Reyes to serve as FRA's chief counsel

Juan Reyes has been appointed chief counsel of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), according to a press release issued by Seyfarth Shaw LLP, a law firm where Reyes has served as partner.

As the principal legal adviser to the FRA, Reyes will manage a legal department of 50 attorneys and provide executive direction to the general law and safety law divisions, Seyfarth officials said.

At Seyfarth, Reyes concentrated his practice on land use, development and permitting, with particular experience in zoning, planning, landmark and building code matters, and government approvals. He also has been a leader in the firm's public-private partnerships practice.

"Juan is one of the most accomplished lawyers in the country for managing the complexities of large projects, and he will serve the FRA and [U.S. Department of Transportation] well as chief counsel," said John Napoli, co-managing partner of Seyfarth's New York office.

Prior to joining Seyfarth, Reyes served as general counsel to the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals. He also served as counsel to the New York City Loft Board, Office of the Mayor, and served on the Association of the Bar of the City of New York's Zoning Committee and Housing and Urban Development Committee.