Environment: Regulatory: Belgium

This "regulatory heavyweight" benefits from the expertise of a team of REACH experts, and advises chemicals and downstream manufacturers on a range of matters, including contracts, data sharing and antitrust. The group wins praise from all sources for its practical know-how, formidable academic background, quality of advice and standard of client service. "We feel that it really values us as a client and gives us its complete attention on every instruction," enthused one commentator. The practice handles sophisticated files for electronic manufacturers, advising them on the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives. Renowned practitioner Peter Bogaert has an outstanding reputation in the life sciences arena and is widely respected for his knowledge of EU and national regulatory law. Cándido Garcia Molyneux focuses on EU law in the environment, food and drug fields, advising clients on compliance with the new REACH requirements, data sharing issues and confidentiality.

This leading regulatory team is firmly established in the top tier, being held in high esteem by market commentators for its "extremely strong knowledge of environmental law, which it applies superbly to client needs," and for the quality of its lawyers, who are "excellent communicators, with a useful entrepreneurial approach." The team commands a formidable reputation in the electronics and chemicals sectors. It provides both legislative policy work and compliance advice, and is considered one of the best teams at handling product-related compliance issues, chiefly those arising from REACH. Clients single out Lucas Bergkamp for his breadth of experience in plant and product-related environmental and chemicals law, as well as his outstanding knowledge of EU administrative law, with one elaborating that "he was deeply involved throughout, made sure he understood our exact needs and put a lot of effort into ensuring we got the right results. He is superb." 

This well-established practice, which handles a large number of REACH cases, has succeeded in securing the loyalty of prominent names such as Procter & Gamble, Solutia and Honeywell. The group recently advised the latter on all aspects of REACH, including contract drafting, data sharing negotiations and strategic advice on compliance set-up. It has particular strength in the electronic, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. Clients value the lawyers' thorough involvement and "comprehensive vision of environment law." Environmental department head and talented litigator Gauthier Van Thuyne is recommended for his valuable advice on REACH issues, the new EU chemicals regime and carbon trading.

This firm, which boasts a strong US and European client base, is praised by market sources for its prowess in EU environmental law. Clients highlight the team's wide geographic coverage, quality advice on compliance issues, and litigation skills. The practice is extremely well versed in REACH, WEEE and RoHS, and its expertise covers a broad range of sectors, including medical devices, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food. Current mandates include advising a multinational chemicals company on EU chemicals legislation. Clients warmly recommend Jacqueline Mailly, who focuses on REACH matters. 

This US firm is considered a strong contender in the EU regulatory arena, having made a name for itself through its expert handling of sophisticated REACH matters. The practice advises companies on EU chemical laws, such as the Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (CLP), and requirements surrounding biocides and pesticides. Its broad-ranging expertise encompasses chemicals, plastics, cosmetics, toys, textiles and medical devices. Widely acclaimed EU chemical control and regulatory law specialist Jean-Phillippe Montfort is the team's most prominent member, with sources valuing his to-the-point and pragmatic advice.

This team of regulatory specialists, which is regarded as one of the top choices for chemicals issues, advises multinational and domestic companies on the environmental and life science regimes of the EU. It is admired for its breadth of knowledge in the area, and has been handling an increasing number of chemicals-related mandates, particularly concerning biocides and the REACH legislation. Partner Darren Abrahams receives glowing reviews for his work on EU environmental and life sciences regulatory requirements, and is considered "dedicated and remarkably efficient."

The environmental law practice at this international player has an impressive regulatory track record, with a focus on REACH and the regulation of emissions. It also advises numerous multinational companies from a wide range of sectors on WEEE and RoHS issues. Jacquelyn MacLennan advises companies from around the globe on their obligations under EU environmental law, with regard to marketing or disposing of their products in Europe. She recently provided counsel to a Japanese manufacturer of silicon wafers, SUMCO, on its environmental duties in Europe under REACH. Clients single her out for "handling priority issues with a sense of urgency, and providing spot-on advice." 

The solid environmental law practice at CMS DeBacker, which focuses on the francophone section of the Belgian market, is renowned for its prowess in advising public authorities. Over the past year, it has drafted legislation for federal, regional and local authorities, and has also handled several disputes on their behalf. Led by department head Luc Depré, the team advised the Walloon government on the EUA allocation for a blast furnace, a mandate that entailed negotiations with the EC. It also commands respect for its regulatory expertise on climate change issues.

Field Fisher Waterhouse enters the rankings this year in recognition of its growing presence in the Belgian market. The team is considered a major player in the areas of chemicals and pesticides, where it advises prominent chemicals companies and industry associations on European regulatory compliance, product defence and consortium formation. Clients value the "pragmatic" group for its impressive grasp of matters falling under the REACH legislation, and for its focus on "telling us what we can do to achieve our commercial goals." Ruxandra Cana is a commercially minded and innovative lawyer who is singled out for her REACH expertise. "She has a strong understanding of the relevant laws and how they interact with each other, a good scientific grounding and exceptional client communication skills," enthused one source.

This firm, which is a market leader on domestic environmental issues, advises on compliance with a broad range of EU laws, including WEEE, REACH, EU pharmaceutical regulations and Strategic Environmental Assessment. The practice also litigates before the Belgian and European courts and is prized for its valuable contacts and "high-calibre technical skills." Recent instructions include advising the Belgian automotive sector confederation FEBIAC on the collection and treatment of End of Life Vehicles. Energy partner Frederik Vandendriessche focuses on climate change issues and is considered a "forthcoming and extremely talented" lawyer. Jan Bouckaert heads the regulatory team as well as the domestic environment team.