Department profile
Pels Rijcken

Construction

Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands


Pels Rijcken

Rankings

About

Provided by Pels Rijcken

This department, with more than twenty lawyers, is the largest specialised player in the Netherlands.

For a good many years, this department has assisted the State of the Netherlands and other public clients in innumerable cases brought before the Court of Arbitration for the Building Industry in the Netherlands, The Netherlands Arbitration Institute and the civil courts, and as a consequence, the team has a wealth of procedural experience.

The team's experience of Design & Construct agreements, DBFM(O) contracts and PP partnership contracts is second to none, as they have arranged these for the largest projects in the Netherlands, as well as for the more traditional forms of building contracts. The department is involved in almost all major infrastructural projects, such as the HSL line, the second Coentunnel, A15 Maasvlakte-Vaanplein, Schiphol-Amsterdam-Almere and the construction of numerous roads, railways and government buildings. 

Our clients include the State, provincial authorities in the Randstad conurbation, the four largest municipalities, water boards, healthcare institutes, universities and many other public authorities. Consequently, the attorneys at this department are at the forefront when it comes to assisting in legally, technologically and politically complex projects and they have acquired a good feeling for dealing with the specific public component.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - Netherlands

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Pels Rijcken is well positioned to represent government authorities on construction law mandates from its base in The Hague. The law firm has experience advising on the construction of high-stakes infrastructure, energy and technology projects, as well as redevelopment and renovation cases. It displays additional skill in the handling of PPP and public procurement procedures, navigating clients through the tendering process through to contract completion. The department's offering is completed by its involvement in contentious construction matters, including those relating to delay and disruption claims and price increases.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Pels Rijcken advised the State of the Netherlands on the procurement process for the construction of two nuclear power plants.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Pels Rijcken team is highly knowledgeable, allowing it to work very efficiently and effectively.

    Construction respondentEurope
  • Pels Rijcken is so experienced and professional that it can handle all issues. It is a joy to work with the team.

    Construction respondentEurope
  • It has been a really positive experience working with Pels Rijcken. The law firm can provide the right support and experts at short notice, which is really impressive.

    Construction respondentEurope
  • Pels Rijcken finds a solution for every problem.

    Construction respondentEurope
  • Pels Rijcken delivers work in good time and with good results.

    Construction respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Mark Birnage
    Band 3Mark Birnage

    Mark Birnage

    Mark Birnage advises public entities on project and infrastructure funding, project development and construction disputes.

    • Mark Birnage is a good professional lawyer and I like working with him.

      Construction respondentEurope
    • Mark Birnage offers good collaboration and always looks for solutions.

      Construction respondentEurope
    • Mark Birnage is a fine lawyer with lots of experience in large-scale projects.

      Construction respondentEurope
    • His extensive knowledge of matters helps steer them on the right course.

      Construction respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Pels Rijcken (1)

Netherlands

Members

Provided by Pels Rijcken

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership