Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Environment

Under the stewardship of experienced public real estate lawyer Ive Van Giel, the environmental, planning, procurement and energy work at Agio Legal continues to expand, encompassing both complex litigation and transactional matters.

Firms in the Spotlight Environment

Lauwers Law

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Lauwers Law stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of tax law, renowned for its profound expertise and a uniquely tailored approach that effectively navigates the complexities of tax law across Belgium’s diverse regional landscape.  Our comprehensive services cover a broad spectrum of tax-related matters, including corporate taxation, international tax law, VAT, and …

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Environment in Belgium

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP has an environment and regulatory law practice that ‘guarantees a personal, professional, hands-on approach‘ and is well versed in advisory, transactional and contentious matters. Its work spans enforcement actions, energy transition and ESG matters, planning and zoning projects, and advice on chemical regulation issues. Practice head Gauthier van Thuyne chiefly advises on environmental regulatory matters and represents clients in litigation proceedings, while the  ‘hardworking and responsiveFee Goossens is highly respected by clients for handling complex public law matters, including advice on energy infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Gauthier van Thuyne


Other key lawyers:

Fee Goossens


Testimonials

‘Good team.’

‘Fee Goossens is hardworking and responsive.’

‘Gauthier’s team guarantees a personal, professional hands-on approach. No long written opinions but to the point environmental law advice in short calls. Exactly how we need it!

Liedekerke

Liedekerke's large regulatory practice handles a significant volume of high-profile environmental matters encompassing both advisory and contentious work. The practice is led by François Tulkens and Dominique Devos, who are well-versed in public law litigation and real estate matters and frequently advise public and private clients on on issues related to soil pollution, waste management, and nuclear regulations as well as on high-profile noise limitation and noise nuisance cases. Filip De Preter, who has ‘deep understanding of Flemish urban planning law‘, and Bert Van Herreweghe  also play key roles in the practice.

Practice head(s):

François Tulkens; Dominique Devos


Other key lawyers:

Filip De Preter; Bert Van Herreweghe


Testimonials

‘I enjoy working with Liedekerke Environment team. They have a high level of expertise, are pragmatic, solution oriented and efficient.’

‘I’ve worked with François Tulkens. I value his expertise, his ability to understand one’s needs and to come up with creative and pragmatic solutions as well as his availability.’

‘Team members I’ve worked with are reliable, calm and confident, experienced lawyers.’

‘In my personal experience, Dominique Devos has in-depth knowledge of environmental law matters (Flemish Region) and more specifically of soil sanitation. Clients and even parties on the other side of the table strongly rely on that knowhow.’

‘The Liedekerke team is well equipped with a large team, working on both French and Dutch language cases. They provided us with a pragmatic advice and thorough assistance in legal procedures. ’

‘Dominique Devos (environment – Flemish region): Dominique has a long experience in environmental law matters, helping us mostly in environmental permitting and environmental compliance questions. He provides a clear advice, alerting us for possible legal risks but providing pragmatic solutions to go forward. We also appreciate him being readily available, especially with deadlines sometimes being short.’

‘François Tulkens (environment – Walloon region): As with Dominique, François too has a broad experience in environmental law matters. He has assisted us in complex permitting procedures as well as with more specific matters of environmental law. We deeply appreciate his pragmatic approach, providing to the point advice over an unnecessary theoretical discourse. He is one of the references in Walloon/Brussels environmental law, and for good reason.’

‘Filip De Preter (urban planning- Flemish region): Filip has assisted us in a legal procedure. He appreciated his proactive approach in that procedure and in the permit matters associated with that procedure. He has a deep understanding of Flemish urban planning law and his experience in other cases helped us build a strong defense and ultimately win a tricky case. ’

Key clients

Brussels Capital Region


Matexi Projects


LIDL (Europe’s retail leader)


TotalEnergies (Belgium’s leader of oil and petrochemicals, incl. its different subsidiaries active in Belgium)


City of Bruges


ELIA (the single power transmission system operator in Belgium)


Bruxelles Environnement


Veolia


STIB (Brussels Public Transport Company)


Engie Electrabel (Market leader for electricity)


Work highlights


  • Advising the City of Bruges regarding several aspects of the permit application for a new football stadium for Club Brugge, the most succesfull Belgian footballclub in the last decade.
  • Assisting LIDL with the development of new state of the art distribution centres in Herentals (Flemish Region) and La Louvière (Walloon Region), including advising on all permit aspects and environmental assessments.
  • Advising TOTALENERGIES with their energy transition, more specifically guiding them through the permitting process of a huge industrial solar panel site in Wallonia.

