The ‘efficient’ and ’solution-oriented’ energy and natural resources practice at DLA Piper brings deep engagement in the solar and storage spaces. The ‘highly skilled, professional and pragmatic’ Gerard Kneppers heads the team and is regularly entrusted to advise on project finance and public procurement matters. Daniëlle van Berkel advises on real estate and commercial matters concerning heat and power projects. Pieter Paul Terpstra left the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Great support and key role in facilitating negotiations with the counterpart.’
- ‘DLA Piper stands out through the breadth and depth of its team. For every specialsed subject there was an expert available, ensuring that issues could be addressed in a multidisciplinary and efficient way.'
- 'DLA Piper not only solved legal issues but also actively contributed to the development and structuring of various contracts. This proactive role brought not just legal support, but real progress in transactions and projects.'
- 'The involvement of a relatively young team in the financing process brought energy and flexibility.'
- 'DLA Piper delivered strong results, combining capacity, expertise, and a truly multidisciplinary approach.’
- ‘Short communication lines, proactive mindset, and strong work ethic. They were collaborative, solution-oriented, and highly knowledgeable, which made the cooperation both efficient and pleasant.'
- ‘Gerard Kneppers is a highly skilled, professional and pragmatic lawyer. He is very good at connecting people to opportunities and creates additional value beyond the general legal practice by his commercial approach.’
- ‘Great understanding of the bank's position, and DLA jumped in with full commitment and took charge right away.’
Key clients
- Barings
- BASF
- Chint Solar
- Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
- Corre Energy
- Encavis
- FMO
- Green Create
- Gutami
- Hamburg Commercial Bank
- ING Bank
- LBBW
- PowerField
- Prologis
- Segro PLC
- Sienna Private Credit
- SolarEdge
- SolarEnergyWorks
Work highlights
Advised Novar on the financing of Zonnepark Eekerpolder.
Advised Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. in securing financing for Zonnepark Bellingwolde - Westerwolde.
Advised Eiffel Investment Group SAS in relation to their refinancing of two portfolios of solar renewable energy assets in Germany and Poland respectively.
Practice head
Gerard Kneppers
Other key lawyers
Daniëlle van Berkel