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De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek

More information

Netherlands

1

Energy

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek demonstrates ‘excellent knowledge’ across the energy sector. Leadership is split between three practice co-heads: Martje de Vries Lentsch, who leverages a litigation and arbitration background and specialises in commercial, public law, and regulatory disputes across the renewables and oil and gas segments; Michael Schouten, who is a go-to advisor on public and private M&A, equity transactions, and strategic investments, particularly concerning the development of Dutch grid; and Jasper van Uden , who focuses on the permitting, environmental, and public law aspects of major energy transition projects. Josefien Vreeken supports on energy regulatory and public law matters.

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Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Well informed, thorough, client-based and reliable on goals and targets.'
  • 'An excellent team that puts excellent knowledge, skills, and drive into practice. Flexible and service-oriented.'
  • 'They ask the right questions, dive deep into the details of the case, and ensure they have a full grasp of the matter — even when it involves entirely new territory, as was the case for us with complex energy-related issues.'
  • 'Jasper van Uden is capable of explaining complex matters in a very clear way, summarising to the most essential points of attention.'
  • 'Josefien Vreeken and Welmoed Willemsen are capable of understanding and explaining complex and new topics very swiftly.'
  • 'The team is very responsive, detailed and accurate in work that is produced. The quality and speed combined is really the strength.'
  • 'The team is hands-on and well-organised.'
  • 'Actively thinking along with client on the best strategy to use providing clear insights on pros and cons. Pro-active in defining, planning and executing actions to be taken.'
  • It is with great confidence that I recommend the team at this law firm. What sets them apart from many others in the field is their unwavering commitment to quality, understanding, and delivering results. From the very first interaction, the team demonstrates the highest level of professionalism. They don’t take things at face value or rely on standard approaches. Instead, they ask the right questions, dive deep into the details of the case, and ensure they have a full grasp of the matter — even when it involves entirely new territory, as was the case for us with complex energy-related issues. What truly makes this firm exceptional is their willingness to engage with unfamiliar subject matter. They are not afraid to step outside the conventional framework and apply their legal expertise to new domains with curiosity and precision. In addition, the team is backed by a strong support structure that enhances the entire process. Whether it’s visual materials, graphic presentations, or clear documentation, everything is delivered with care and attention to detail. In short, this is a team you can rely on — dedicated, highly professional, and fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking legal counsel at the highest level.
  • Rene van Tricht: staying sharp and clear while maintaining good personal relations. Jasper van Uden: capable of explaining complex matters in a very clear way, summarizing to the most essential points of attention. Josefien Vreeken and Welmoed Willemsen: capable of understanding and explaining complex and new topics very swiftly.

Key clients

  • Gasunie
  • Porthos - consortium of Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie and EBN
  • TenneT
  • Shell
  • GasTerra
  • NAM (Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij)
  • NEA / Gemeenschappelijke Kernenergiecentrale Nederland (GKN)
  • Foundation Preparation Pallas reactor (PALLAS)
  • Kingdom of the Netherlands
  • Aramis (EBN, Gasunie, Shell & TotalEnergies)

Work highlights

Acting as lead counsel to TenneT on the financing of the expansion of its German onshore and offshore high voltage electricity grid.
Advising both Porthos (Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie & EBN) and Aramis (EBN, Gasunie, Shell & TotalEnergies) on the realisation of two multibillion CCS projects in the Netherlands.
Advising the Dutch government on complex negotiations with Tata Steel regarding a potential government support package to enable and accelerate Tata Steel's transition to sustainable steelmaking.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

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.

Josefien Vreeken
Josefien Vreeken
Practice head

Martje de Vries Lentsch; Michael Schouten; Jasper van Uden

Other key lawyers

Bommel van der Bend; Josefien Vreeken; Welmoed Willemsen