Firms To Watch: Environment

Under the leadership of Manuela Von Kuegelgen, Simont Braun‘s environment team assists with the broad spread of issues in project permitting and planning.

Environment in Belgium

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP‘s environment and regulatory law practice is esteemed in both standalone environmental work and the environmental aspects of major corporate transactions and projects. The firm advises on issues including regulatory compliance, permitting and zoning, waste management, and pollution, and recently established a dedicated sustainability team to handle support and outreach on existing and forthcoming regulations relating to ESG and energy transition. Practice head Gauthier van Thuyne provides ‘invaluable‘ assistance on contentious and non-contentious matters. Promoted to counsel in May 2022, Fee Goossens is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Gauthier van Thuyne

Other key lawyers:

Fee Goossens

Testimonials

‘Quick service, hands-on, strong strategic thinking.’

‘Gauthier van Thuyne is easily accessible, always with a smile, always pragmatic and to the point. He is invaluable for all environmental issues.’

‘There is a deep and combined knowledge of public law aspects in this team.’

Liedekerke

Situated within the firm’s regulatory department, Liedekerke‘s environment team operates both as a standalone practice and in conjunction with the firm’s corporate and real estate lawyers, covering matters relating to the circular economy, soil pollution, waste management, and pesticides. Practice heads François Tulkens and Dominique Devos are well regarded in litigation and real estate law, respectively, with Devos a key contact for brownfield developments in Flanders. Of counsel Filip De Preter has broad expertise, while senior associate Bert Van Herreweghe is recommended for his experience in planning and zoning.

Practice head(s):

Dominique Devos; François Tulkens

Other key lawyers:

Filip De Preter; Bert Van Herreweghe

Testimonials

‘The team comes across as proactive, quick, responsive, and very competent.’

‘Dominique Devos is very nice to work with.’

Key clients

TotalEnergies

LIDL

Belgian State

Flemish Region

Brussels Capital Region

VEOLIA

ENGIE Electrabel

Renewi

Aspria Roosevelt

Spadel

DROH!ME

Bruxelles Environnement

Agence Francaise de Developpement

Certis Europe

IVCIE

Promaz

Work highlights

  • Assisted lead counsel Latham & Watkins LLP (in New York) and client One Rock Capital Partners LLC with the Belgian environmental law aspects of the successful acquisition by the client of the tire additives business of Eastman Chemicals Company.
  • Assisting TotalEnergies with several environment matters, amongst others, advising on its liability in relation to historical soil pollution in the Walloon Region; assisting with a legal opinion on the refusal of a wind power permit in Feluy and with an appeal to the Council of State; and assisting with an appeal related to solar panel permits.
  • Assisting Droh!me with the development of a new leisure park based on sports, nature, culture and education (the DROH!ME Melting Park) on the site of the old Boitsfort Hippodrome in the Brussels region.

Stibbe

Stibbe is sought out by clients including real estate investors and developers and public authorities for its expertise in matters ranging from major transactions and projects to national and European constitutional and regulatory questions. Practice head Jan Bouckaert is strong in environmental law and urban planning, while Guan Schaiko, who was made up to partner in July 2022, is broadly experienced in EU regulatory matters, and is the team’s leading Dutch speaker. Senior real estate development lawyer France Maussion is also recommended, as are counsels Olivier Di Giacomo, Bastiaan Schelstraete, and Stefanie Francois.

Practice head(s):

Jan Bouckaert

Other key lawyers:

France Maussion; Olivier Di Giacomo; Guan Schaiko; Bastiaan Schelstraete; Stefanie Francois

Testimonials

‘A renowned legal firm in the area of public law, including environment and urban planning law.’ 

‘Stibbe are unique in their capability to think strategically with the end result in mind.’

‘Dedicated team. Long-term collaboration with the same experts. Extended knowledge of the sector and the relevant legislation. Availability 24/7.’ 

‘They go the extra mile, and are well-informed about all the recent developments in case law. Their pragmatic approach is also very much appreciated.’

