Leveraging a ‘depth of experience collected over many years’, the large team at Fieldfisher takes on the gamut of advisory and contentious work relating to REACH, pesticides and biocides, as well as other related environmental law issues. Complex litigation regarding EU-level approval and registration of chemicals is a key strength. David Haverbeke heads up the broader EU regulatory department, overseeing ‘a solution-oriented group of lawyers’ which includes key names Claudio Mereu, Koen Van Maldegem, Peter Sellar and counsel Maud Grunchard.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very few teams have this depth of experience collected over many years of working with the relevant legislation as it has been created and implemented. This is genuine in-depth knowledge of the intricacies with which companies - big, small, generic, and research-based - are faced.’
  • 'Throughout our partnership, we have benefitted from Fieldfisher’s continuous excellent value-added service, oriented to the needs of our company, at very competitive prices and within the required time-limits. This allows us to always have an advanced position in diverse situations.’
  • ‘Claudio Mereu has been on top of this area of practice from its inception, has the required contacts when needed, and offers sound practical advice.’
  • ‘We have always benefited from Claudio Mereu's strong knowledge of law and long-time professional experience in different legal spheres which are of interest for our company, including pesticides and biocides. We always rely on his good judgement and advice, which help us to take the best decisions and solve multiple problems. We specifically value his approachability and ease of communication.'

  • ‘Attention to detail and professionalism. Out-of-the-box thinking.’

  • ‘Koen Van Maldegem: long-term experience, always keeping the client in focus, solution-oriented and not confrontational.'

  • ‘Fieldfisher have a very good reputation within the field of chemical regulation, and this is borne out by our work with them. They have an excellent knowledge and insight into the regulations, wide connections within the industry and with the regulators, and always provide strong legal guidance.’

  • ‘Fieldfisher brings together a solution-oriented group of lawyers, ready to react on short notice with competent legal advice. The practice fosters superior collaboration with its clients, adapting to diverse situations and ensuring seamless project execution for a successful outcome.’

Key clients

  • Chemours
  • Polynt s.p.a.
  • Centro Reach SRL
  • Carus
  • Reach Consortia
  • Cefic - biocides for Europe
  • Alcohol Task Force
  • EU Silver Task Force
  • Arche Consulting
  • Ascenza
  • ADCR Reach Consortium
  • Lubrizol
  • Barclay
  • EU Focus Group
  • Finchimica
  • Gowan
  • Manica
  • Nippon Soda
  • Rotam Agro / Albaugh
  • Trece
  • Mancozeb Task Force
  • JT Agro
  • Sharda Cropchem Limited
  • Suterra
  • Agria

Work highlights

  • Advised Chemours on the incoming restrictions of PFAS under REACH.
  • Advised the EU Silver Task Force on a major biocidal review in Europe.
  • Handled a range of contentious and non-contentious matters on behalf of Italian company Polynt.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Haverbeke

Other key lawyers

Claudio Mereu, Koen Van Maldegem, Gerard McElwee, Simon Englebert, Peter Sellar, Maud Grunchard