Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Environment and planning

Van Doorne has expanded its environment and planning offering with notable hires, including Jeanette Ozinga in March 2022 and Jan van der Grinten, who arrived from Kennedy Van der Laan in April 2022, joining team co-heads Cees Kniestedt and Ingeborg Wind-Middel.
The environmental and planning law department at Wijn & Stael Advocaten N.V. was established by Shanna Derksen, and advises on permitting and administrative matters, with a growing focus on issues relating to the new Environment Act.

Environment and planning in Netherlands

AKD

The environmental law team at AKD is led by Jos Van Der Velden in Breda, Gerrit van der Veen in Rotterdam, and Hugo Doornhof in Amsterdam, and advises and acts for a range of public and private-sector clients on issues ranging from permitting to soil and water contamination. Van der Velden has particular expertise in noise regulation; Van der Veen is regarded as ‘efficient and effective‘; and Doornhof is a key contact for issues relating to housing, infrastructure and retail developments. Henk Breeman is also noted, as is Thomas Sanders, whose 'knowledge is outstanding'.

Practice head(s):

Jos van der Velden; Gerrit van der Veen; Hugo Doornhof

Other key lawyers:

Eveline Sillevis Smitt; Thomas Sanders

Testimonials

‘AKD lawyers are always ready to help. They make time and answer quickly and directly.’

‘Knowledge on a high level. Empathy. Swift and correct.’

‘The level of knowledge is very high in this practice. The collaboration with this firm is great. They are innovative in their collaboration with governments.’

‘The team has all the knowledge and skills needed for all legislation.’

‘Gerrit van der Veen is capable of solving all our problems fast and in an efficient and effective way.’

‘Thomas Sanders is very passionate about his work. His knowledge is outstanding and he can get to the essence of a file in no time. Besides that, he is a very pleasant person with a great sense of humour.’

‘Gerrit van der Veen has the quality of thinking outside the box, with the client’s needs in mind. Oversees the scope of the case very well and quickly, and keeps in mind the political interests.’

‘Thomas Sanders is a professional that is outstanding in his legal profession, always accessible, very accurate. He is quick in his answers to questions and helps if a colleague is better in a specific subject. He has a good overview. Whenever he promises a product, he delivers it.’

Key clients

ProRail

Provinces: Friesland, Limburg, Zuid-Holland, Flevoland, Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, Utrecht, Overijssel, Gelderland

Municipalities: Kampen, Alphen aan de Rijn, Uden, Roosendaal, Oosterhout, Lelystad, Almere, Midden-Delfland, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Tilburg, Breda, Delft, Venlo, Meierijstad

Water boards: Brabantse Delta, De Dommel, Rijnland, Rijn en IJssel, Hunze en Aa’s, Limburg,

Uniper Benelux N.V.

Heros Sluiskil

Urenco Netherlands B.V.

Aldi Supermarkets

Havenbedrijf Rotterdam

AMVEST

Blauwhoed

Verbrugge Terminals, ZHD Stevedores

KFC

Wacker Chemie AG

WDP – Warehouses De Pauw

Hunter Douglas Europe

Dutch Parliament

Access World

Dutch State (Ministry of the Interior)

Sif Netherlands B.V.

Work highlights

  • Requested by the Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment to represent the Minister in appeal proceedings at the Council of State for the implementation modification of the railway line near Boxtel, ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Vught.
  • Helping Warehouses De Pauw Nederland to obtain permission from various municipalities to establish new warehouses.
  • Assisting the Central Government Real Estate Agency and the municipality of Katwijk in the building of a high-end residential and business area on land formerly occupied by a marine airbase.

Houthoff

Zoning matters and ESG advice are key areas for Houthoff, where Marloes Brans leads the ‘experienced and knowledgeable‘ environment and planning team. The practice is also strong in litigation and transactional due diligence, and Brans also heads the climate change practice, with particular expertise in issues relating to decarbonisation. Marry de Gaay Fortman co-heads the public law department, and counsel Monica Sonderegger is recommended in planning. Jan Frans de Groot left the firm in January 2023 for a position in the administrative law division of the Council of State.

Practice head(s):

Marloes Brans

Other key lawyers:

Marry de Gaay Foortman; Monica Sonderegger

Testimonials

‘Up-to-date, very knowledgable, strong listeners, good communicators.’

‘Marloes Brans and Monica Sonderegger stand out.’

‘The team has very strong capabilities, consisting of niche experts who are among the most experienced and knowledgeable in their field.’

‘For all different work streams, Houthoff appears to always have just the right expert for the job.’

‘Marloes Brans is quick to respond with thorough and detailed analyses.’

Key clients

Royal VolkerWessels

PPG

Huntsman

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Tata Steel

Arup

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy

Municipality of Amersfoort; Municipality of Utrecht; Municipality of Hilversum

Robert Bosch B.V.

ParkBee

Royal Dutch Schiphol

G&S Vastgoed

VDL Nedcar

Nederlandse Spoorwegen N.V.

CBRE

Work highlights

  • Advising the Dutch Waste Management Association regarding meeting the Supreme Court Urgenda judgment, forcing the Dutch State to reach a 25% reduction of CO2 levels in 2020 in comparison to 1990 levels.
  • Representing a consortium of large real estate undertakings in a major development in Utrecht, located in the Merwedekanaalzone.
  • Acting as lead counsel to the private owner of the Duchess Hedwige polder against the Dutch government regarding a planned project to submerge the privately owned polder (more than 300 hectares of cultivated land) and turn it into estuarine nature.

NautaDutilh

NautaDutilh‘s public law group is led by Jolize Lautenbach and Iris Kieft in Rotterdam and Stephan Sluiter in Amsterdam. The team handles the gamut of environment and planning matters and ‘stands out for its consistent high quality‘, with particular strengths in the chemicals and energy sectors. Lautenbach is adept at handling environmental issues in M&A transactions, while Sluiter focuses on real estate, energy and waste. Kieft, meanwhile, brings expertise in EU regulations, storage of hazardous materials, mining, and the protection of endangered species.

