Department profile
Pels Rijcken

Public Law

Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands


Pels Rijcken

Rankings

About

Provided by Pels Rijcken

For many of Pels Rijcken’s attorneys, administrative law is at the very heart of their practice. An important aspect for this practice is that the central government wears many hats: having a regulatory, administrative and executive role.

The public administration operates in order to safeguard the public interest where political issues are often involved. Due to their expertise, Pels Rijcken's attorneys are fully aware of the client's needs and the government interests that are at stake.

Because of their decades of experience with administrative law, the specialists at Pels Rijcken can apply their combined knowledge of politics, public administration and law when advising. The backbone of Administrative Law is the General Administrative Law Act, which on the one hand regulates government intervention and on the other provides the central government with many opportunities. Pels Rijcken's knowledge of this Act is second to none. All new developments are closely followed and a website - accessible to everyone - is maintained with up-to-date information on the parliamentary history of the Act, complete with explanations.

Because of the firm's extensive experience with providing advice and with litigation, Pels Rijcken has an advantage over other law firms. In court, our attorneys can argue the government's position unlike anyone else. Pels Rijcken acquires much of its information first-hand, and consequentlyhas ample unique and up-to-date expertise.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public Law - Netherlands

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Pels Rijcken is a standout law 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.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Pels Rijcken represented the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in proceedings regarding financial claims from housing corporations.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are very thorough and diligent. Every important aspect is discussed, while considering possible alternatives and providing us clear advice on the legal and administrative matters.

    Public Law respondentEurope
  • They are excellent litigators. They take you through every step of the process, offer you all the existing possibilities and discuss the pros and cons so we can evaluate the most suitable approach.

    Public Law respondentEurope
  • Thanks to Pels Rijcken's extensive experience working with the government, there is always attention to detail in political-administrative relations.

    Public Law respondentEurope
  • The lawyers at Pels Rijcken are key players in the public sector, with an unrivalled understanding of the playing field involving various stakeholders such as politicians and citizens.

    Public Law respondentEurope
  • The lawyers provide expert opinions in a wide variety of legal topics. They have knowledge of the Dutch government, including governance, procurements and policy and they take a hands-on approach to individual cases.

    Public Law respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Eminent PractitionersSandra van Heukelom-Verhage
    Eminent PractitionersSandra van Heukelom-Verhage

    Sandra van Heukelom-Verhage

    Sandra van Heukelom-Verhage's practice focuses on advising contracting authorities on government support programmes, as well as permitting mandates. She is currently managing partner of Pels Rijcken.

    • Sandra van Heukelom-Verhage has great knowledge and understanding of public administration. She has also proved to be skilful in maintaining good relationships with us in individual cases and matters.

      Public Law respondentEurope
  • Band 2Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen
    Band 2Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen

    Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen

    Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen boasts noteworthy experience handling large development projects, advising on zoning and mobility plans, as well as representing clients in proceedings concerning environmental permits.
    • Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen is a highly qualified lawyer in environmental and spatial law. She provides excellent legal advice and counsel.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen is very good at what she does.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • She has the ability to strategically approach complex cases and provide a way forward, without any detriment to the essence of the case.

      Public Law respondentEurope
  • Band 2Jannetje Bootsma
    Band 2Jannetje Bootsma

    Jannetje Bootsma

    Jannetje Bootsma offers an established practice handling high-profile contentious matters for state entities in preliminary relief proceedings.
  • Band 3Arnoud Boorsma
    Band 3Arnoud Boorsma

    Arnoud Boorsma

    Arnoud Boorsma plays a key role advising clients on administrative law, including work acting for state entities and regulators in defence of appeals against the imposition of financial regulation measures. He boasts significant experience assisting clients from the TMT sector.

    • Arnoud has a particularly committed attitude towards clients. He brings people together and is open to feedback and improvement, allowing us to keep each other focused on maintaining high quality and innovation in our field.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Arnoud Boorsma is a friendly, cooperative and skilful partner. He provides a great level of service.

      Public Law respondentEurope
  • Band 3Roelof Reinders
    Band 3Roelof Reinders

    Roelof Reinders

    Roelof Reinders is specialised in handling a wide variety of environmental law issues, with notable skill advising on water and soil contamination, nitrogen deposition, nature conservation and environmental permits.

    • Roelof advises on highly complex legal issues. He advises clearly, convincingly and with great expertise.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Roelof is a very good lawyer in terms of content. He always thinks along with you and is willing to be there for you at all times.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Roelof Reinders is an excellent lawyer with whom we enjoy working together.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • His quality not only shows in preparation and case development, but also as a representative in legal proceedings.

      Public Law respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Pels Rijcken (5)

Netherlands

Members

Provided by Pels Rijcken

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