Mr Mark Birnage > Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV > The Hague, Netherlands > Lawyer Profile

Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV are heavily involved in PPP/PFI deals, representing and advising public entities on public projects and disputes involving public works in the Netherlands. Due to its involvement with the state the firm also advises on drafting and updating the standard contract documentation used by the State of The Netherlands. As part of its construction practice the team advises on procurement disputes, redevelopment projects, and advising on development of landmark buildings. Practice head and litigator Pieter Stuijt represents public contracting authorities in numerous procurement disputes, while Mark Birnage both litigates and advises on construction projects. Maarten van Rijn is well-versed in reviewing tender documents and construction contracts and Christina Muntinghe is another key member of the team.

The arbitration practice at Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV handles all stages of arbitration cases, from interim measures to set-aside proceedings. While the firm is primarily known for its expertise in handling matters for public and governmental entities, it has been growing its commercial client base as well as its international capabilities. Willem Heemskerk chairs the international team and is the go-for for complex liability and compensation disputes before arbitral tribunals. Fellow practice head Mark Birnage is known for his expertise in construction and project work and handles project-related arbitration proceedings. Supreme Court litigator Martijn Scheltema is noted for his knowledge of set-aside proceedings and the enforcement of arbitral awards. Iman Brinkman focuses on energy-related matters, while newly promoted partner Raimond Dufour is the go-to for international arbitration proceedings.

Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV specialises in advising the state of the Netherlands on all its major PPP projects, including infrastructure, energy and accommodation issues. The team is routinely mandated by public authorities such as the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the provinces of Noord-Holland and Linburg, as well as the Dutch Central Bank for PPP and PFI deals. It also advises the state on guidelines for the new two-phase contract and is actively involved in projects regarding this new contract. Practice head Mark Birnage is an expert in procurement and contracting of PPP projects and concessions, DBFMO contracts and innovative contract forms. He is also a member of the Dutch council of the International Project Finance Association (IPFA). DBFMO projects are also handled by Jeanile Weyne, who is a construction law specialist.