‘A strong team, with a wide range of knowledge and expertise. They are usually available for urgent questions, and provide thorough and reliable advice.’

‘Special mention for Jan Bouckaert and Guan Schaiko.’

‘Olivier Di Giacomo at Stibbe exceeds expectations. He has the unique capacity to integrate his legal approach fully with the client’s core values. He is fully result-driven and goal-oriented in his legal advice.’

‘Bastiaan Schelstraete has great expertise and availability.’

Work highlights

  • Assisting the Flemish Government with the new legal framework to introduce a “building shift” (Vlaamse bouwshift), aiming to completely stop the use of greenfield sites for construction in the Flemish Region by 2040.
  • Assisting BAM/Lantis with the legal challenges related to the local PFOS contamination in Zwijndrecht in Flanders and the interference with the construction works for the Oosterweelverbinding (a construction project for the Antwerp Ring Road) and the legal procedures concerning these challenges.
  • Assisting the Brussels-Capital Region in the drafting of a new regional urban planning regulation (RRU-GSV).

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL

Known for its ‘great experience and knowledge level‘, the environmental practice group at Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL is jointly led by seasoned litigator Pascal Mallien and transactional real estate specialist Jean-François Vandenberghe. The team has expertise in the full range of environmental, zoning, and planning matters, with particular strengths in issues relating to complex waste products and nature protection. Mario Deketelaere is a key contact for planning and development work, while Mallien’s experience in contentious matters extends to appearances before administrative bodies and civil and criminal courts, including the Court of Appeal.

Practice head(s):

Pascal Mallien; Jean-François Vandenberghe

Other key lawyers:

Mario Deketelaere

Testimonials

‘Very skilled and experienced people with a lot of flexibility.’

‘Great experience and knowledge level.’

Key clients

Aluminium Duffel

Iko

Gosselin Group

Recticel

Veolia SA

Octa+

Lukoil Belgium

Vopak

Aleris

Engie-Electrabel

Orange

Van Ratingen

TotalEnergies Antwerp Platform

Evonik Antwerpen

Work highlights

  • Advising Veolia on its request to participate in several major public procurement proceedings carried out by national and international adjudicating authorities for the award of multi-year service contracts in several jurisdictions.
  • Assisting Orange in litigation involving Proximus SA, Orange Belgium and Irinest against one of Orange’s former contractors, Fibreworx SPRL.
  • Assisting Alvance Aluminium Duffel in different administrative procedures against the local community of Duffel.

DLA Piper

At DLA Piper, deeply experienced and ‘indispensable‘ partner Bob Martens heads an environment team that is regarded as a key port of call for clients including cities and municipalities. Martens has particular expertise in matters relating to large-scale developments, including licensing, zoning, and permitting. He is also an adept litigator. Counsel Alec Van Vaerenbergh is especially strong in project work in the energy sector, where he advises both public and private sector clients. Counsel Lieven Annaert and lead lawyer Birgit Creemers are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Bob Martens

Other key lawyers:

Alec Van Vaerenbergh; Lieven Annaert; Birgit Creemers; Fien Wuyts

Testimonials

‘Bob Martens’s team is a pleasure to work with. They can switch gears in no time and are always able to give us pragmatic and hands-on advice even in urgent matters. When advising on environmental and urban planning matters, they often suggest more creative legal solutions and truly embrace thinking outside the box. Since they know the client’s business so well, they can anticipate their needs and work proactively, which is an added bonus.’

‘Very professional way of rendering services to their clients – including ADR.’

‘Bob Martens has unique experience in environmental law, stretching out over several decades. This makes him indispensable during strategic meetings, as he can offer unparalleled insight into how to go about certain matters. Besides Bob, other standouts include the dynamic duo Birgit Creemers and Fien Wuyts. Birgit’s much appreciated no nonsense approach helps to get quickly and effectively to the bottom of a legal issue. Both Birgit and Fien are very responsive and communicative, which facilitates a good collaboration.’