Stibbe

The environment and planning practice at Stibbe advises clients in Dutch, French and English on transactional matters as well as on the drafting of new legislation and on contentious issues. Practice head Jan Bouckaert recently represented The Farmers Union together with Guan Schaiko in a claim against the Flemish Region regarding the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 strategic plan. Also key to the practice is senior real estate development lawyer France Maussion as well as a strong bench that includes the ‘very helpful, competent and experiencedBastiaan Schelstraete as well as Stefanie Francois and Olivier Di Giacomo.

Practice head(s):

Jan Bouckaert


Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘The environmental team of Stibbe is very competent. It delivers on time, keeps the client close and is always helpful and flexible. One can count on Stibbe.’

‘Bastiaan Schelstraete is very helpful, competent and experienced. He’s ready to step to the forefront.’

‘The team is invaluable in our cases with environmental issues. There is a deep and broad knowledge of different aspects of law involved in the cases they handled for us.

‘Guan Schaiko and Stefanie François combine strong strategic (entrepreneurial) thinking with the final (favourable) result in mind. ’

‘Jan Bouckaert and Stefanie François are very talented and very responsive.’

Work highlights


  • Advised the Farmers Union on the issue of a letter of formal notice to the Flemish Region regarding the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 strategic plan, represented the client in subsequent legal proceedings before the court of first instance, and advised the client on the “programmatic approach to nitrogen developed by the Flemish government with a view to gradually reducing nitrogen emissions and depositions in Flanders.
  • Assisting the Port of Antwerp-Bruges on expansion known as the Complex Project Extra Container Capacity.
  • Represented the European Investment Bank in appeal proceedings lodged by ClientEarth before the European Court of Justice related to the question whether financing decisions of the EIB should by assessed in light of European Environmental Law and whether the Aarhus Regulation applies to the EIB when acting as a bank.

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL fields a 'very highly skilled team with detailed knowledge' that is particularly active in contentious matters, including matters concerning noise, odour and particulate emissions. Experienced litigator Pascal Mallien and transactional real estate specialist Jean-François Vandenberghe in Brussels are key practitioners in the team. Mario Deketelaere is a key contact for regional, federal and European zoning and planning law.

Practice head(s):

Pascal Mallien; Jean-François Vandenberghe


Other key lawyers:

Mario Deketelaere


Testimonials

‘Very highly skilled team with detailed knowledge of the necessary items.’

‘Very good cooperation with Pascal Mallien regarding all environmental matters. Very fast answers to questions.’

Key clients

Lukoil Belgium


Aluminium Duffel


Orange Belgium


TotalEnergies Group


Evonik Industries AG


Nyrstar Belgium NV


Luminus NV


Logitech


DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s litigation and regulatory practice has a strong team of environmental law practitioners that is ‘capable of delivering high-quality work without losing sight of the solution the client wishes to achieve‘. Lead partner Bob Martens has a long track record in large-scale PPP projects, brownfield development projects and complex administrative law cases. Newly promoted partner Alec Van Vaerenbergh and Lieven Annaert also play key roles in the practice. Birgit Creemers and Fien Wuyts ‘know their practice very well and are able to translate this is practical solutions‘.

Practice head(s):

Bob Martens


Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘Birgit Creemers and Fien Wuyts know their practice very well and are able to translate this into practical solutions. ’

‘The team is capable of delivering high quality work without losing sight of the solution the client wishes to achieve. No-nonsense approach to files.’

‘Birgit Creemers is one of a kind. As a lawyer, she feels what a client needs and does not hesitate to advise even if one is not willing to know the answer. She goes the extra mile and has a clear view on environmental matters.’

