DLA Piper‘s litigation and regulatory practice has a strong team of environmental law practitioners that is ’capable of delivering high-quality work without losing sight of the solution the client wishes to achieve‘. Lead partner Bob Martens has a long track record in large-scale PPP projects, brownfield development projects and complex administrative law cases. Newly promoted partner Alec Van Vaerenbergh and Lieven Annaert also play key roles in the practice. Birgit Creemers and Fien Wuyts ’know their practice very well and are able to translate this is practical solutions‘.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Birgit Creemers and Fien Wuyts know their practice very well and are able to translate this into practical solutions. ’
‘The team is capable of delivering high quality work without losing sight of the solution the client wishes to achieve. No-nonsense approach to files.’
‘Birgit Creemers is one of a kind. As a lawyer, she feels what a client needs and does not hesitate to advise even if one is not willing to know the answer. She goes the extra mile and has a clear view on environmental matters.’
'Good mix of experience and upcoming legal talents. A good understanding of the sensitivities of local government and the politics it goes with. Very strong in dealing with complex cases and prioritising when necessary.'
'I would like to recommend Birgit Creemers and Fien Wuyts. Great experience and flexibility when legal aid is required. Exceptional knowledge in the field of environmental law.'
‘The diversity of legal expertise provides for an all-round service. The collaboration is smooth and this is a team you can rely upon.’
‘The associates are accessible, yet always remain professional. Honoring deadlines and providing the kind of advice which shows their knowledge and expertise in the legal matter at hand, you know your case is in good hands. ’
‘For us, the strength of this law firm is the degree of specialisation of its extensive team, which allows a complex case to be analysed at short notice by several experts from their own areas of expertise. Since all knowledge is gathered under one roof, we get a comprehensive and coordinated analysis at short notice. The firm is also very strong in its availability and communication policy, with our queries being followed up correctly and quickly.'
Key clients
- European Commission
- Indaver
- SUEZ
- Sabic
- bpost
- Osar Architects
- City of Antwerp
- Sweco
- Borealis Polymers NV
- Mondelez International
- Lillo Energy
- Vlaamse Radio en Televisie (VRT)
- TM ROCO
- Municipality Brasschaat
- TM COTU
- Fastned
- Bekaert
- Bacardi - Martini
- Lucid Motors
- AG VESPA
- ArcelorMittal
- Nationale Loterij
- City of Mortsel
- Fluvius System Operator
- Société d’Auteurs Belge – Belgische Auteurs Maatschappij (SABAM)
- Vlaamse Agentschap voor Innoveren en Ondernemen (VLAIO)
Work highlights
- Advised TM COTU on the construction works of the Oosterweelverbinding project, providing legal support regarding a number environmental and urban planning questions, including the PFAS contamination by 3M near to the construction works and the proceedings to suspend the integrated environmental permit allowing PFAS-polluted water to be drained, filtered and discharged in the River Scheldt and a nearby water body in a natural reserve.
- Acted for Indave in various permitting proceedings initiated to remedy effluent containing PFAS and the Ecluse II pipeline project allowing the extension of the existing heat grid network in the Antwerp harbour and urban area.
- Advised the City of Antwerp in connection with a number of urban planning and development projects and environmental matters and represented the client before the Council of State after several parties appealed the adoption of the “Pelikaanstraat” zoning plan.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Birgit Creemers
DLA PiperPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bob Martens