Pels Rijcken is known for advising the State of the Netherlands and other public bodies on construction and procurement issues. The Hague-based practice has a wealth of experience representing clients in construction and procurement disputes before civil and arbitration tribunals and also regularly assists contracting authorities in developing landmark buildings. The team is led by procurement disputes specialist Pieter Stuijt who often acts as advisor to the State of the Netherlands. Mark Birnage is also well versed on procurement as well as construction litigation and the contracting of major projects, while Maarten van Rijn assists public entities with drafting and reviewing tender documents. Christina Muntinghe is noted for her knowledge on writing tenders and construction contracts, and senior associate Michael Van Rijckevorsel is another key name in regards to disputes as well as large-scale building projects.
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Testimonials
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‘It's a strong team, combining strategic input and hands-on capacity. Therefore, the team assists on different levels.’
‘Michael van Rijckevorsel and his team add value by combining legal knowledge with technical content. They keep asking questions until they understand the content and then provide legal advice tailored to that. Finally, they also know how to include the project context, particularly on a strategic level.’
‘Working with Michael van Rijckevorsel is without a doubt pleasant. He is a member of the team with his own expertise. He is aware that everyone's expertise is needed for the optimal result. He is therefore open to everyone's input and knows how to value it. All things considered, this leads to sound legal advice.’
‘The partner is high-valued, which stands ready when needed. In combination with one senior and one junior employee, it gives the right balance.’
‘Fast responding and answering our questions. Friendly in communication and easy to reach.’
‘The team has proven unique knowledge of the public procurement rules and is also the natural partner of the State of the Netherlands in legal procedures. Lawyers in the procurement section understand their profession. They know exactly the do's and don'ts of the State, they are very well informed of the latest changes in the procurement field.’
‘Mark Birnage is my primary contact. Half a word is enough for Mark to understand issues. He is available, friendly and knowledgeable. Mark is a lawyer, but understands construction and associated technical terms very well. Christina Muntinghe, in addition to being a lawyer is also a technician (mechanical engineer). A quick thinker, and very pleasant to work with.’
‘The lawyers I have worked with are professional, driven and have an eye for the interests of their client without losing sight of the legal options and situation. They advise me conscientiously and protect me from missteps and unfounded confidence in a successful outcome by also pointing out weaknesses in a case.'
Key clients
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat)
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Finance
- Central Government Real Estate Agency
- Ministry of Economic Affairs and|Climate Policy
- Ministry of Ministry of the Interior and|Kingdom Relations
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Central Agency for the Housing of Asylum Seekers
- ProRail
- De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB)
Work highlights
- Advised the joint project organisation of the State of the Netherlands, the city of Amsterdam and ProRail on the retendering of the €1bn+ Zuidasdok road, rail and metro project.
- Represented the Dutch Ministry of Defense in proceedings before the District Court of The Hague against Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
- Advised the State of the Netherlands on the €2bn Pallas Reactor Project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Pieter Stuijt
Other key lawyers
Mark Birnage; Maarten van Rijn; Michael van Rijckevorsel; Christina Muntinghe