Practice head(s):

Iris Kieft; Stephan Sluiter; Jolize Lautenbach

Other key lawyers:

Anke Holtland; Arjen Praat; Mirjam von Meijenfeldt

Testimonials

‘Hands-on mentality, loyalty, broad expertise, and friendly personalities. The team is able to assist on the full spectrum of environmental and planning matters and is not afraid to tackle complex legal questions with a political dimension.’

‘Strong capabilties and expertise, flexible and available. Trusted advisors when times are critical.’

‘The environment & planning team at NautaDutilh has a proven track record in the real estate, industry, and energy sectors. The team stands out for its consistent high quality at every level, its understanding of the client’s business, and because its people are a pleasure to work with. They are among my main referral partners for this reason.’

‘Stephan Sluiter has in-depth knowledge in these areas and is a great sparring partner. He provides thorough advice and is a delight to work with.’

‘Iris Kieft is a fairly new partner in the team, but is already indispensable considering her conscientious approach. Arjen Praat is valued, and Mirjam von Meijenfeldt has shown to be a very service-oriented and hard-working senior associate with a broad expertise and therefore approachable for a wide range of environmental and other administrative matters. Together with Stephan Sluiter, she provides much-needed advice.’

‘Stephan Sluiter is an extremely capable lawyer, he is an expert and has strong soft skills. This is key in solving complicated (technical and political) files. We strongly rely on his expertise and support.’

‘Stephan Sluiter is skillful, cordial and a fine sparring partner. He is able to quickly grasp the core of an issue, and he provides effective, clear and accurate guidance.’

Key clients

Shell

Total Energies (formerly TOTAL)

Olam

ChemCom

Nouryon

Nobian

Neste

TenneT

Pathé

National Park De Hoge Veluwe

Municipality Noordoostpolder

Renewi / Orgaworld

ABN AMRO

VORM

Renewi

Chemelot

Stichting Papier Recycling Nederland (Dutch Paper Recycling Foundation)

Work highlights

  • Assists Olam in a range of environmental law mandates, including in litigation before the administrative courts in relation to the renewed license and environmental permit for its cocoa production facilities.
  • Supported global specialty chemicals leader Nouryon with environmental law aspects of major transactions, including the spin-out of its base chemicals business Nobian.
  • Assisting VORM in untangling and clarifying the complex legal situation resulting from the designation of the Binckhorst area as an ‘experimental area’.

Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV

Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen leads the public law team at Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV, which is highly regarded for its work for public-sector clients. Roelands-Fransen is a zoning and planning specialist, while Liesbeth Schippers has a wealth of experience acting for government bodies. Infrastructure projects and inner-city redevelopment are key areas for Jelmer Procee, and Roelof Reinders is praised for his ‘great expertise‘ across the range of environmental law matters. Hans Besselink left in October 2022 to take up a position on the Council of State’s administrative law division.

Practice head(s):

Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen

Other key lawyers:

Liesbeth Schippers; Jelmer Procee; Roelof Reinders

Testimonials

‘The team has excellent knowledge of the full spectrum of environmental law. They think proactively and strategically with solutions to complex legal issues that arise, including those of large infrastructural projects. The legal quality of the advice and the representation in court is excellent.’

‘Pels Rijcken’s core business is to provide juridical assistance to local and central government. Their knowledge of constitutional and administrative law is excellent. Besides they have a keen eye on the political aspects of the cases the government has to deal with.’

‘High level of knowledge, practical experience, and sense of creativity.’

‘The environment and planning team is really top-notch in their legal knowledge on environmental law and administrative law. Advice is also to the point, focussing on what really are the legal risks in the case and not spending unnecessary energy (and time and money) on manageable issues. They know how to advise governmental organisations, sensible for the political and public context. They also know how to litigate on behalf of the government. The team is helpful and available for sparring and always prepared to share knowledge.’

‘Its people are accessible, there is good personal contact, thoughtful.’

‘Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen is easily accessible, and thinks along well in scenarios and possibilities. She is professional.’

‘Liesbeth Schippers, Roelof Reinders, and Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen are excellent legal advisors and litigators. Roelof is a quick thinker, a constructive critical advisor keeping you sharp. He is also a very good litigator, keen in getting a good result.’

‘Roelof Reinders advises on highly complex legal issues. He will take a multidisciplinary approach, including the fields of ecology, technology, science, and law, to come to excellent legal advice and solutions. He is accessible and he will get to the heart of the matter quickly. Roelof advices clearly, convincingly, and with great expertise.’

Key clients

Dutch State: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations

Municipality of Amsterdam

Municipality of Rotterdam

Municipality of Leiden

Municipality of Tilburg

Municipality of Zaanstad

Municipality of Haarlem

Municipality of Zoetermeer

Province of Noord-Brabant

Province of Gelderland

Province of Noord-Holland

Province of Zuid-Holland

Province of Limburg

Province of Flevoland

Waterboard Noord-Hollands Noorderkwartier

Waterboard Rivierenland

Royal Properties Development

Jumbo

KPN

Centraal Orgaan opvang Asielzoekers (COA)

Work highlights

  • Advising on a large-scale area development around Feyenoord’s new football stadium in the Nieuwe Maas River.
  • Defending three civil proceedings concerning the Act banning coal from power stations, brought by RWE and Uniper.
  • Supervising procedures surrounding the zoning plan and the necessary permits for the construction of a new nuclear reactor.

