Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands
Ranked Individual
Provided by Dentons
A summary
• Six-lawyer (two-partner) environment and public/planning law team at Dentons in the Netherlands
• Led by Jan Jakob Peelen (environmental law) and Valentijn Leijh (planning/zoning/development)
• Active in energy, infrastructure, real estate, retail, leisure, healthcare, chemicals and waste
• Advises energy clients on environmental law, administrative law and public procurement
• Market-leading renewable energy practice (wind, solar, hydrogen, geothermal, biomass, battery technology and storage)
• Strong climate change and nature protection disputes practice
• Leading planning practice for real estate developers, major retailers and leisure chains
• Dutch team benefits from the resources of the world’s largest law firm – 5,900+ lawyers in 80+ countries
How do we stand out?
• Public law team in Amsterdam advising on environmental, planning, zoning, permitting and procurement.
• Top-tier renewable energy work, including permitting for large projects across the Netherlands
• Successful defense of energy clients in NGO-driven nature protection and climate litigation
• Deep experience advising retail chains on planning and zoning, including litigation
• Close cooperation with our highly ranked Real Estate practice on development, redevelopment and transformation projects
• Natural focus on real estate/energy cross-over, including portfolio “greening,” rooftop solar and energy efficiency standards
Provided by Chambers
Dentons is an international law firm with expertise in planning and environmental law, working alongside the law firm's well-regarded real estate practice to advise on the permitting and zoning aspects of development projects. The law firm additionally represents clients in enforcement proceedings under EU environmental and natural protection legislation and assists with matters involving nitrogen emissions.
Provided by Chambers
Dentons acted for Gunvor on a joint venture with VARO Energy to build a sustainable aviation fuel manufacturing facility in the Netherlands, including advice on nature protection legislation, soil contamination and emissions.
Provided by Chambers
Dentons is hands-on, provides practical advice and does not get too tangled up in theoretical discussions. The lawyers are also able to provide feedback quickly and follow up on agreements on time.
Dentons provides quick assistance, a realistic approach in cases and a wide range of experience.
Dentons has a good ability to understand our organisation and its challenges, but most of all the patience to listen and help us understand the legal aspects of our cases.
Dentons excels in using its expertise and a bird's-eye view to support our organisation.
Dentons is highly knowledgeable, hands-on and has a high success rate in matters.
Provided by Chambers
Jan Jakob Peelen continues to be regarded for advising clients on permitting issues as well as contentious matters involving emissions legislation and chemical regulations. His practice also covers renewable energy development projects.
Jan Jakob Peelen is a very competent lawyer who responds quickly with great quality advice. He helps you manoeuvre in a pragmatic way through complex and strategic public law matters.
Public Law: Planning and Environment
Provided by Dentons
Valentijn Leijh
Sanne Jeurissen
Tycho Mol
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