Key clients

European Commission

Indaver

SUEZ

Sabic

bpost

Osar Architects

City of Antwerp

Sweco

Borealis Polymers NV

Mondelez International

Lillo Energy

Vlaamse Radio en Televisie (VRT)

TM ROCO

Municipality Brasschaat

TM COTU

Fastned

Bekaert

Bacardi – Martini

Lucid Motors

AG VESPA

Arcelor Mittal

Nationale Loterij

City of Mortsel

Work highlights

  • Acting for TM COTU during the construction works of the Oosterweelverbinding project, providing essential legal support regarding a number of urban planning and environmental issues, notably the high-profile PFAS contamination by 3M in proximity to the construction works and the related legal proceedings before the Council of State suspending the ongoing earthmoving works.
  • Providing support to Indaver, a major player in the waste processing and waste management industry, in various permitting proceedings initiated to remedy effluent containing PFAS and to impose scientific nitrogen studies.
  • Advising the City of Antwerp in connection with a number of urban planning and development projects, dealing with complex legal questions as well as policy issues.

Eubelius

Urban and environmental matters are a core strength of the public and administrative law team at Eubelius, which is helmed by Barteld Schutyser and Bart Martel and acts for a range of clients across the private and public sectors. Schutyser has broad public law expertise, with a particular focus on the environmental aspects of large real estate projects. Martel, meanwhile, specialises in public litigation, in particular urban planning disputes. Notable support comes from senior attorney Laura Janssens, who is active in matters across the construction, infrastructure, and transport industries.

Practice head(s):

Barteld Schutyser; Bart Martel

Other key lawyers:

Laura Janssens

Testimonials

‘A strong team with intelligent, hands-on people.’

‘Bart Martel and Laura Janssens offer a very practical view of things.’

Key clients

Uplace

Proximus

Aspiravi

Port of Antwerp

NMBS

Desotec

Elba Leasehold

Colas Noord

Province of East Flanders

Albert Heijn

Sint-Niklaas

Work highlights

  • Advised Uplace with regard to the construction and operation of ‘Broeklin’, a new large urban development project in Machelen.
  • Advised NMBS (National Belgian Rail Company) with regard to the development of its new headquarters at the Brussels-South train station.
  • Assisted Proximus (the national telecoms operator) with regard to the development of telecoms infrastructure, including litigation and regulatory advice.

Linklaters

Linklaters‘s environment team handles both standalone matters and environmental issues arising from major transactions, working in collaboration with the firm’s corporate, finance and real estate lawyers to provide full-service support to a roster of clients including major multinationals. ‘Competent and knowledgeable‘ in issues ranging from public procurement and real estate to regulatory advice and waste management, Lieve Swartenbroux heads the practice. She is supported by managing associate Melissa Verplancke.

Practice head(s):

Lieve Swartenbroux

Other key lawyers:

Melissa Verplancke

Testimonials

‘Great support on very technically difficult files.’

‘The team’s strength is clearly the quality of the work. They are very trustworthy.’

‘Lieve Swartenbroux heads the practice, and is very competent and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

ENGIE

Renault

Tiense Suikerraffinaderij

Work highlights

  • Advised Wind4Flanders Projects 5 as borrower’s counsel in relation to the project financing of six onshore wind farms.
  • Advised Cofinimmo on the acquisition of five retirement homes in Belgium.
  • Advised a US private equity fund on its €50m investment in Belgian football club Club Brugge.

Lydian

Counsel since January 2022, Lydian‘s environmental practice head Kyoto Van Herreweghe receives high praise from clients as an ‘expert in her field‘ and an ‘incredibly bright and articulate lawyer‘ with broad expertise across a range of environmental and planning issues. Under her leadership, the team advises on issues including permitting, waste management, and contamination, in addition to providing support on real estate transactions and projects, including in the growing area of heating grid development. Referral work from international firms is another key source of mandates for the practice.

Practice head(s):

Kyoto Van Herreweghe

Other key lawyers:

Karlien Meert; Jan Maertens

Testimonials

‘Lydian is outstanding because of its pragmatic and straight to the point approach. Lydian is also goal-orientated and is able to give you out-of-the-box advice in order to reach your goal.’