Stibbe

Stibbe‘s ‘professional‘ environment and planning team provides a ‘high-quality service‘ on issues including planning and zoning, energy project development and dispute resolution. Jan Reinier van Angeren advises public authorities and major corporates on the range of permitting and planning matters. Anna Collignon is praised as an ‘excellent lawyer‘ with expertise in regulatory compliance, while Jan van Oosten is a key contact for energy-sector clients. Tijn Kortmann is particularly strong in housing development, and Tom Barkhuysen has a broad practice in administrative and public law.

Testimonials

‘Stibbe has excellent knowledge about regulations. They are very well-informed and are able to explain complex matters to their clients. They are very punctual and are always available for questions.’

‘The people in the environment and planning practice know retail through and through. They have a very pragmatic approach, hands-on, always swift responses. Furthermore, they are proactive and do not hesitate to reach out of they think new developments are relevant.’

‘Professional team. Very good response. Nice people.’ 

‘A high-quality service all around.’

‘The Stibbe team is always reachable and available, even for small questions in between. The advice is to the point. In addition, the team is able to provide sound advice both in breadth (strategic) and in depth (specific legal questions).’

‘Anna Colignon is an excellent lawyer, she oversees all the relevant laws/regulations and can use this in any lawsuit or hearing. She is well-spoken and sharp whenever it is needed.’

‘The standout partner is Jan van Oosten. He knows the client’s business through and through. A very easy going guy but with a sharp witted mind at the same time. He knows exactly what the client wants and how it should be delivered. The written advice is directly usable for the business, with no unnecessary legal lingo. He goes the extra mile.’

‘Tijn Kortmann is specialized in administrative and environmental law and has high knowledge about the risks and opportunities of housing development nearby airports.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Circuit Park Zandvoort, a large motor racing track in the Netherlands which hosts the Formula 1, on the preparation and applications for permits and exemptions for a renovation.
  • Advising the municipality of Purmerend in relation to the zoning procedure concerning the development of a hotel in Purmerend and in relation to the contractual agreement with the developer of the hotel.
  • Advising GroenLeven on ‘Buitendijks Plan’, a solar park and nature development in the IJsselmeer with an anticipated size of 4,000 hectares.

Van der Feltz Advocaten

Van der Feltz Advocaten is a boutique firm based in The Hague focused on public, civil, criminal and tax law. Its ‘innovative‘ environment and planning team is led by spatial planning specialist Willem Bosma and real estate project development adviser Willem van der Werf, and includes noted litigator Jacques Sluysmans, who has experience appearing before the Supreme Court. Key sectors for the firm include energy, industrial and real estate, and its client base includes public authorities as well as private corporations.

Practice head(s):

Willem Bosma; Willem van der Werf

Other key lawyers:

Jacques Sluysmans; Pauline van Aardenne

Testimonials

‘The team is innovative in diversity and knowledge.’

‘The individuals stand out in knowledge and practical solutions.’

‘Excellent sparring partners in various legal areas. Expert advice and thinking along with the issues their clients are facing.’

Key clients

AM B.V.

Koopmans Projecten B.V.

DCMR

Volker Wessels

Ballast Nedam

Bun Projecten

NS

Signify

Vahstal Groep

BAM Groep N.V.

Friesland Campina

Municipalities of Delft, Dordrecht, Midden-Delfland, Zoetermeer, Rijswijk, Soest, Wassenaar, Enkhuizen, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Medemblik

Municipalities of Bunnik, De Bilt, Altena, Barendrecht, Gooise Meren, Molenlanden

Heijmans N.V.

Invasto Vastgoed

N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie

Omgevingsdienst Zuid-Holland Zuid, Omgevingsdienst West-Holland

Province of South-Holland

Vabo Ontwikkeling B.V.

Van Wanrooij Projectontwikkeling B.V.

Dura Vermeer Groep B.V.

Kennemerland Beheer B.V.

Picnic B.V.

Shell Nederland B.V.

Shurgard Nederland B.V.

Neptune Energy Netherlands B.V.

Vermilion Energy Netherlands B.V.

Van Wijnen Groep B.V.

Vattenfall N.V.

TSH Management B.V.

Dunea N.V.

Work highlights

  • Advising Europe’s Picnic on the zoning plan, building permit and land allocation contracts for its newest robotised ‘smart’ warehouse.
  • Advising and representing the Municipality of Dordrecht concerning planning damage of approx. €9m.
  • Advising and representing the province of South Holland regarding the Chemours/DuPont plant in Dordrecht.

Allen & Overy LLP

Forming part of the firm’s global network, Allen & Overy LLP‘s environmental and regulatory team advises a client base including multinationals on both standalone issues and major transactions and developments. Jochem Spaans heads the practice with counsel and energy projects specialist Marinus Winters. Spaans is a key contact for energy-sector clients, with experience in complex permitting, zoning and environmental matters, including nitrogen deposition and CO2 emissions trading.

Practice head(s):

Jochem Spaans; Marinus Winters

Other key lawyers:

Ron van der Hulle

Testimonials

‘Very professional and knowledgable.’

‘Pleasant cooperation. Proactive in advising the right measures.’

Key clients

Booking.com

EdgeConneX

Energiebeheer Nederland (EBN)

First Sponsor

Flink

Hembrug Zaandam

KLM

Nikon Holdings Europe

Uniper Benelux

Vattenfall

ABC Vastgoed

AM

Ahold Delhaize

CEMBUREAU

Engie

GE Healthcare

ING Bank

Japan Bank for International Cooperation

Landesbank Baden-Württemberg

MKS Instruments

Pon

Renewi

Royal Herkel

Shurgard

Signify

Slibverwerking Noord Brabant

Sloecentrale

SMBC

SonicWall

Teradyne

VDVI (Van de Valk Investments)

VPR ENERGY

Zeeland Refinery

Work highlights

  • Acting for flash delivery company Flink in relation to various zoning proceedings relating to providing flash delivery services.
  • Advising EdgeConneX in respect of the operation and development of several data centres and a substation in the Netherlands Schiphol area.
  • Advising Uniper on the forced shut-down of its coal-fired power plant located in the Maasvlakte (Port of Rotterdam).

