Wijn & Stael Advocaten N.V. advises public authorities, developers, and corporates on environmental, spatial planning, and public law mandates. The team is led by the ‘highly knowledgeable’ Shanna Derksen, who centres her practice on environmental compliance, permitting, nitrogen regulation, and zoning. Derksen is supported by the ‘great negotiator’ Simon de Graaff, who regularly litigates on zoning and enforcement matters. In October 2025, Anke Nijenhuis joined the team, bringing expertise in land use matters and administrative and environmental law issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Shanna Derksen is an expert in her field. Highly knowledgeable, approachable, down-to-earth, excellent communicator, and truly attuned to the client's needs.'
- ‘Their knowledge, reputation and flexibility. Always a quick response.'
- ‘The Wijn en Stael team is a well-oiled machine, comprised of specialists in numerous areas who are highly knowledgeable and well-versed in their field.’
- ‘Wijn & Stael is an excellent boutique firm with a solid reputation. Highly skilled lawyers who achieve fantastic results for their clients and are very approachable.’
- 'Simon de Graaff has in-depth knowledge of environmental law.’
- ‘These lawyers are really very effective!’
Key clients
- Municipality of Teylingen
- Nestlé Nederland B.V.
- Universiteit Utrecht
- Municipality of Wijk bij Duurstede
- Stichting Altrecht
- Livinc Healthcare
- Stichting Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum
- Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Veenendaal
- Wissing B.V.
- Stichting Lievegoed
- Municipality of Culemborg
- Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Vathorst Beheer B.V.
Work highlights
Advising the Municipality of Teylingen on, as well as litigation related to, their new zoning plan ‘Nieuw Boekhorst’, which enables, among other things, 1,300 residences, a primary school, sports fields, and a harbor in the Boekhorstpolder.
Advising Nestlé Nederland B.V. on their new zoning plan and separate environmental permit procedures, which will enable the expansion of their industrial estate in Nunspeet.
Advising the client Universiteit Utrecht which owns real estate throughout Utrecht and aims to redevelop large parts of the Utrecht Science Park.
Practice head
Shanna Derksen
Other key lawyers
Simon de Graaff; Jorrit Peters; Dominique de Haas; Anke Nijenhuis