‘Very knowledgeable and experienced, giving good proactive advice. Strategic and timely.’

‘Strong team with good knowledge of environmental legislation in Flanders and legal procedures. Very good strategic advice.’

‘Combines solid legal know-how with youthful enthusiasm and senior experience.’

‘Hands-on replies, given within very short timeframes. Truly collaborative mindset.’

‘Kyoto Van Herreweghe is an incredibly bright and articulate lawyer. She has in-depth knowledge of complex environmental matters and provides practical advice within a short timeframe, which is very comforting. She manages to be very available and quickly delivers very good strategic advice. She has a good client manner and a diligent tactical mind.’

‘Responsive, knowledgeable, and pragmatic approach.’

‘Kyoto Van Herreweghe is an expert in her field.’

Key clients

5N Plus Inc.

Accor Hotels Belgium

AIG Europe S.A. (France)

Alto.Biz BV

Arcadis Belgium NV

Baloise Belgium NV

Baltissimmo NV

Belgian Real Estate Finance (Brefin NV)

Belnima NV

Bentam Société d’avocats SLRL

BNP Paribas Fortis

Bruvinvest NV

Building Group Jansen NV

Buro II & Archi + I bvba

Bruvaco NV

Bruvinvest NV

Building Group Jansen NV

BV Assurinvestment

Carglass NV

Ceprim NV

Cercle Brugge Koninklijke Sportvereniging

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Ciner Glass Belgium

Commonwealth War Graves -Berkshire

Contimac GMT International BV

Coordinatie Organisatie Constructie NV

Cordeel Group NV

DCA NV

DEMOCO NV

Dentco BV

Douglas Terminals BV

DUAL Asset Underwriting Limited

E.on Power Plants Belgium BVBA

EDF Luminus NV

Eldorado NV

Elecnor S.A.

Elia Transmission Belgium NV

Equans NV (part of the Engie Group)

EuroParcs Belgium Holding BV

European Projects Investment Company NV

Fanuc Benelux BVBA

Federale Real Estate

FIVAC NV

Full Moon Events sprl

Gemeente Wemmel

Ghent Transport & Storage NV

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I

Goodman Belgium NV

Govaerts Tom BV

Groep Van Roey NV

Gromabel NV

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Hoome Group NV

Houthoff

Huis van het GO!

IBP Water-Link OFP

Ice Miller LLP

Immobiliën De Swaef NV

Immogra

Infrabel NV

KBC Bank NV

KBC Global Services NV

KBC Groep NV

KBC Verzekeringen NV

Kolmont Woonprojecten NV

KUKA Deutschland GmbH

LCL NV

LOM Vlaanderen

M² Architecten BVBA

Marbreries G. Allard et fils NV

Martal NV

MC Capital NV

Media Markt – Saturn Belgium NV

Mensura Gemeenschappelijke Verzekeringskas

Metro AG

Mobix Engetec NV

Naxicap Partners

NEAG Norddeutsche Energie Development GmbH

Nippon Express (Belgium) NV

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

Nutkao S.r.l.

Oleon NV

Openbare Vlaamse Afvalstoffenmaatschappij

Pegaland BV

Pegatrim BV

Pekago Kunststoffen B.V.

Plukon Food Group B.V.

Provincie Limburg

Pulderbos VZW

RA-Business Park BV

Real Estate and Leasing Company NV (RESLEA)

RebelValley BV

Reed Smith LLP

RiskPoint A/S

Service & Development Group Belgium NV

Sterhoek NV

STIB-MIVB

Stora Enso Langerbrugge NV

SVR-Architects NV

Tans Group

Tereos Starch & Sweeteners Belgium NV

The Cube BVBA

THV Jansen Finishings – Aannemingen Jansen

Trading Places NV

VAC De Meander NV

Van Benthem & Keulen

Van Campen & Partners N.V.

