agencies on railroad regulatory, transactional, and litigation issues.

Justin’s transportation practice primarily involves assisting passenger and freight railroads as well as industrial shippers on railroad-related matters. Justin represents clients before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) litigating disputes and seeking approval for the construction, purchase, lease, or abandonment of a rail line. He also assists clients in litigating disputes beyond the STB in matters related to federal preemption of state and local regulations impacting interstate commerce.

Before the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Justin counsels railroads, shippers, and railroad equipment suppliers on FRA safety compliance issues.

In addition, Justin negotiates and drafts a variety of commercial agreements between railroads and he advises clients dealing with the unique issues presented by railroad real estate.

Education

J.D., University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
M.P.A., University of Colorado, Denver School of Public Affairs
B.A., Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, Bowling Green, Ohio

Recognitions

Named among Best Lawyers in America® for Transportation Law by Best Lawyers (2026)

Named among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® for Transportation Law by Best Lawyers (2023-2025)

Memberships

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, General Counsel Committee Member

Association of Transportation Law Professionals, President (2023-2024) / Highlights Blog Managing Editor

District of Columbia Bar Association

State Bar Licenses

District of Columbia, Maryland

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit

Organizations

  • Volunteer: Northern Virginia Hockey Club – Coach
  • Volunteer: Alexandria Lacrosse Club – Coach / Board Member
Presentations
  • Panelist, “Local Regulation of Railroads: Protecting Residents by Navigating the Complexities of Federal Preemption,” Strafford Live Webinar, August 10, 2023
  • Panelist, “Rail 101: All (Rail) Roads Lead to the CFR,” American Public Transportation Association Legal Affairs Seminar, June 16, 2021
  • Panelist, “Preemption Song (feat. Illinois Train Crew Size Legislation),” American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association General Counsel’s Symposium, October 11, 2019
  • Panelist, “Inter-City Passenger Rail Regulatory Update,” Association of Transportation Law Professionals Annual Meeting, June 9, 2019
  • Panelist, “Rail Session: Modernizing the Passenger Rail System Requires Playing the Long Game,” American Public Transportation Association, Legal Affairs Seminar, February 25, 2019
  • Panelist, “Inter-City Passenger Rail Regulatory Update,” Association of Transportation Law Professionals Annual Meeting, June 10, 2018
  • Panelist, “Surface Transportation Board Update,” American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association General Counsel’s Symposium, November 16, 2018
  • Panelist, “Rail Session: The Times They Keep a’ Changin’,” American Public Transportation Association Legal Affairs Seminar, February 27, 2018
  • Panelist, “Inter-City Passenger Rail Regulatory Update,” Association of Transportation Law Professionals Annual Meeting, June 25, 2017
  • Speaker, “Interview with Surface Transportation Board Officials,” Association of Transportation Law Professionals Annual Meeting, June 26, 2017
  • Panelist, “Surface Transportation Board Update,” American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association General Counsel’s Symposium, November 18, 2016
  • Speaker, “FAST ACT: Safety Provisions Affecting Rail Operations,” American Public Transportation Association, Legal Affairs Seminar, February 22, 2016

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