Highly sought-after on complex and pressing environmental law matters, DLA Piper stands out for its advice across the energy, infrastructure, and urban development sectors. Heading the team, Bob Martens is a longstanding expert on litigation and regulatory matters concerning waste management, PFAS, pollution, and urban planning. Demonstrating deep expertise in the energy, retail, consumer goods, and real estate sectors, Alec Van Vaerenbergh stands out on matters concerning environmental remediation, pollution, permitting, and sustainability regulation. Supporting the team is Birgit Creemers, an expert in spatial planning, urban planning, and environmental law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Practical advice, expertise, flexibility.’
- ‘Very to the point.’
- ‘Very high degree of expertise in the complex regulatory field, with a touch of pragmatism.’
- ‘Birgit Creemers is professional in every aspect. She handles cases thoroughly.’
- ‘They work as one team, with a hands-on approach. Their knowledge of environmental matters is top-notch. Also, they are able to perform very well under pressure and on time.’
- ‘Expertise and practical advice.’
Key clients
- Alca Petroleum Company
- Arlanxeo
- C&A
- Flemish Government
- Foster EPC TM
- Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch onderzoek
- ViRiX
- WWF
- AG VESPA
- ArcelorMittal
- Bacardi – Martini
- BASF
- Bekaert
- Bpost
- City of Antwerp
- City of Mortsel
- Deme Dredging
- European Commission
- Fastned
- Fluvius System Operator
Work highlights
Advising and representing Indaver in multiple strategic environmental proceedings, including litigation related to PFAS effluent discharge standards and compliance with evolving Flemish regulations.
Acting for VITO in proceedings before the Belgian Council of State challenging the Flemish Government’s temporary PFAS framework for earth-moving activities.
Representing the Walloon Region in landmark litigation regarding night-time air traffic at Liège (Bierset) Airport.
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; Bérénice Wathelet; Lieven Annaert; Birgit Creemers; Renaud Thüngen