Pels Rijcken is distinguished by its longstanding role acting for the Dutch State and other public bodies in high-profile litigation and regulatory matters. The team is particularly active in state aid cases, complex EU law questions and competition disputes, often appearing in proceedings with constitutional or administrative dimensions. Practice head Marleen Botman is widely recognised for her expertise on EU law issues involving governmental authorities. Georges Dictus is a central figure in the state aid practice, regularly advising the State and municipalities on major matters. Midas Klijsen joined the firm from A&O Shearman.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Fast delivery. Great work.'
- ‘Great knowledge of the sector.'
- ‘Efficient and pragmatic, client-oriented approach.'
- ‘Willem Heemskerk is an excellent litigation lawyer.'
- ‘The team is very complementary and cooperative.'
- ‘Team is highly motivated and professional. Consists of great individual performers and has very good team spirit.’
Key clients
- State of the Netherlands
- Westlake Corporation, Westlake Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Westlake Vinnolit GmbH & Co. KG, Westlake Vinnolit Holdings GmbH
- DNB
- Mercedes-Benz Group AG
- Dutch Competition Authority
- City of Amsterdam
- City of Rotterdam
- Dutch Emissions Authority
- Techniek Nederland
- Bureau of Direct Foreign Investments
- Province of Gelderland
- Republic of Poland
Work highlights
Representing the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in all proceedings concerning the proposed granting of a 10-year exclusive concession to NS (Dutch Railways) for the main railway network in the Netherlands.
Representing DNB in all proceedings regarding annual supervision costs for crypto service providers.
Representing Mercedes-Benz Group AG in all pending cartel damages actions that have been brought against it before Dutch courts in connection with the decision of the EU Commission of 19 July 2016 regarding the Trucks case.
Lawyers
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
Marleen Botman
Other key lawyers
Georges Dictus; Willem Heemskerk; Sebastiaan Cnossen; Midas Klijsen