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek

The public law, planning and environment team at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek has a particular focus on zoning and permitting for energy projects, including in the growing area of hydrogen. Arjan Kleinhout was promoted to the partnership in March 2022, and heads the practice since Nicolien Van Den Biggelaar left the firm in January 2023, with experience in state aid, market regulation and public enforcement. Also noted are senior associates Claire Van Der Hoeven and Jasper van Uden.

Practice head(s):

Arjan Kleinhout

Other key lawyers:

Claire Van Der Hoeven; Jasper van Uden

Testimonials

‘Strong team with excellent knowledge of the work field.’

‘Arjan Kleinhout and Jasper van Uden are not only very equipped for their job with excellent legal knowledge, but they have the ability to think further than just the legal context.’

Key clients

Schiphol Airport

Chemelot/Sitech

Shell

Gasunie

GasTerra

TenneT

Porthos

Varo Energy Netherlands B.V.

Eindhoven airport

Theo Pouw groep

Ronald McDonald House

Afvalfonds Verpakkingen

Nobian

Work highlights

  • Acting as lead counsel (project counsel) in the Porthos CCUS project.
  • Advising Royal Schiphol Group on the impact of a landmark ruling of the Council of State about the Dutch nitrogen policy under the Nature Conservation Act.
  • Acting as lead counsel to Gasunie and the Port of Rotterdam in connection with the large-scale heat-distribution network known as WarmtelinQ.

ENVIR Advocaten

A specialised boutique administrative and environmental law firm founded by Marieke Kaajan in 2014, ENVIR Advocaten earns a strong reputation as ‘professional‘ and ‘decisive‘. Kaajan is a specialist in nature conservation laws, strong in both strategic advice and permitting. Fleur Onrust departed to Six Advocaten in early 2023.

Practice head(s):

Marieke Kaajan

Testimonials

‘Professional, decisive, fast, flexible.’

‘Strong on the strategic legal level. Practical and efficient. Good thinking along with the client for solutions. Excellent knowledge of environmental law and case law.’

‘High level of relevant knowledge and experience. Fit for purpose contract setup.’

Key clients

Municipality of Amsterdam

Province of Limburg

EEW Energy from Waste

Picnic Netherlands B.V.

Port of Rotterdam

Several Producers organisations, such as the Producers Organisation of the Dutch Mussel Culture

Orange Gas

Municipality of The Hague

SwifterwinT

IXZon

LEAP 24

Work highlights

  • Selected by the City of Amsterdam as one of the two new in-house lawyers for legal advice and legal services required by the City of Amsterdam.
  • Acting as lead counsel for all environmental law matters including nature conservation law and public law for the Port of Rotterdam.
  • Acting as lawyers for the Province of Limburg in connection with the expansion of VDL Nedcar’s production facilities.

NewGround Law B.V.

Boutique real estate and construction firm NewGround Law B.V.‘s public law team is led by Anne-Marie Klijn, André Gaastra and Erwin Noordover. Klijn has broad public and administrative law experience, covering planning, government liability and enforcement. Gaastra’s practice encompasses soil pollution, air emissions and wastewater, while Noordover is notable in matters relating to clean technologies and sustainable energy.

Practice head(s):

Anne-Marie Klijn; André Gaastra; Erwin Noordover

Other key lawyers:

Pieter van der Woerd

Key clients

Eneco

Waterschap Rijn en IJssel

Pure Energie

Ventolines

Windunie

Green Real Estate

AM

Boelens De Gruyter

Breevast B.V.

Center Parcs Europe N.V.

Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH

Flow Real Estate B.V. (Blackstone)

G&S Vastgoed B.V.

Greystar

Janssen de Jong Projectontwikkeling B.V.

Kaemingk B.V.

Lingotto Utrecht B.V.

OVG Real Estate / Edge Technologies

Provast

Stichting Gebiedsontwikkeling aan de Maas (STIGAM)

SW Laakveld (Momevent Real Estate & Van Deursen Group)

WestInvest Gesellschaft für Investmentfonds mbH

Pelt & Hooykaas B.V.

Work highlights

  • Acting for a consortium of developers in all legal aspects required for realising multiple buildings comprising 4,000-6,000 apartments and other functions, in a large inner-city development.
  • Acting for Stichting Gebiedsontwikkeling aan de Maas in all public law aspects for an inner-city redevelopment of an entire neighbourhood, including residential areas, sports facilities and cultural initiatives.
  • Advising EDGE Technologies on all public law aspects (planning/zoning, nitrogen emissions, environmental permits) required for the redevelopment of ABN AMRO’s national headquarters.

Norton Rose Fulbright

With a focus on large-scale transport, infrastructure and energy projects, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s projects and public law team advises on issues including permitting, soil contamination and impact assessments. Daphne Broerse has expertise in public-private partnerships and procurement law, and co-leads the team with counsel Bart Vis, who is a key contact for issues in spatial planning and environmental regulation.

Practice head(s):

Daphne Broerse; Bart Vis

Key clients

Macquarie Group

Rabobank

TBI PPP / Comol5 B.V.

Dura Vermeer / De Groene Boog B.V.

RWE

RWE Eemshydrogen

Emerald Kalama Chemicals

Gate Gourmet

BNP Paribas

Damen Shipyards

Sunrock

BNP Paribas

LBBW Bank

Work highlights

  • Advising RWE Eemshydrogen on the development of a new industrial-scale green hydrogen plant in Eemshaven.
  • Advising De Groene Boog on permitting and licensing questions and legal proceedings in respect of permits required for the realisation and long-term maintenance of the A13/A16 motorway expansion.
  • Continues to advise Emerald Kalama Chemical on the operation of its chemical production site in the Port of Rotterdam, on all public law matters, including the implications of environmental regulations.