‘Good mix of experience and upcoming legal talents. A good understanding of the sensitivities of local government and the politics it goes with. Very strong in dealing with complex cases and prioritising when necessary.’

‘I would like to recommend Birgit Creemers and Fien Wuyts. Great experience and flexibility when legal aid is required. Exceptional knowledge in the field of environmental law.’

‘The diversity of legal expertise provides for an all-round service. The collaboration is smooth and this is a team you can rely upon.’

‘The associates are accessible, yet always remain professional. Honoring deadlines and providing the kind of advice which shows their knowledge and expertise in the legal matter at hand, you know your case is in good hands. ’

‘For us, the strength of this law firm is the degree of specialisation of its extensive team, which allows a complex case to be analysed at short notice by several experts from their own areas of expertise. Since all knowledge is gathered under one roof, we get a comprehensive and coordinated analysis at short notice. The firm is also very strong in its availability and communication policy, with our queries being followed up correctly and quickly.’

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


ArcelorMittal


Nationale Loterij


City of Mortsel


Fluvius System Operator


Société d’Auteurs Belge – Belgische Auteurs Maatschappij (SABAM)


Vlaamse Agentschap voor Innoveren en Ondernemen (VLAIO)


Work highlights


  • Advised TM COTU on the construction works of the Oosterweelverbinding project, providing legal support regarding a number environmental and urban planning questions, including the PFAS contamination by 3M near to the construction works and the proceedings to suspend the integrated environmental permit allowing PFAS-polluted water to be drained, filtered and discharged in the River Scheldt and a nearby water body in a natural reserve.
  • Acted for Indave in various permitting proceedings initiated to remedy effluent containing PFAS and the Ecluse II pipeline project allowing the extension of the existing heat grid network in the Antwerp harbour and urban area.
  • Advised the City of Antwerp in connection with a number of urban planning and development projects and environmental matters and represented the client before the Council of State after several parties appealed the adoption of the “Pelikaanstraat” zoning plan.

Eubelius

Eubelius has a solid offering in urban and environmental matters owing largely to the expertise of Barteld Schutyser and Bart Martel, who lead the public and administrative law group. Acting for a diverse range of clients, among them the Port of Antwerp and Belgian railway operator NMBS, the practice is praised for its knowledge of environmental litigation, with Martel notably advising waste agency OVAM on PFAS contamination proceedings against 3M permit disputes. The team also focuses on issues concerning zoning, soil, waste, asbestos, architectural heritage and more. Laura Janssens maintains close relationships with clients in the construction, infrastructure, and transport industries.

Practice head(s):

Barteld Schutyser; Bart Martel


Other key lawyers:

Laura Janssens


Key clients

Uplace


Proximus


Aspiravi


Port of Antwerp


NMBS


Desotec


Pandox AB


Colas Noord


Province of East Flanders


Delhaize


Work highlights


  • Advised De Werkvennootschap on the R4 project and successfully defended the decision to designate the preferred bidder in court.
  • Advised OVAM, the Flemish Public Waste Agency, in litigation on all matters related to the PFAS contamination caused by 3M Belgium in the vicinity of the Port of Antwerp.
  • Advised NMBS on the development of its new headquarters at the Brussels-South train station.

Linklaters

The ‘professional and committed‘ environment practice at Linklaters handles both transactional work and environmental litigation, advises on air, soil, waste and wastewater pollution matters, handles environmental permit issues, and provides regulatory advice in connection with offshore and onshore wind, biomass and solar projects. Practice had Lieve Swartenbroux, who is ‘very knowledgeable, experienced, reliable and responsive‘, and managing associate Melissa Verplancke are the key practitioners in the team.

Practice head(s):

Lieve Swartenbroux


Other key lawyers:

Melissa Verplancke


Testimonials

‘Lieve Swartenbroux and her team are available when needed and always handle requests with speed. Professional and committed.’

‘Excellent. Lieve Swartenbroux is very knowledgeable, experienced, reliable and responsive. Very nice to work with.’

