Stibbe’s team advises clients in Dutch, French and English across the entire spectrum of planning and environmental law. It often collaborates with the firm’s public law and real estate practices, assisting clients with advisory and transactional work, frequently representing them before national, European and International courts in contentious matters. Recently, the team has increasingly been working in areas such as climate change, sustainability, and nature conservation. Jan Bouckaert, who heads up the practice, focuses his practice on climate change, emission rights and renewable energy, as well as nature conservation matters. Other key individual Guan Schaiko often advises public authorities, developers, and private individuals on the regulatory aspects of project development, land use, and nature conservation. Olivier Di Giacomo combines his expertise as a lawyer and his academic background to assist clients in matters of public and administrative law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Stibbe's environmental practice is a beacon of stability. On time, trustworthy and authoritative advice.'
‘in depth knowledge, hands on, strategic thinking.’
‘Bastiaan Schelstraete is a valuable team member with extensive knowledge and a practical mindset and is easily accessible.'
'Jan Bouckaert has extensive knowledge and experience in zoning law matters.’
Key clients
- Storm
- European Commission
- Lantis
- Immobel
- Brussels-Capital Region
Work highlights
- Regularly assisting Storm on planning and environmental issues, including permitting, nature conservation, heritage protection, and Taxonomy alignment for their projects, and representing the client in administrative court proceedings related to the development of windfarms, battery parks, Fastcharging hubs, and large-scale PV-parks in the Flemish and Walloon Regions.
- Partnering with Immobel, Belgium's premier and oldest listed property developer, providing expert planning advice and top-tier legal representation for their iconic real estate ventures in the Brussels Region.
- Advising BAM/Lanis in executing the transformative Antwerp Masterplan 2020, driving the creation of a cutting-edge multi-modal transport infrastructure for the Antwerp region with advice spanning from meticulous legal review of permit applications to representing BAM/Lantis in administrative and legal proceedings, ensuring seamless project execution.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Guan Schaiko
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jan Bouckaert
Other key lawyers
Guan Schaiko; Olivier Di Giacomo; Stefanie François; Bastiaan Schelstraete