Public Law

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is a strong firm with 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. Frequently involved in climate change matters, defending clients in litigation, as well as advising on carbon storage and nitrogen emissions mandates. Regularly acts on contentious and non-contentious proceedings regarding zoning plans and environmental permits. Also assists with water protection legislation. Additionally active in public law topics, representing public and private sector clients in parliamentary inquiries, human rights cases and freedom of information disputes.

A client lauds the team at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek for "keeping each other updated on all of the matters that they do for us. The lawyers from other teams also have an insight into the ongoings of all topics. They are without a doubt one of the best firms in the Netherlands. They are extremely good lawyers."

Another interviewee explains that "the attorneys of De Brauw guarantee a combination of high legal quality, due care and focus on solutions. If you are a client, and you really want high-end treatment of a case involving environment and planning, De Brauw is an excellent choice."

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek represented Royal Dutch Shell in climate change litigation filed against it by the Dutch Branch of Friends of the Earth International and 13,500 co-claimants.

Arjan Kleinhout is respected for his work on contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental law, covering issues such as nitrogen regulations, noise pollution, carbon capture projects and zoning plans. He is also recognised for his expertise in public law, representing clients in human rights law disputes. A clients explains that "he is quick to understand client needs, with a strong background in environmental law and the ability to oversee implications in other areas, both legal and practical."

Nicolien van den Biggelaar is regularly involved in complex and large environmental projects, such as carbon storage. She is also well versed in contentious proceedings regarding climate change and nitrogen regulation. She often acts for energy sector clients on the crossover between energy regulatory matters and environmental legislation. A client refers to her as "the go-to person for all our environmental and spatial issues," and elaborates that "she is very knowledgeable, always has state-of-the-art and recent expertise and is very clear and accessible."