Key clients

Weerts Group


Ethias


Fedimmo


Cofinimmo


Nuveen Real Estate


AG Insurance/Increso


Arcelor Mittal Belgium SA


Befimmo


Solvay


Ineos


McDonald’s Restaurants Belgium


Work highlights


  • Advised Weerts Group and Ethias on the entering of a new partner into “Weerts Logistics Parks Holding”, a Weerts-Ethias joint venture investing in logistics real estate across Western Europe.
  • Advised Fedimmo on the divestment of 25 properties, having a combined surface area of around 115 000 m², to Downtown Real Estate and Straco.
  • Assisted ArcelorMittal with the organised bidding process regarding the assets located in Flémalle of Liberty Liège, supervised by the Enterprise Court of Liège-appointed Judicial Administrator.

Lydian

Lydian fields ‘a young and dynamic team with a very proactive and can-do mentality‘ that is highly active in permitting, zoning and urban planning, contaminated properties and waste management matters and is well-regarded for its litigation and enforcement expertise, with a particular focus on urban planning and environmental infringement actions and environmental crime proceedings. Referral work from international firms is a key source of environment and planning work for the practice. Practice head Kyoto Van Herreweghe ‘thinks out of the box, and knows what clients need‘. ‘Knowledgeable, trustworthy and dedicated‘ real estate specialist Dario Petosa also plays a key role in major environmental matters.

Practice head(s):

Kyoto Van Herreweghe


Other key lawyers:

Dario Petosa


Testimonials

‘A young and dynamic team with a very proactive and can-do mentality.’

‘Kyoto Van Herreweghe is easy to connect with and to make clear arrangements with, both budget and content wise.’

‘Lydian’s real estate team provides speedy and effective legal advice with good, organised teamwork. The files are also followed up very closely and we never have to send a reminder.’

‘Kyoto Van Herreweghe thinks out of the box and knows what clients need and want.’

‘Regarding environment as a legal area, Kyoto Van Herreweghe and her team performed excellent due diligence work. Excellent analytical work, translated into the appropriate recommendations in the contractual framework, supported by a swift Q&A correspondence with the counterparty/seller.’

‘Young but experienced team that is really going for solutions.’

‘Dario Petosa is a very knowledgeable, trustworthy and dedicated lawyer. He is client-focused and always thinks in the best interests of the client’s business. He is a strong strategic thinker who provides commercially and technically excellent advice.’

‘Pragmatic and business-minded approach.’

Key clients

5N Plus Inc.


AIG Europe S.A. France


Alto.Biz BV


Equans NV


Baloise Belgium NV


Baltissimmo NV


Belnima NV


Bentam Société d’avocats SLRL


BNP Paribas Fortis


Bruvinvest NV


Building Group Jansen NV


BV Assurinvestment


Carglass NV


Ceprim NV


Cercle Brugge Koninklijke Sportvereniging


Commonwealth War Graves Commission


Contimac GMT International BV


Coordinatie Organisatie Constructie NV


Cordeel Group NV


Cores Development


DCA NV


DEMOCO NV


Dentco BV


Divani NV


Douglas Terminals BV


DUAL Asset Underwriting Limited


E.on Power Plants Belgium BVBA


EDF Luminus NV


Eldorado NV


EuroParcs Belgium Holding BV


European Projects Investment Company NV


Federale Real Estate


FIVAC NV


Fost-Plus


Gemeente Wemmel


Ghent Transport & Storage NV


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


Govaerts Tom BV


Groep Van Roey NV


Gromabel NV


Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP


Hogan Lovells US LLP


Hoome Group NV


Huis van het GO!


IBP Water-Link OFP


Ice Miller LLP


Immobiliën De Swaef NV


KBC Groep NV


KBC Verzekeringen NV


KUKA Deutschland GmbH


LOM Vlaanderen


M² Architecten BVBA


MAPH BV


MC Capital NV


Mensura Gemeenschappelijke Verzekeringskas


Mobix Engetec NV


NalE Invest NV


Naxicap Partners – Paris


NEAG Norddeutsche Energie Development GmbH


Nippon Express (Belgium) NV


Norton Rose Fulbright LLP


Nutkao S.r.l.


