BarentsKrans is lauded for being ‘skilled with a lot of knowledge’ in spatial planning, environmental regulation, and administrative law matters. The department is steered by Joost Huijgen, whose real estate know-how encompasses project development matters and extends to permitting, zoning, and enforcement disputes. In January 2025, the team was strengthened by the addition of Leon Hoppenbrouwers, a key advisor in property development and urban redevelopment projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Very skilled with a lot of knowledge in this particular field. The advice is practical and on point.'
  • ‘I would like to mention Joost Huijgen, who is extremely professional and engaged on all levels. His solutions and out-of-the-box thinking are very valuable when working on complex projects.’
  • ‘They strike a good balance between legal accuracy and understanding commercial implications.’
  • 'I work a lot with Joost Huijgen. What I especially appreciate is that he thinks in terms of solutions rather than just risks.'
  • ‘They understand the business context, not just the legal theory. They provide strategic, solution-oriented advice, rather than just identifying risks. They listen well, anticipate needs and simplify complexity.’
  • ‘The reason we always choose to work with BrantsKrans over other firms is their ability to translate jargon into pragmatic solutions and their capability to explain this in a way that makes it comprehensible for everyone.'

Key clients

  • HTM Personenvervoer N.V.
  • Municipality of The Hague
  • Coltavast - Unicorn Real Estate B.V. and Unidentified Amsterdam Objects B.V.
  • KPN B.V.
  • WOM Den Haag Zuidwest B.V.
  • Energiecoöperatie KetelhuisWG U.A.
  • WKO Merwede B.V.
  • Gebr. Jonkergouw Beheer B.V.
  • Commissie Werkelijke Schade (part of the Ministry of Finance)

Work highlights

Advising WOM Den Haag Zuidwest on the complete area redevelopment of the De Venen neighbourhood and represents them in legal proceedings concerning the permit.
Advising Energiecoöperatie Ketelhuis WG on a resident-led project in Amsterdam to develop a sustainable, gas-free aquathermal energy system, supplying heat to around 800 homes and businesses in partnership with the Municipality.
Advising Energiecoöperatie Ketelhuis WG on a resident-led project in Amsterdam to develop a sustainable, gas-free aquathermal energy system, supplying heat to around 800 homes and businesses in partnership with the Municipality.
Practice head

Joost Huijgen

Other key lawyers

Jesse Zijlma; Valérie Verschoor; Celien de Pous; Myrte Pielage; Dorsa Nazari; Leon Hoppenbrouwers