Ploum

Under the joint leadership of Maayke Maas-Cooymans, praised as ‘in a class of her own‘, and Alexandra Danopoulos, Ploum‘s ‘expert‘ public and environmental law team has a strong reputation for compliance advice, litigation before the administrative courts, and project development work. Also noted are attorneys Brigitte Ebben and Jouko Barensen, who brings expertise in criminal environmental matters.

Practice head(s):

Maayke Maas-Cooymans; Alexandra Danopoulos

Other key lawyers:

Brigitte Ebben; Jouko Barensen

Testimonials

‘The Ploum team’s knowledge base is rock solid and the way they advise fits the client’s needs: so brief, balanced and to the point. The fact that Ploum has a firm industrial client bases in the Rotterdam region is helpful – they know what’s going on.’

‘In-depth knowledge of permitting, able to benchmark with cases from other companies, clear advice on both legal aspects and the visions and perceptions of different stakeholders.’

‘Well-rounded team that truly supplements each other. Focus on practical solutions that get things going again. High level service for boutique costs.’

‘Ploum’s environment and planning practice is very straightforward and practical in the way they support the client. They have the knowledge and theoretical skills, but are able to make the connection to the client’s daily practice.’

‘Maayke Maas is generally recognized as top of the bill in environmental law. She can be reached easily, and knows the needs of the industry.’

‘Alexandra Danopoulos is straightforward, efficient, and passionate about her job. The way she understands the client’s daily practice makes her unique.’

‘Maayke Maas-Cooymans is in a class of her own. She leads the small expert team at Ploum. She is a unique person who has the ability to give spot-on advice in understandable, crisp language. She always walks the extra mile and never lets the client down.’

‘Alexandra Danopoulos has first-hand experience in infrastructure and dredging, and is able to translate her experience to workable legal solutions. A quick thinker with a good sense of our interests: she can easily accommodate her strategy to evolving situations.’

Key clients

BP Alternative Energy Investmenst Ltd

BP International Limited

Evos Amsterdam East B.V.

Nyrstar Budel B.V.

Vitol Services Ltd

Bot Bouw Initiatief B.V.

Corbion

SCW Systems B.V.

Vitol Holding B.V.

CrossWind C.V.

HG International B.V.

Vitol Tank Terminals B.V.

Eurotank Amsterdam B.V.

Eurotank Terminal B.V.

Westpoort Warmte B.V.

OCI Nitrogen B.V.

OCI N.V.

OCI Terminal Europoort B.V.

Havenbedrijf Rotterdam (Rotterdam Port Authority)

Raad voor Accreditatie (Dutch Accrediation Council)

VTTI Nederland B.V.

VTTI B.V.

BP Raffinaderij Rotterdam B.V.

BP Europa SE – BP Nederland

BP Alternative Energy Investmenst Ltd

BP International Limited

CrossWind C.V.

HG International B.V.

Eurotank Amsterdam B.V.

Eurotank Terminal B.V.

Westpoort Warmte B.V.

OCI Nitrogen B.V.

OCI N.V.

OCI Terminal Europoort B.V.

Havenbedrijf Rotterdam (Rotterdam Port Authority)

Raad voor Accreditatie (Dutch Accrediation Council)

VTTI Nederland B.V.

VTTI B.V.

BP Raffinaderij Rotterdam B.V.

BP Europa SE – BP Nederland

CrossWind C.V.

HG International B.V.

Eurotank Amsterdam B.V.

Eurotank Terminal B.V.

Westpoort Warmte B.V.

BAM Vastgoed B.V.

BAM Wonen B.V.

AM Grondbedrijf B.V.

Eneco B.V.

N.V. Nuon

Vattenfall N.V.

NPO (Netherlands Public Broadcasting Institution)

TSH Management B.V. (The Student Hotel)

Municipality of Maassluis

Municipality of Nissewaard

Municipality of Dongen

Municipality of Capelle aan den IJssel

Rekenkamer van de Gemeente Rotterdam (Court of Auditors of the Municipality of Rotterdam)

M7 Real Estate

ATM B.V.

Unilever Nederland B.V.

Remondis Dusseldorp Gevaarlijk Afval B.V.

Vereniging Nederlandse Petroleum Industrie (VNPI)

Motip Dupli B.V.

Damen Shipyards Group N.V.

Rotterdam Airport B.V.

Eindhoven Airport N.V.

VOTOB (Vereniging van Nederlandse Tankopslagbedrijven)

Noord-Europees Wijnopslag Bedrijf B.V.

Hansteen Netherlands B.V.

Jacobs Douwe Egberts NL B.V.

Biopetrol Rotterdam B.V.

Glencore Agriculture B.V.

Rail Service Center Rotterdam B.V.

Gate Terminal B.V.

Van Oord Nederland B.V.

Work highlights

  • Advising and representing Shell Nederland Raffinaderij in a lodged appeal against some of the permit requirements included in the necessary permits to build and operate a new biofuel plant.
  • Advising Eneco Wind and Shell Gas & Power Developments on regulatory and environmental aspects of the tender for the offshore wind farm permit Hollandse Kust West.
  • Advising various companies and organisations on potential legal action against a policy rule of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) that regulates the export of fuels to West Africa.

Straatman Koster Advocaten

Specialist real estate and construction firm Straatman Koster Advocaten fields a ‘highly skilled‘ environment and planning team, handling a range of contentious and non-contentious matters with a ‘no-nonsense attitude‘. The practice is co-led by Joost Hoekstra, experienced in project development and land acquisition, and Marinda de Smidt, recommended for environmental risk management and nature conservation. Anne Marie Ferwerda is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Marinda de Smidt; Joost Hoekstra

Other key lawyers:

Maaike de Wit; Anne Marie Ferwerda; Simon Tichelaar

Testimonials

‘Straatman Koster has a no-nonsense attitude, are all highly skilled, fine people to work with, and billing is reasonable.’

