DLA Piper’s environment team, which handles both litigation and regulatory matters, has a strong presence in all areas of environmental and urban planning law including environmental and urban litigation, defense of environmental and urban prosecutions, permitting and licensing of major developments, and zoning. Additionally, the team engages with policymakers and legislators at the early stages of the legislative process, sometimes initiating legal reviews. Notably, Bob Martens, who heads the team, is a pioneer in the development of PPP projects in Belgium, and was also involved in the realisation of numerous brownfield projects. Other key individual Alec van Vaerenbergh advises a wide range of energy and industrial companies, governments and international organisations on energy and climate change regulations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA Piper has a deep expertise in the relevant law and the practice. This means their advice is immediately implementable. This is all the more true since within the office there is also good knowledge of government procurement legislation, which allows the advice to be tailored to our company.’
‘We have had excellent experiences with Birgit Creemers. She is readily available and can advise quickly due to her experience. Meetings are always well prepared with a thorough knowledge of the case and critical questions as well as notion for sensitivities.’
‘The team is a unique collection of individuals who work together to strive for the best possible solution for a client. The team manages to deliver excellent work within very short deadlines, without losing sight of the bigger picture. They can guide you through a procedure or a difficult case with their eyes closed.’
‘Personally, I have worked closely with Birgit Creemers. Time and again, she manages to smoothly guide a case from start to finish. She thinks along with us and never loses sight of our vision along the way. We also appreciate that she blends seamlessly with our team. She is one of 'us' and truly one of a kind in that regard. She quickly processes new information, and her knowledge of environmental law is, in our opinion, top-notch.’
‘The DLA team has deep expertise in the Environment field, providing tailored advice and effective representation, an excellent client-centric approach and a diverse team. ’
‘Currently, the team has a deep understanding of the broad waste legislation. Applied to PFAS, which covers many aspects like (lack of) emission limit values, guidance, BREFs, the precautionary principle, measurement methodologies, ... should normally be covered by clear legislation, but it isn't. Therefore translation of such 'technical' arguments into a juridical robust reasoning is key, and this is clearly a competence that the team is demonstrating.’
Key clients
- European Commission
- Indaver
- SUEZ
- Sabic
- bpost
- Osar Architects
- City of Antwerp
- Sweco
- Borealis Polymers NV
- Mondelez International
Work highlights
Providing a legally certain and workable solution to the nitrogen problem in Flanders, including the amendment and review of the draft Nitrogen decree.
Acting for TM COTU during the construction works of the Oosterweelverbinding project – providing essential legal support regarding a number environmental and urban planning questions, notably support regarding the high-profile PFAS contamination by 3M near to the construction works and recently the urgent 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.
Providing support to Indaver, a major player in the waste processing and waste management industry, in various permitting proceedings initiated to remedy effluent containing PFAS.
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.
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
Bob Martens
Other key lawyers
Alec Van Vaerenbergh; Birgit Creemers