Van Goethem Philippe

Venneshop BVBA

Visser & Smit Hanab

Vivalto Home Belgium SA

VK Engineering NV

Vlaamse Overheid – MOW – Juridisch / LHB / Maritiem

Vlaamse Vervoersmaatschappij – De Lijn

Vlinvesta NV

VZW het Domein Bokrijk

Water-link ov

Willy Tans NV

Zurich Insurance Plc Netherlands branch

Work highlights

  • Defending Stora Enso NV’s interests in environmental litigation claims regarding legionella infections in Ghent, Belgium.
  • Advising Visser & Smit Hanab BV on the development and construction of a water pipeline between two major industrial players in the Antwerp harbour, with a disconnection point with the city of Antwerp in order to dispose of a local large-scale heating network.
  • Advising Real Estate and Leasing Company NV on the development of a maritime campus (including all permitting aspects) in the south of Antwerp, including defending the company’s rights in proceedings brought before the Flemish Council for Permit Disputes against its single permit granted in appeal.

NautaDutilh

Steered by experienced partner Jens Mosselmans, the public and regulatory law team at NautaDutilh is praised for its ‘high level of engagement‘ with clients and ‘pragmatic‘ advice on a range of complex matters. Mosselmans’s practice covers contentious and non-contentious work, and the team has niche expertise in major projects and issues relating to energy supply and transition. Counsel Maxime Vanderstraeten is a public procurement expert, while Stef Feyen, who was promoted to counsel in April 2022, is a key contact for soil remediation and chemical pollution matters.

Practice head(s):

Jens Mosselmans

Other key lawyers:

Maxime Vanderstraeten; Stef Feyen

Testimonials

‘Super high level of engagement and strong project management skills.’

‘Experts in their domain. Easily reachable. High level of partner involvement.’

‘Very responsive with high quality legal advice which is pragmatic and to the point.’

‘Strong vision, strong partnership.’

‘Great support on sensitive files.’

‘Jens Mosselmans is easily reachable and works with the client with a view to rendering hands-on and practical advice.’

‘It is a real pleasure working with this team. Particular mentions for Jens Mosselmans, who is very responsive and to the point, and Stef Feyen, with his in-depth knowledge.’

‘Jens Mosselmans and team are great.’

Key clients

Belgian Shell

ENGIE Electrabel

Fedasil

Inkendaal Hospital

Umicore

Zenitel

White & Case LLP

International and EU regulatory matters are a key focus for White & Case LLP‘s environmental law offering, which operates as part of the firm’s EU-wide regulatory group. Practice co-head Genevra Forwood has expertise across broad issues such as supply chain due diligence and consumer advice, as well as sector-specific issues in consumer electronics, life sciences, and industrial emissions. Jacquelyn MacLennan leads the team alongside Forwood, and is also head of the firm’s global ESG group, with a particular focus on the competition and trade implications of environmental regulations.

Practice head(s):

Genevra Forwood; Jacquelyn MacLennan

Other key lawyers:

Sara Nordin

Key clients

Eni

Daimler AG

Japan Machinery Center for Trade and Investment

Hyundai Motor Company/Kia Motors Corporation

US Industrial Pellet Association

Work highlights

  • Representing Italian energy company Eni S.p.A. (Eni) and its US subsidiary Eni Oil & Gas Inc. (EOG) in matters relating to climate change and energy transition, including defending Eni and EOG in seven pending cases in California and developing a globally effective defence strategy consistent with Eni’s corporate climate change and sustainability goals.
  • Advising Daimler on the full spectrum of EU and national regulatory issues related to the consumption and emission performance of cars and vans, trucks and buses in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australasia.
  • Advising JMC on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and other sustainable trade policy and climate change regulations in the EU.

Monard Law

The public law department at Monard Law provides advice and litigation assistance on environmental issues, in particular those relating to permitting and soil pollution. Koen Geelen and Wouter Moonen head the practice, with expertise in the full range of administrative and public law matters. Notable support at senior associate level comes from Sarah Jacobs and Nick Parthoens.