‘Joost Hoekstra and Maaike de Wit are top of their league.’

‘The firm specialises in all the aspects of real estate and has expertise in all legal jurisdictions.’

‘Maaike de Wit is a very friendly and accessible lawyer. She has deep market knowledge and is a pragmatic lawyer. She is proactive towards the client and in case of ad-hoc discussions not every minute gets charged. In the end it is the result that matters. Maaike has an excellent network.’

Key clients

BPD

Schiphol Area Development Company

Municipality of Rotterdam

Municipality of Leiden

Municipality of Gouda

Emborion Real Estate

MRP Development

Klépierre S.A.

Vorm Ontwikkeling

Municipality of Almere

Stichting Monumentenbezit

Municipality of Gooise Meren

Municipality of The Haque

Amvest

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)

Province of Zuid-Holland

Green Park Aalsmeer Gebiedsontwikkeling

Municipality of Hoeksche Waard

Province of Utrecht

Leiden University

Municipality of Ronde Venen

Municipality of Nijmegen

Refresco

AVR waste management

Dutch Waste Management Association

ABN AMRO N.V.

Red Company

ERA Contour

Urbicoon (Belgium)

Work highlights

  • Advising RED Company on zoning and environmental law aspects of the (re)development of IBM Think District Amsterdam of approx. 195,000 m2 for homes, office buildings, commercial space and underground parking spaces.
  • Drafting the cooperation agreement as an independent advisor for all parties (municipality and developers) regarding large-scale transformation project De Binckhorst, in The Hague.
  • Representing the Province of Utrecht in various high-profile nature protection law proceedings relating to wildlife management.

BarentsKrans

BarentsKrans provides administrative and environmental law advice on project development for public and private-sector clients. Team head Nicole Soliana has a niche focus on private law in the public sector, while Remco Bäcker has broad real estate projects experience. The firm also litigates before the administrative courts, up to the Council of State.

Practice head(s):

Nicole Soliana

Other key lawyers:

Remco Bäcker

Testimonials

‘BarentsKrans’s practice’s strength is a combination of public law knowledge in the field of environment and planning as well as civil law knowledge. Their involvement not only at the side of private companies but also at the side of government bodies give them a good insight in terms of the interests at both sides of the table.’

‘Very good team with a good level of knowledge, and they are open for new innovations and collaboration.’

‘The combination of public and private law is a big advantage.’

‘The team members are driven, hardworking, and flexible.’

‘Excellent team with lots of experience and knowledge.’

‘Professional nice people with high level of knowledge and you can reach them all times.’

‘Nicole Soliana and Remco Backer provide valuable strategic insights and that they add to their thorough legal knowledge.’

‘Very approachable lawyers. Remco Bäcker is an excellent and proactive lawyer.’

Key clients

Azon

Daka Rotterdam Zuid B.V.

Ducor Petrochemicals

KPN

LSI project investment

Municipality of Westvoorne

Rabobank Nederland

Van Omme & De Groot

Work highlights

  • Provides legal advice to Rabobank with regard to various aspects of planning and environment, as well as with respect to the required contracts with relevant government authorities.
  • Represents Daka Rotterdam Zuid and J.P.G. Veranda in proceedings under administrative law (at the Council of State) against the municipality of Rotterdam with regard to the zoning plan “Feyenoord City”.
  • Advises KPN with respect to various legal proceedings regarding the roll-out of the 5G network.

CMS

Led by junior partner Luurt Wildeboer, the administrative law team at CMS has experience in permitting and zoning advice as well as litigation. Wildeboer focuses on the interaction between environmental standards and spatial development, and the team’s client base includes both local public authorities and private companies.

Practice head(s):

Luurt Wildeboer

Other key lawyers:

Alexander Ijkelenstam

Key clients

Municipality of Stichtse Vecht

Van der Bijl Mengvoeders B.V.

McDonald’s Nederland B.V.

De Heus Voeders B.V.

Van Mossel Automotive

Afvalverwerking Vink B.V.

Den Ouden

Logistics Capital Partners

Givaudan Nederland B.V.

Rederij ‘t Smidtje

VDG Real Estate

Heembouw Wonen B.V.

Janssen de Jong Groep B.V.

Nedmag B.V.

Work highlights

  • Assisted Van Mossel in 2021 during permit procedures for the construction of a new headquarters with a logistics centre in Waalwijk.
  • Advising Nedmag on the approval of the new plan for salt production and the granting of permits for the construction of two new boreholes in the municipality of Veendam.
  • Advising canal cruise companies regarding the legal remedies to take against decisions made by the municipality of Amsterdam on their permits.

Dentons

Situated within the firm’s public law team, the environment and planning practice at Dentons has experience in matters ranging from public procurement to soil pollution. Team head Jan Jakob Peelen also co-leads the European energy practice, with notable expertise advising on renewable energy projects. Valentijn Leijh specialises in planning and zoning.

Practice head(s):

Jan Jakob Peelen

Other key lawyers:

Valentijn Leijh

Testimonials

‘Very good background with regard to energy regulatory. Delivering excellent documents in time. Also in ad hoc situations. They are always available if support is needed (24 hours a day). Quality and price are on an excellent level. Partner for success!’

‘For all aspects, the right people with different expertise can be made available. It is a diverse group of people that are easy to collaborate with.’

‘Besides its expert knowledge on environmental cases they also have an eye for the human factors. They will listen to clients as non-lawyers with an open view and help to break down and understand the legal language, so that clients can better prepare the input required for the legal cases that they have to deal with.’