NW Groupe


Oleon NV


Openbare Vlaams Afvalstoffenmaatschappij


Pegaland BV


Pekago Kunststoffen B.V.


Plukon Food Group B.V.


Provincie van Limburg


Pulderbos VZW


RA-Business Park BV


Real Estate and Leasing Company NV


RebelValley BV


Reed Smith LLP – Brussel


RiskPoint A/S


Service & Development Group Belgium NV


Sterhoek NV


Stora Enso Langerbrugge NV


The Cube BVBA


The Good Life Development Fund II


THV Jansen Finishings – Aannemingen Jansen


Trading Places NV


ValiPac


Van Benthem & Keulen


Van Campen & Partners N.V.


Venneshop BVBA


Visser & Smit Hanab NV


Vivalto Home Belgium SA


Vlaamse Overheid – MOW – Juridisch


Vlaamse Vervoersmaatschappij – De Lijn


Vlinvesta NV


Water-link ov


Zurich Insurance Plc Netherlands branch


Work highlights


  • Represented Stora Enso NV in an environmental litigation claim regarding a legionella infection in the port of Ghent.
  • Assisted De Lijn with administrative proceedings to renew or obtain environmental permits for existing bus depots in view of the electrification of its bus fleet, or to relocate and modernise bus depots.
  • Represented the Flemish Airport Development Company Luchthavenontwikkelingsmaatschappij Vlaanderen in a court case before the correctional courts of Antwerp related to alleged town planning and environmental infractions on the site of the Antwerp Airport.

NautaDutilh

The public and regulatory law group at NautaDutilh is ‘reactive and flexible when pressure is on and concrete answers needed‘. Lead partner Jens Mosselmans is a key adviser to heavy industry and energy companies. Newly promoted local partner and public procurement expert Maxime Vanderstraeten is ‘responsive, flexible, available and very knowledgeable‘. Stef Feyen has notable expertise in the energy and healthcare sectors, including specific knowledge of hydrogen law.

Practice head(s):

Jens Mosselmans


Other key lawyers:

Maxime Vanderstraeten; Stef Feyen


Testimonials

‘The team is impressively reactive and flexible when pressure is on with tight deadlines and concrete answers needed. They are available and precise in their advice. They also adjust to the specific needs to the industry of their customers.’

‘Maxime Vanderstraeten is responsive, flexible, available and very knowledgeable in his practice. I found his feedback and advice always useful. He is also a good person with whom it’s great to work with. He always remains calm and focused on the needs of his clients. I would highly recommend to work with him.’

Key clients

ENGIE CCGT


Smurfit Kappa


Fedex


Belgian Shell


Inkendaal Hospital


Bionerga


Shell Catalysts & Technologies


Umicore


Fedasil


Lidl


KMP


Zenitel


Chevron Philips Chemicals


Port of Brussels


Work highlights


  • Advised Unicore on the impact of the EU Battery Regulation on the client’s activities, including its activities abroad.
  • Assisted Bionerga with the development of an industrial site in Beringen, including the construction of an overarching heat net project.
  • Advised Shell C&T on the renewal of a single permit for catalyst plants in Ghent, focusing on nitrogen emissions, hydro-processing, oxidation and renewable fuel.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP's environmental law practice stands out for its focus on international and EU regulatory matters, which it handles for high-profile clients such as Eni, Daimler AG, and Nestlé Nespresso. Team lead and EU regulatory specialist Genevra Forwood has a broad practice that includes advising on public procurement and state aid with environmental objectives. Up-and-coming partner Sara Nordin handles sanctions, export controls, customs law and important regulatory matters, and litigation expert Alexandre Hublet chiefly handles contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Genevra Forwood


Other key lawyers:

Sara Nordin; Alexandre Hublet


Key clients

Eni


PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna S.A. (PGE GiEK)


Daimler AG


Japan Business Council for Europe


Nestlé Nespresso SA & Nespresso SAS


First Solar


Monard law

Monard Law‘s public law group offers ‘a very personal approach' and is headed up by partners Koen Geelen and Wouter Moonen, who are particularly well-known for their advice on environmental permits, urban planning, soil issues, and brownfield developments as well as for their ability to handle contentious matters. Sarah Jacobs, who focuses on urban planning matters, and Nick Parthoens, who frequently handles cases concerning solar energy legislation, play key roles in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Koen Geelen; Wouter Moonen


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Jacobs; Nick Parthoens


Testimonials

‘Monard Law has a very personal approach. In our recent experience they have almost become colleagues, while still keeping their professional distance. They are also not afraid of difficult messages.’

