Public Law: Planning and Environment | Europe

AKD is a market-leading firm with exceptional expertise in public law and planning and environmental law, acting predominantly for the Dutch state and municipalities, often on contractual agreement negotiations and new legislative proposals. It is esteemed for advising on public law enforcement mandates and other contentious matters. The law firm additionally advises private companies on regulatory compliance, permitting disputes and compensation claims. AKD is a popular choice with both municipalities and constructors for development projects, often involving sustainable housing. The lawyers assist with zoning plans, expropriation issues, environmental permitting mandates, and soil and groundwater contamination issues.

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek has an in-depth offering in planning and environmental law, often collaborating with the firm's market-leading energy regulatory team to assist with energy sector mandates. The law firm is frequently involved in climate change matters, defending clients in litigation, as well as advising on carbon storage and nitrogen emissions mandates. The lawyers regularly act in contentious and non-contentious proceedings regarding zoning plans and environmental permits. De Brauw also assists with water protection legislation. It is additionally active in public law topics, representing public and private sector clients in parliamentary inquiries, human rights cases and freedom of information disputes.

Pels Rijcken is a standout firm regularly mandated by Dutch public bodies. The law firm is highly experienced in preliminary relief proceedings as well as representing public bodies in contentious administrative cases. It additionally offers market-leading experience in environmental matters, including nature conservation regulations and environmental permitting matters. Pels Rijcken also represents clients in expropriation matters.

Stibbe has a highly esteemed team with an impressive offering in public and planning and environmental law. The law firm is well respected for its advisory work on the impact of legislative changes. The team acts for both municipalities and private clients, with notable experience advising private sector clients on Dutch gambling law and additional strength in planning and zoning matters. It often assists clients with environmental permits and nature conservation legislation.

Van der Feltz advocaten has a strong practice advising on a broad spectrum of public law and planning and environmental law. It assists clients with expropriations and litigation concerning zoning plans and environmental permits, as well as non-contentious permit applications. The law firm acts on soil pollution mandates, as well as matters concerning REACH and EHS. Van der Feltz advocaten is additionally experienced in compensation claims, acting for private and public entities. The lawyers also assist with freedom of information requests.

The firm has a broad practice in planning and environmental law in the Netherlands. It regularly liaises with its energy practice and advises clients on the zoning, planning and environmental implications of large-scale energy and property developments. The law firm is particularly adept at handling nitrogen deposition matters. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Dentons is an international law firm with expertise in planning and environmental law, working alongside the firm's well-regarded real estate practice to advise on the permitting and zoning aspects of development projects. The firm additionally represents clients in enforcement proceedings under EU environmental and natural protection legislation and assists with matters involving nitrogen emissions.

Houthoff is a solid firm with notable experience in contentious public law matters, representing clients in administrative enforcement actions, challenges and appeals against zoning plans. It also handles non-contentious matters, assisting with procurement and subsidy issues. The firm is additionally active on planning and environmental law matters, advising on appeals against the refusal of environmental permits, and has experience with emissions regulations matters.

NautaDutilh has a well-respected team with considerable expertise in planning and environmental law. The firm represents clients in enforcement proceedings and appeal proceedings against fines. Furthermore, it also handles mandates related to environmental permits and zoning plans.

NewGround Law hosts a well-respected team of environment and planning lawyers in the Netherlands. The firm advises a range of clients on public law issues, such as zoning, planning, permitting and environmental impact assessments. It has particular expertise in handling cases concerning nitrogen, and real estate developments.

Ploum joins the rankings for the first time this year after receiving strong market praise for its planning and environment practice. The firm is frequently seen advising on appeals against the refusal of environmental permits, and has experience handling environmental impact assessments and licensing procedures. The team is also well placed to represent clients in contentious public law matters, representing clients in administrative enforcement actions and appeal proceedings against fines.

Six Advocaten breaks into the rankings this year after eliciting noteworthy praise for its planning and environment practice. The team advises a range of notable clients on public law issues such as planning, permitting and environmental impact assessments. The firm is also well placed to represent clients in enforcement proceedings and zoning mandates.