Key clients

De Bijenkorf

CORUM

Pathé

Eurus Energy

Gate Terminal

Hanwha Q Cells

Low Carbon

Merem

Pinnacle

PLUS

RWE

Shell

Veolia

Union Investment

HVBM

Work highlights

  • Advising Rabobank on the acquisition financing of part of the Prinses Ariane wind farm, which was acquired by ASR and sold by Vattenfall.
  • Advising Pathé on the full range of planning and administrative matters in relation to cinema sites in Tilburg, Amsterdam and Schiedam.
  • Acting for RWE in light of ongoing enforcement procedures and court litigation initiated by non-governmental organisations.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper fields a multidisciplinary environment and planning and climate change practice, drawing on lawyers experienced in litigation, real estate and finance. Advice on issues including sustainability and the energy transition is a core focus for the team, with legal director and practice head Arjen De Snoo particularly recommended in this field.

Practice head(s):

Arjen de Snoo

Other key lawyers:

Ernst Haverkamp

Testimonials

‘A lot of knowledge, prominent position.’

‘Arjen de Snoo is a very good lawyer. He has a lot of substantive knowledge, which he conveys in a good way. Formally where necessary, for example in court. Also practical and pragmatic.’

Key clients

BASF

Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Finance International (DFI)

Waterland Real Estate (WRE)

ING and Rabobank

Prologis

PWN

Rijkswaterstaat

SABICSEGRO PLC

Unilever

Work highlights

  • Supervised the purchase of offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid by BASF, in cooperation with teams in Germany and the UK.
  • Advising GPS Amsterdam in obtaining the first permit in the Port of Amsterdam area based on the netting of nitrogen emissions between the businesses of different companies.
  • Advising Segro on the impact of the energy transition, providing support in entering in several innovative energy projects to solve the issue of limited grid capacity.

Hemwood

Real estate-focused firm Hemwood receives praise for its ‘very proactive and competitive‘ environment and planning team, which provides advice on real estate transactions and projects. Team lead Eefje Van Bommel brings ‘outstanding knowledge on environmental law matters‘, and Gijs Heutink also stands out.

Practice head(s):

Eefje van Bommel

Other key lawyers:

Gijs Heutink; Iskander Haverkate; Monique Laenen

Testimonials

‘Very skilled professionals in their field, able to understand the client’s needs and interests and respond quickly to changing circumstances.’

‘Gijs Heutink and Eefje van Bommel come highly recommended, mainly due to their extensive experience and expertise in the field. Iskander Haverkate’s knowledge of and skill within the legal field is probably as good as it gets.’

‘Well-informed, quick responses, proactive, well-organized, offering practical in-house training. Billing is transparent without unexpected surprises.’

‘Eefje van Bomme is sharp, analytical, and quick.’

‘Very proactive and competitive.’

‘Eefje van Bommel is an amazing person. Very straightforward and fair. She is always very well prepared and she really stands for what she believes in. Because she has a good sense of humour it is always fun to work together with her.’

‘Easily accessible, outstanding knowledge on environmental law matters and to the point advice.’

‘Eefje van Bommel is an excellent lawyer, with good availability, who provides in-depth legal knowledge and advice with a practical solution-oriented approach.’

Key clients

Ahold

AM Real Estate Developments

Amvest

Amway Corporation

Annexum

APF International

AS Watson

Ashendene

ASR

Amrath Hotels & Restaurants

Bauhaus

Being Development

Bidfood

Bloemenheuvel B.V.

Borghese

Bouwinvest

Bun Groep

Breevast

Camelot

Caransa Groep B.V.

Centrum voor Zorg/Zadelhoff

COD

Coltavast

CompaNanny

Coronel Beheermaatschappij

Cromwell

De Bijenkorf

Doniger Vastgoed

Dutch Green Company

Dutch Seafood Group

Equinix (EMEA)

Esprit

FNG (Claudia Sträter, Miss Etam, Expresso)

Fortress Investment Group

Greentree Properties

GebouwWest

HB Capital

HBB Groep

HBC Projectontwikkeling

Heren2

HG International B.V.

Hillborgh

Hines

Holland Immo Group

Hoorne Vastgoed

Hotels van Oranje

Innova Investments B.V.

IVY Group

Kleingouw Vastgoed

KNSF Vastgoed

Koopmans Bouwgroep

Laagraven Investments

Laeitana Vastgoed Consultancy

Levi Strauss

Maarsen Groep

Marathon Fund

Matrix Innovation Center

Merin

Metro Properties (Makro)

Montea

Mooijer Vastgoed

MRP

Multi Corporation

Municipality of Almere

Municipality of Hoorn

Municipality of Hulst

Municipality of Schiedam

Municipality of Sliedrecht

Municipality of Soest

Municipality of Tilburg

Municipality of Uithoorn

Municipality of Weesp

Municipality of Westland

Nautix

NEOO

Open development

Patrizia

Peak Development

PLUS Vastgoed

PVH (Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)

Quan

Rabobank Nederland

Redevco

Revive

RLG Europe

Rockspring

Rotterdam Urban Development

Sanquin

Snipes

Spaansen Holding

Stadsbehoud

Stadgenoot

Stadswaarde

Stichting De Oude Kerk

Stichting Medisch Centrum Slotervaart

Stichting Paleis het Loo

Suit Supply B.V.

Syntrus Achmea

TBI

Timeless

Van der Valk Investments B.V.

Van der Vorm Vastgoed B.V.

Van Herk Groep

Van Lanschot Bankiers

Vastint

Verus Eerstelijns

Vivera Food Groep

VolkerWessels

Vomar

Vorm

Waal V.O.F.

Wereldhave N.V.