‘A small team of real specialists. Always available at short notice and well aware and informed on each specific file, also technically when called for. Compared to former lawfirms we’ve worked with in the past on environment or environmentally related matters more than 1 step ahead. Always someone from the team available.’

‘Our main contacts Sarah Jacobs and Sarah Leemans work very accurately both in advising us and in contacting and negotiating with the opponent, be it in the publicsector (authorities) or private contacts. Both are also excellent listeners which enables them to provide us the best service and advise.’

‘For every case they have specialists.’

Key clients

Remo Milieubeheer


Greenyard


OVAM


Circuit Zolder


City of Antwerp


Lantis


LEM Antwerp


LEM Oostende-Brugge


Ciril


Alstom Transportation


Work highlights


  • Advised Circuit Zolder (Terlamen) on all environmental matters, including the continuation of its activities amidst lawsuits from local residents because of noise pollution.
  • Advised regional airports Antwerp and Ostend-Bruges on all environmental matters, including the new environmental permit application for the Antwerp airport.
  • Advised the city of Antwerp on multiple spatial, urban planning and environmental matters.

Publius

Public law specialist firm Publius is ‘hands on, highly skilled and experienced‘ and is particular notable for its work on environmental permitting, though it handles a broad palette of work including due diligence, regulatory advice, and litigation. The lead partners are Dirk Van Heuven, Steve Ronse, Jan Beleyn, Sofie Logie, ‘exceptional talent‘ Meindert GeesMerlijn De Rechter, and the newly promoted Leandra Decuyper.

Practice head(s):

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


Testimonials

‘The specific knowledge on the legal matter of permits.’

‘Knowledge, availability, insight.’

‘Very good response when needed.’

Key clients

Belgische Staat


Flemish Government


Province of Antwerp


Province of East Flanders


Province of West Flanders


VMM


City of Ieper


City of Kortrijk


City of Zottegem


City of Roeselare


City of Aalst


Dunkin’ Donuts


Burgers Brands


Global Estate Group


Colruyt Group


Hawaiian Poké Bowl


Ethias


Batopin


Vandemoortele


Work highlights


  • Represented the Flemish Government in a climate case in which a Belgian non-profit organization together with over 60.000 plaintiffs sued the four Belgian Governments and asked the civil court of Brussels to impose strict and binding emission standards together with an obligation to take more effective measures regarding climate policy.
  • Assisted Dunkin’ Donuts with obtaining all necessary permits to open its shops in Belgium.
  • Acted for Ethias Insurance in litigious proceedings concerning the liability of municipalities in relation to wrongful information about urbanism and environment.

PwC Legal

PwC Legal has extensive experience in real estate matters and consequently handles significant environmental work, with clients praising the group’s ‘high expertise and knowledge of market practice‘. New hire and practice co-head Tom Villé, previously of Eubelius, ‘knows his cases really well and looks for solutions‘. His broad real estate knowledge complements the administrative, public, and real estate law expertise of practice co-head Els Empereur. Olivier Drooghmans frequently handles zoning, due diligence, and energy-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Els Empereur; Tom Villé


Other key lawyers:

Olivier Drooghmans


Testimonials

‘Good and broad knowledge within the legal team linked with the international group of PwC in general. Although an international group, it is locally well-connected with the market.’

‘Tom Villé – Great availability and broad knowledge with the public and real estate market, knows his cases really well and looks for solutions to move a project forward.’

‘High expertise and knowledge of market practice.’

‘Client-focused – Thinking out of the box – Strategic.’

‘The PWC Legal team is very knowledgeable on any theme that is being thrown at them and hence there is no need to go elsewhere to find the right answer. It is a true one-stop-shop for legal advice!’

