Allison Ishihara Fultz is a partner in Kaplan Kirsch LLP, where she brings a wealth of expertise in transactional and regulatory matters related to transportation infrastructure. Her diverse client portfolio includes public transportation agencies, state and local governments, transit operators and safety oversight organizations, and private entities. Allison’s practice encompasses a wide array of issues, such as the acquisition and abandonment of railroad rights-of-way, agreements for shared use of freight and passenger rail corridors, acquisition of controlling interests in rail industry entities, operating agreements for rail operations at ports, and the conversion of rail corridors into recreational trails under the rails-to-trails program.

Before rejoining the firm in early 2025, Allison served as chief counsel at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), where she was the agency’'s top legal officer. In this role, she provided strategic counsel on complex regulatory, legislative, and policy matters affecting the nation’s rail system to FRA and United States Department of Transportation leadership. Leading FRA’s team of legal professionals, she helped guide FRA’s implementation of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and ensured compliance with federal laws while advancing the agency’s mission to promote safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail transportation. Her responsibilities included addressing policy and legal matters regarding the conduct of FRA’s mission, drafting and reviewing regulations, negotiating agreements with industry stakeholders, and managing the legal dimensions of federal grant and loan programs. Allison’s leadership and extensive experience have made her a trusted advisor in navigating the intricate legal and regulatory landscape affecting transportation infrastructure.

Allison is also a licensed architect (inactive) and has practiced in both the United States and Canada. She has directed feasibility studies, master plans, and building projects for institutional, government, and educational clients from the project programming stage through construction.