Zadelhoff

Zalmhaven

Zuider Vastgoed

Zinc RE

Work highlights

  • Selected to advise Amvest on all the zoning plan and environmental matters regarding the redevelopment of the former Bakker and Rueb location in Breda.
  • Advises Sanquin on the redevelopment, expansion and transformation of the New West Health and Innovation District.
  • Assisting a client in contracts on all zoning, planning and environmental issues regarding the redevelopment of the existing inner-city business and industrial area Spoorzone West and Stephenson-area in the city of Haarlem.

Lexence

The ‘hands-on and skilful‘ team at Lexence is well regarded for its work on the environmental, zoning and planning aspects of real estate projects. Renowned practice head Michael Klijnstra is active in matters including permitting, compliance and enforcement advice, and litigation.

Practice head(s):

Michael Klijnstra

Other key lawyers:

Pelin Oztürk

Testimonials

‘Flexible, practical, great expertise.’

‘The in-depth relevant professional knowledge, clear language, pragmatic way of working, and above all good direct accessibility are a great advantage.’

‘Hands-on and skilful team.’ 

‘Lexence is an organization, not too big and not too small, that supports real estate activities in the broadest sense. Always contact within 24 hours, quick link to specializations. Always keep appointments. No omissions in the field of the environment and public law proceedings. It’s great that notarial activities and taxation are also part of the group.’

‘Practical, passionate, sincere. Clients’ interests come first. No promises that cannot be kept.’

‘Michael Klijnstra and his team are highly professional, knowledgable, and as a result effective. At the end, only one thing counts: did you win and get out of it what you wanted? The results speak for themselves.’

‘The knowledge of Michael Klijnstra is very high, his personality very good to work with, and his way of working in court sublime. He has a great overview of cases and knows how to handle court cases better than others.’

‘Michael Klijnstra is still very passionate about his workfield after all these years. For years he has been a stable factor to fall back on within the practice. Pelin Oztürk is eager and hardworking.’

Key clients

The Big Company Building Company B.V.

De Geus Bouw B.V.

Cementbouw B.V.

CZP Investmnents B.V.

BTE Nederland B.V.

Koopman International B.V.

Kroonenberg Groep B.V.

Midvast B.V.

Termaaten B.V.

Vereniging van Eigenaars Winkelcentrum Zuidplein

Wibaut B.V.

1828 B.V.

Frasers Property Investments B.V.

Work highlights

  • Advised on the consequences of soil and groundwater pollution for Heembeton, a company specialising in building materials, since the pollution also applies to its grounds.

Loyens & Loeff

Loyens & Loeff is frequently involved in major corporate transactions and real estate developments, providing due diligence, general advice and permitting support to clients including major multinational investors. Guido Koop leads the team, and senior associate Jan De Heer provides notable support.

Practice head(s):

Guido Koop

Other key lawyers:

Jan de Heer

Testimonials

‘Appreciate the cohesive way they work. Loyens & Loeff is a big firm, but in communication really down to earth. They approach legal matters their own way and don’t only take the standard route but mostly the creative legal ways to solve a legal problem for their clients.’

‘Guido Koop and Jan de Heer stand out. Of course there is a team of legal experts behind them.’

‘The team is highly regarded for its transactional approach and in-depth knowledge.’

‘Jan de Heer already stands out for his knowledge and his pragmatic and transactional approach. He is really making a name for himself within this field and the real estate industry.’

Key clients

Cargill B.V.

Chint Solar

DPG Media

The Blackstone Group

Flow Real Estate

Bol.com

VORM Ontwikkeling B.V.

Goldman Sachs International

ICN Development

Provast

Groningen Seaports N.V.

NS

AXA Nederland

Six Advocaten

A boutique firm focused on real estate and construction, Six Advocaten provides advice and assistance in contentious and non-contentious zoning and permitting matters. Irma Van Den Berg heads the practice, bringing broad experience in public and administrative law. In a significant development, Anita Nijboer joined from Kennedy Van der Laan in September 2022 and Fleur Onrust joined from ENVIR Advocaten in early 2023.

Practice head(s):

Irma van den Berg

Other key lawyers:

Hanneke Ellerman; Anita Nijboer; Fleur Onrust

Testimonials

‘Six Advocaten has an excellent and wide knowledge of current and future laws and regulations within their area of expertise. They have a hands-on mentality, immediately understand the case and provide targeted and strategically valuable advice.’

‘Great diversity of employees. Six is always there to support at any time within any deadline.’ 

‘The individual employees are easily accessible at any time. They understand the client’s questions and advise till the case is closed.’ 

‘Strong knowledge across the industry. Strong team with different strengths.’

‘Six Advocaten’s partners are very focused on delivering advice of excellent and workable level. The effort is always extremely efficient and no hours are made that are not strictly necessary.’

‘They understand the query quickly and manage to convert a problem to a solution.’

‘Irma van den Berg is approachable, available, and gives to the point advice.’

‘Irma van den Berg reacts very quickly. If she can not be reached, she will respond almost instantly. This is, besides extremely good knowledge of the relevant facts, one of the firm’s biggest advantages.’

Key clients

Amrâth Hotels

Bouwfonds Property Development (BPD)

AM Vastgoed

Gerose Ontwikkeling

HSB

Oosterdokseiland Ontwikkeling Amsterdam B.V.

CBRE Global Investors

Paradiso

Janssen de Jong

NWOI-Astron

Work highlights

  • Advising and litigating for BPD as part of GEM Bloemendalerpolder in the case of Bloemendalerpolder, a large-scale housing project, in over 50 legal proceedings pertaining to the Nature Conservation Act.
  • Advising and litigating for BPD and AM in a zoning plan procedure relating to the transformation of an industrial area into a mixed area (residential, schools and industry).
  • Litigated for AM Vastgoed at the Council of State in defence of the zoning plan for the development by AM of a landmark residential building in Diemen.