‘Els Empereur is leading the team and always finds the right answer we need!’

‘Good collaboration and team spirit.’

‘Tom Villé: proactive, pragmatic, very good knowledge, available, reflecting with the customer always searching for solutions.’

Key clients

Besix Red NV


ION BV


Roompot Belgie Exploitatie


De Werkvennootschap


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


Brimo NV


Fabricom NV


Weerts Group


Wooon Real Estate


De Molens NV


Remondis Belgien BV


Goodman Management Services NV


Flemish Region


Work highlights


  • Assisted De Werkvennootscha with the realisation of the Public-Private Partnership infrastructure project Noord-Zuidverbinding Limburg, impacting Houthalen-Helchteren and the vicinity.
  • Assisted 3D Real Estate with the development of a sustainable residential real estate project of 239 housing units, including a complementary park, in Ghent.
  • Advised Goodman Management Services on a legal regulatory matrix and incentives matrix regarding ten sustainability topics linked to its business.

Schoups

The environment group at Schoups, led by experienced specialists Kristof Hectors and Charles Poncelet, chiefly advises on planning, permitting, compliance, and litigation matters. The firm 'stands out for its combination of legal acumen, client-focused approach, and technological innovation‘. Céline Bimbenet is a key advisor on expropriation law, and Roel Meeus is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Kristof Hectors; Charles Poncelet


Other key lawyers:

Roel Meeus; Céline Bimbenet


Testimonials

Schoups is a very competent team with a lot of experience in both urban planning and environmental law. ’

‘Roel Meeus is an experienced lawyer with a very in-depth knowledge of Flemish environmental law and public law. Roel works quickly and precisely and is very accessible to local authorities.’

‘When compared to other firms in the field, Schoups consistently stands out for its combination of legal acumen, client-focused approach, and technological innovation. The firm’s dedication to staying at the forefront of legal advancements and its commitment to client success put it in a league of its own.’

‘When it comes to environment there are certain set of rules and regulations and it is something difficult for a business to understand and to see how this would practically work in reality. Schoups has a team that looks at the law and give you insights in how to run your business within the boundaries of the law. Very helpful and insightful. ’

‘Charles Poncelet stands out to me in sense that he is practical and rational when it comes to giving advice. He also went beyond expectations to have a meeting with decision makers at a conference in the field helping our case without being asked. ’

‘The team shows expertise and dedication in the files. They closely follow each step and accompany us through the all process.’

‘Charles Poncelet shows a pragmatical approach and understands quite well the client’s needs. He is able to find the right balance between legal security and risk, in order to achieve results.’

‘Charles Poncelet has been an exceptional asset for our company. He is well connected in his field and he goes the extra mile to give a complete answer to a legal problem.’

Key clients

Resolve


Atelier Romain


Vastint Belgium


SAR Benelux


Auto 1


ION


Renewi


Benechim


Ether Energy


Signify Netherlands


Luminus


Work highlights


  • Advised Resolve on contract and permitting work as well as litigation.
  • Assisted Atelier Romain with multi-disciplinary advisory work for regional and local authorities.
  • Advised Luminus on the preparation of permit applications for onshore wind farm projects and third-party appeals against permits allowing new wind farm projects.

Advocatenkantoor De Coninck

Advocatenkantoor De Coninck is a boutique that handles infrastructure, real estate, energy and environmental projects. Clients report ‘a great team dealing with complex matters in a very time-efficient manner‘. Recently promoted Tinneke Hugyhe leads the practice with the vastly experienced Jeroen De Coninck, who is experienced with both public and civil law and chiefly advises on environmental enforcement matters.

Practice head(s):

Jeroen De Coninck; Tinneke Huyghe


Testimonials

‘I know this firm provides a consistently excellent service over a wide range of different matters. I think they are also accomplished at applying their skillset to international projects.’

‘I am a big fan of Jeroen de Coninck. He is a super-bright guy who seems to really care about making sure his clients end up in the right place. ’

‘Good experience with Jeroen De Coninck.’

