Department profile
Houthoff

Public Law: Planning and Environment

Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands

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Houthoff

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About

Provided by Houthoff

The growth in Dutch and European regulation has an effect on all sectors. The relationship between government bodies and market parties is governed by regulation in areas such as financial and other supervision, the environment, spatial planning, land, procurement, health and safety, and tax. Houthoff's Public Law Team assists government bodies, domestic companies and foreign corporations. That's why our public law specialists understand the challenges and opportunities for both public and private clients. As the public law market leader, Houthoff is always involved in the most ground-breaking and complex public law related cases. This can involve anything from giving advice on public-private partnerships and litigating licence or subsidy cases to managing complex crisis situations. Our Public Law Team is also regularly asked to give the legislature advice on new laws and regulations. Our specialists understand the language of government bodies and supervisory authorities and they understand the market. This unique combination means that the services we offer are unrivalled. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public Law: Planning and Environment - Netherlands

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Houthoff is a reputed law 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 law 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.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Houthoff assisted Royal Schiphol Group with litigation against a decision by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate on the division of the radio spectrum for the 5G auction.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Houthoff distinguishes itself through its deep understanding of public law processes and its ability to translate complex legal frameworks into workable agreements with government entities.

    Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope

  • Houthoff shows a hands-on mentality and provides help in a way that fulfils the gap in our knowledge. The team's knowledge about Dutch regulations and the way to apply them is very valuable.

    Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope

  • Houthoff can handle complex and sophisticated matters at the intersection of law, science and politics, and navigates internal needs for communication.

    Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope

  • The team knows our business very well and is extremely capable in cutting through the noise and vast amounts of information, focusing discussions and addressing the key areas.

    Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope

  • The department has in-depth knowledge of the applicable law and, because of our long-term relationship, it also understands the need and potential consequences for the business.

    Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Marloes Brans
    Marloes Brans

    Marloes Brans

    Marloes Brans offers extensive expertise advising on both contentious and non-contentious planning and environment law matters, including permitting mandates and redevelopment projects. She also assists clients with emissions regulations, carbon storage issues and soil contamination matters.

    • Marloes Brans provides excellent support throughout complex and long-winded matters.

      Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope

    • Marloes Brans has a wide understanding of environmental and administrative matters and helps me navigate sophisticated matters.

      Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope
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  • Marry de Gaay Fortman
    Marry de Gaay Fortman

    Marry de Gaay Fortman

    Marry de Gaay Fortman plays a key role advising clients on contentious proceedings and decarbonisation issues. Her practice extends to assisting clients with subsidies and corporate governance mandates.

    • I am impressed by how Marry de Gaay Fortman takes charge in the case.

      Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope

    • Marry de Gaay Fortman is professional and dedicated; it is a good collaboration.

      Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope

    • Marry de Gaay Fortman is not only very experienced and has a lot of knowledge, but she is also down to earth and client-focused in helping to solve issues.

      Public Law: Planning and Environment respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Houthoff (2)

Netherlands

Members

Provided by Houthoff

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