Practice head(s):

Koen Geelen; Wouter Moonen

Other key lawyers:

Sarah Jacobs; Nick Parthoens

Key clients

Remo Milieubeheer (Group Machiels)

Greenyard

OVAM (Openbare Vlaamse Afvalstoffenmaatschappij)

De Neef Chemical Processing – DNCP (Group Soudal)

City of Antwerp

Hedin Automotive Belgium

LEM Antwerpen (Antwerp Flanders International Airport)

LEM Oostende-Brugge (Ostend-Bruges Flanders International Airport)

Primagaz

Lantis

We Are One.World

Work highlights

  • Advising Primagaz on the expansion of gas storage located in the industrial zone of Tessenderlo in order to obtain the necessary environmental permits.
  • Advising WeAreOneWorld on environmental permits for the Tomorrowland festival (taking place over three weekends).
  • Advising the City of Antwerp concerning multiple spatial, urban planning and environmental matters.

Publius

With offices in Antwerp, Brussels, and Kortrijk, public law specialist firm Publius has strong coverage across environmental matters including permitting, due diligence, and litigation, with clients including public authorities at the regional and national levels. Key figures include Dirk Van Heuven, Steve Ronse, Jan Beleyn, Sofie Logie, Meindert Gees, and Merlijn De Rechter, who was promoted to partner in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Dirk Van Heuven; Steve Ronse; Jan Beleyn; Sofie Logie; Meindert Gees; Merlijn De Rechter

Key clients

Flemish Government

8 municipalities of the Province of Limburg

City of Kortrijk

Colruyt Group

BC Foods (Belchicken)

Hawaiian Poke Bowl

Burger Brands

Ethias

Global Estate

Koramic Real Estate

Work highlights

  • Assisting eight municipalities in the province of Limburg and four municipalities of the Dutch South Limburg province with environmental nuisance issues relating to the activities of the Luik-Bierset Airport.
  • Assisting Hawaiian Poké Bowl with obtaining all necessary permits to open its restaurants in Belgium.
  • Assisting Ethias Insurance in cases concerning the liability of municipalities in relation to wrongful information about urbanism and the environment and concerning civil servant law.

PwC Legal

With notable experience of advising on projects and procurement, PwC Legal‘s environmental law practice is sought out by clients including developers and public authorities. Els Empereur heads the team, bringing expertise across administrative, public, and real estate law to the table, while senior managing associate Olivier Drooghmans is noted for his work in zoning, due diligence, and energy contracts and regulation.

Practice head(s):

Els Empereur

Other key lawyers:

Olivier Drooghmans

Key clients

BESIX RED NV

ION BV

ROOMPOT RECREATIE BEHEER BV

DE WERKVENNOOTSCHAP

BALTISSE NV

INCLUSIO NV

3D REAL ESTATE NV

LEASINVEST COMM VA

MATEXI NV

SLIGRO-ISPC BELGIUM NV

MITISKA REIM NV

NEXTENSA NV

KANAALKOM DEVELOPMENT NV

CHATEAUX REAL ESTATE NV

STAY-ICI

BRIMO NV

FABRICOM NV

WEERTS GROUP

GREENYARD

DE MOLENS NV

Work highlights

  • Assisting De Werkvennootschap in the realisation of the complex public-private partnership infrastructure project Noord-Zuidverbinding Limburg (NZL), impacting Houthalen-Helchteren and the vicinity.
  • Assisting 3D Real Estate regarding the development of a highly sustainable residential project of 239 housing units, including a complementary park.
  • Assisting De Molens NV, a joint venture between 3D Real Estate and Atenor, with the development of a mixed-use project in Deinze, along the Leie, on the site of the former Dossche Mills.

Schoups

Led by Kristof Hectors from the firm’s Antwerp office, Schoups‘s environment team is capable across the range of planning and permitting, compliance, and contentious work. Counsel Roel Meeus is strong on environmental impact assessments, while Charles Poncelet, who was promoted to counsel in January 2022, is active in major real estate and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Kristof Hectors

Other key lawyers:

Roel Meeus; Charles Poncelet; Céline Bimbenet

Testimonials

‘Schoups is a professional team that works well, with a deep knowledge of environmental law.’