Key clients

Aurubis Olen NV


Deneve Group


Veka


City of Landen


Alta Build


Refresco NV


Transma NV


Henschel Engineering NV


Swenden NV


Vermeiren NV


Demako NV


Immo Yaman NV


Durban Ground Up


Readypal


Work highlights


  • Advised Aurubis Olen NV on obtaining an environmental and building permit for a new recycle facility and on obtaining an investment of €70m.
  • Represented ISVAG in proceedings  for permit disputes regarding the permit to operate a waste incineration facility.
  • Advised Alta Build on obtaining a building permit for a project for 11 apartments and 15 houses in the municipality of Aartselaar.

Janson

Janson maintains an experienced partner group in its public and administrative law department, with the ‘serious, trustworthy‘ Günther L’heureux having joined from Publius in 2023 to lead the practice alongside Dominique Lagasse. The firm frequently handles the environmental aspects of large infrastructure projects, as well as zoning and planning matters, permitting, and soil contamination issues. Jan Ghysels left the team in late 2022.

Practice head(s):

Günther L’heureux; Dominique Lagasse


Testimonials

‘Always up to date with the latest legal developments. The team of Günther L’heureux is very hands on and in tune with the needs of our business. ’

‘Günther L’heureux has an in-depth knowledge of the subject and thinks along with the business. He is a very hands on, focused and considerate person – an absolute pleasure to work with. ’

‘Gunther L’heureux is a lawyer with whom you perfectly feel in control: serious, trustworthy, and he knows the client and its needs.’

Key clients

Commune of Kortenberg


Commune of Meise


Commune of Grimbergen


Commune of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert


Urbion BV/SP


Bebat VZW/ASBL


Recupel VZW/ASBL


Recytyre VZW/ASBL


FANC/AFCN


BELfertil VZW/ASBL


Belplant VZW/ASBL


Leefmilieu Brussel


Gazonor Benelux NV/SA


Arla Foods


Seeds of Law

Seeds of Law continues to build its presence in the market, with the arrival of new practice co-head Jan Ghysels from Janson adding specialist skills in public and administrative law, real estate and white collar crime. Practice co-head Koen De Puydt, urban planning partner Jo Rams, who joined with Ghysels, and senior counsel Aline Heyrman, who specialises in government contract matters, form a practice that frequently acts for public authorities and private companies in a diverse range of sectors, among them technology and healthcare.

Practice head(s):

Koen De Puydt; Jan Ghysels


Other key lawyers:

Jo Rams; Aline Heyrman


Testimonials

‘Seeds of Law services all our legal needs in Belgium. The availability is strong and the results are good. ’

‘Koen De Puydt is our main point of contact. Always available, quick response time.’

Key clients

C.E.T.T. P. Monseu


Sandaya


Sucaba NV


GXO


Greenleaf NV


XPO Supply Chain Chemicals Belgium


ATF NV


BATO NV


Simont Braun

Simont Braun continues to build out its environmental law expertise in support of its real estate practice.  Manuela Von Kuegelgen leads a ‘diversely experienced and technically skilled team‘ that now includes Joris Beckers from Deloitte, who has niche expertise in ESG regulations as they apply to the real estate sector. The firm handles project permitting and planning matters for a diverse range of clients, among them Brussels Environment and InBev Belgium.

Practice head(s):

Manuela von Kuegelgen


Other key lawyers:

Joris Beckers; Lindsay Van Linthout


Testimonials

‘Diversely experienced and technically skilled team of individuals.’

‘The team’s individuals have a good understanding of the way of working of the relevant government bodies and are to give very concrete advice because of it.’

‘As a specialist in public law, Simont Braun is able to provide rapid and comprehensive answers to clients’ questions in complex proceedings.’

Key clients

Brussels Environment


Brussels Mobility


InBev Belgium


STIB-MIVB


Beliris


BPI


SWECO


SAU/MSI


UNION FINANCIERE BOEL


Kanal


SAU-Mediapark


Work highlights


  • Advised SAU-Company for Urban Development on a major redevelopment project involving the creation of a new media-centred district in a fast-developing area of Brussels.