Charles (Chuck) A. Spitulnik is a partner in Kaplan Kirsch LLP, where he has spent his entire legal career representing both public and private sector clients on issues relating, in one way or another, to the rail industry. For the past thirty-five years, his practice has focused on representation of state and local governments in addressing issues related to the rail companies that serve their communities or to the issues that arise when those communities develop and implement plans for operation of rail transit systems, whether commuter rail, light rail, or heavy rail systems.

Chuck regularly advises clients on issues related to negotiation of agreements with both freight railroads and Amtrak for acquisition or use of their lines; developing arrangements, including procurement documents when required, with those railroads and with third-party operators for the operation of rail transit systems in that right-of-way; compliance with the complex web of federal legislation and regulation of the rail industry as well as state laws and other requirements; and understanding and addressing the unique features of the rail and transit-related labor laws and the protections available to workers in the industry.

Before shifting his focus to representation of the public sector, Chuck gained extensive experience representing freight carriers in the planning and submission of transactions that require governmental approval. Additionally, Chuck has expertise in the acquisition, leasing, and financing of rail equipment and other issues related to rail equipment ownership, including the regulation of rail equipment pools