DLA Piper focuses its practice on cross-border investments and transactions, often assisting real estate investors and project developers. Other work the firm typically handles includes large project development deals and assisting private equity firms in creating logistics platforms. Practice head Leen van der Marel is a go-to practitioner for real estate M&A as well as asset transactions. Property transaction specialist Rutger Oranje is well versed in the sale and purchase of property portfolios. Civil notary Daniëlle van Berkel was promoted to partner in May 2023; she specialises in complex transactions, portfolio sales and purchases, and real estate finance. Martin Daverschot joined the firm from Dentons in December 2022 and is a civil notary focusing on new building developments and renovations as well as apartment law. Hans-Mark Giezen is also noted for his work in lease and property investment transactions.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA has a strong real estate team. Their unique factor is their unlimited attention for detail and availability.’
‘Leen van der Marel and Sven van der Meer are always very committed and available. ’
‘Efficient approach. Clear team lead who involves colleagues when appropriate. Skilled in managing large transactions and various workflows.’
‘DLA exhibits a very high level of motivation and maintains a highly positive working attitude. Their approach is goal-oriented, and they refrain from introducing unnecessary elements into contracts. I always have one primary point of contact, while there is also a large team in the background that efficiently handles all requests within a short period.’
'Sven van der Meer is readily available for calls and meetings, and his exceptional problem-solving attitude allows him to engage with the counterparty to reach mutually agreeable solutions. Throughout the entire process, he maintains a pragmatic and goal-oriented approach. Overall, it is an exceptionally smooth process, and I am extremely satisfied with the results.’
‘Seamless service across legal disciplines (attorneys, notaries and tax) and therefore very well placed to act on complex integrated projects involving more than one specialisation, such as sale and lease back and turnkey purchase transactions. The team is helpful and quick to respond. ’
‘Axel Visschedijk and Rutger Oranje have strong expertise in transactions and sale and lease back arrangements within the logistics sector. They are responsive, specialised in successfully closing complex negotiations and provide one stop shop legal advice on real estate transactions. ’
‘We have a very long and outstanding relation with the team. The cooperation is excellent, and the teams knows and understands our company and business very well. The legal knowledge is extensive, and they can assist us on a great variety of legal real estate and contract law matters. Meaning advising, litigation, drafting contracts and transactions. ’
Key clients
- Abrdn
- Ares Management Limited
- Arrow Global
- Aviva
- Being Development
- Carlyle
- Corre
- Corum Asset Management
- GLP
- HIH Invest Real Estate
- Intervest Offices & Warehouses
- Mirastar/KKR
- NH Hotel Group
- RED Company
- Redevco
- RJB Group of Companies
- Schroders Capital
- Segro
- Urbz Capital
Work highlights
- Advised RED Company and Redevco on a large-scale inner-city project development in Rotterdam.
- Assisted Schroders Capital with the acquisition of a large office portfolio (50.000 sq. m.) with a value of €105m, located in Utrecht, from Klépierre.
- Advised PowerField Netherlands on the raising of €135m in structured equity financing for the funding of construction and development costs in relation to solar, EV charging and storage projects.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Leen van der Marel