‘Excellent service in terms of reaction time and availability. Experience and knowledge level is very high. The team feels like a partner that has the same mindset as the client.’

‘Highly motivated and highly competent lawyers. The lawyers each have their own specific domain. They will also not fail to refer you as a client to a colleague.’

‘What makes this law firm unique is the diversity of skills that make a well-oiled machine run, so that clients are supported in their problems. The speed, correctness, and accuracy in their files is unprecedented and this is precisely due to the thorough teamwork.’

‘Easy accessible, down to earth, and just brilliant!’

‘Kristof Hectors’s service is excellent – couldn’t be better actually. The team’s experience level is very high. Roel Meeus is a top-quality lawyer with a very high level of knowledge.’ 

‘Roel Meeus is a very talented and down to earth lawyer with a deep knowledge of both spatial planning regulations and environmental law. He is capable of using his knowledge to solve policy problems – for example, about urban planning charges.’

‘Charles Poncelet has sharp analytical skills. He is able to tackle difficult issues and offer business-oriented solutions.’

Key clients

Carrefour

Resolve

Atelier Romain

Vastint Belgium

Ether Energy

Borealis Hotel Group

Work highlights

  • Advising Revolve on contract and permitting work as well as litigation.
  • Assisting Atelier Romain with multidisciplinary advisory work for regional and local authorities.
  • Advising Vastint Belgium on the development of its major real estate projects in Brussels.

Advocatenkantoor De Coninck

A boutique firm focused on environmental, public, and property law, Advocatenkantoor De Coninck provides advice on matters relating to significant projects to clients including developers and city governments. Experienced environmental lawyer Jeroen De Coninck heads the practice, while Tinneke Hugyhe, who was promoted to the partnership in January 2023, leads on urban planning matters.

Practice head(s):

Jeroen De Coninck

Other key lawyers:

Tinneke Huyghe

Testimonials

‘The firm has an excellent knowledge of administrative law. Opinions are well-reasoned and realistic. The client receives a detailed quotation, with very good value for money. Deadlines are also met promptly without the need for reminders. The work delivered is of excellent quality.’

‘They take the time and have the interest to take a profound deep dive into the factual circumstances of a case, and take a holistic approach.’

‘De Coninck is a very customer-oriented firm, with a strong focus on the individuality of the customer and a high degree of flexibility and availability, combined with an excellent knowledge of the files in complex matters.’

Key clients

Aurubis Olen NV

Deneve Group

VEKA (Vlaams Energie- en Klimaat Agentschap)

City of Landen

City of Hasselt

Alta Build

Van Moer Logistics

Refresco

Transma NV

Henschel engineering

Swenden NV

Vermeiren NV

Demako NV

Work highlights

  • Advised Aurubis Olen NV on a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Eneco to source renewable energy from the SeaMade offshore wind farm in Belgium.
  • Advised Van Moer Logistics on the environmental and safety aspects of due diligence for the different operational locations of acquired companies Broekman Logistics Belgium Antwerpen and Van Loon Group.
  • Defended the City of Hasselt before the Flemish Court of Permit Disputes in a dispute with a real estate developer over a residential development of 84 apartments and 14 student rooms.

Seeds of Law

Urban planning and permitting are core work streams for Seeds of Law, where practice head Koen De Puydt has experience in environmental and real estate law. The firm’s client base encompasses public authorities as well as small, mid-sized, and large private companies, in sectors including waste management.

Practice head(s):

Koen De Puydt

Other key lawyers:

Aline Heyrman

Testimonials

‘To the point.’ 

‘Easily accessible. Fair billing. Always available. Ongoing cooperation.’ 

‘Koen De Puydt is a top lawyer.’

Key clients

C.E.T.T. P. Monseu

Sandaya

SUCABA NV

GXO

Greenleaf NV

XPO Supply Chain Chemicals Belgium

Work highlights

  • Advised Parc la Clusure with respect to its application for an environmental permit.
  • Advised C.E.T.T. P. Monseu regarding the application for a new single permit.
  • Advising Brik on regional town planning legislation and related matters.