Environment: Belgium

THE FIRM This well-established environment practice covers the full spectrum of issues, including zoning, permit and product regulation, waste and soil contamination, and environmental aspects of M&A transactions. Praised for its broad coverage and impressive cultural understanding, the team extends its legal expertise to all three of the Belgian regions. Key mandates include assisting leading environmental clients such as Veolia Propreté and Van Gansewinkel with the financial aspects of non-hazardous waste management activities. The firm also represented Total in a high-profile court appeal procedure.

Sources say: "Specialists in administrative procedure."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources praise Bernard Deltour for his prowess in contentious cases. His broad practice includes waste management and soil contamination issues, and he often works for significant national and international clients. Clients value Dirk Lindemans's depth of expertise and negotiation skills. He frequently represents clients before regulating bodies as well as the Belgian Constitutional Court and the Council of State.

THE FIRM Universally regarded as one of the top teams in the country, this firm cements its top-tier position after another successful year. The practice has a strong local and European outlook and enjoys visibility on landmark planning and environmental projects. The team also works in close collaboration with the energy department, offering clients a fully integrated service, especially in the realms of nuclear power. It notably assisted the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control with proceedings initiated by Greenpeace and the City of Ghent against transportation of nuclear materials. Renewable energy is another strength of the team and it recently advised Nordex on the construction of wind turbine parks in Belgium.

Sources say: "Excellent value for money."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers agree that Jan Bouckaert is "a great name in regulatory law." He works for both public and private entities and comes recommended for urban planning and nuclear power projects. He regularly advises clients such as the Brussels Airport Company on administrative issues. Sources praise Monique Kestemont for her problem-solving approach, saying: "She's very clear and concise, and gives frank advice." She has noted expertise in environmental, planning and public law.

THE FIRM Sources commend this firm's impressive breadth of expertise, which ranges from general environmental law to pollution and waste regulation matters. It attracts leading multinational figures such as Honeywell, Van Gansewinkel and Macquarie Airports, the latter of which it assisted with all the environmental aspects of the sale of its interests in Brussels airport to a Canadian pension fund.

Sources say: "The firm gives us great updates of developments in this field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources identify practice head Gauthier van Thuyne as one of Belgium's leading environmental lawyers. He is a strong litigator and skilled in a variety of areas including waste, planning and building regulations, contaminated sites, permit compliance and related enforcement. Sources say: "He is pleasant to work with, has a very good sense of humour and gives tailor-made, practical advice."

THE FIRM This practice combines diverse aspects of environmental law such as permit and soil contamination regulation with other legal areas such as PPP projects and project finance. The team is made up of practitioners with a background in both law and chemical engineering, enabling it to offer integrated, industry-specific advice. Recent highlights include acting for Duracell Batteries on soil contamination and vapour intrusion matters. 

Sources say: "An important name in international law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients highlight Pascal Mallien as a prominent litigator, who is present in various domestic courts. As one interviewee declares, "he is dynamic and enthusiastic, and acts very quickly."

THE FIRM Sources are quick to praise this firm's impeccable customer service and solution-driven approach. The team has expanded in recent months, boosting its position in the market and deepening its level of expertise. It is committed to classic environmental matters such as air and soil pollution, waste regulation and permit acquisition, and recently advised Ovam on potential financing mechanisms to sanitise soil pollution.

Sources say: "A perfect match for what we need – the team is extremely specialised in environmental law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Bob Martens is notably active on PPP and energy projects. He is currently assisting the EC with a pioneering joint procurement concerning a platform for Emissions Trading System rights, acting on behalf of the EC and 24 member states. Clients praise Dominique Devos for his excellent client service and pragmatic, solution-oriented advice. He is notably active in the Flemish region and comes particularly recommended for soil contamination matters.

THE FIRM This boutique maintains its presence in the Walloon market, often handling local environmental and town-planning matters. The team also has tremendous capabilities in zoning, soil and air pollution, and litigation. Recent mandates have centred on finance-related aspects of environmental law such as taxation and grants.  

Sources say: "The perfect example of a niche practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees hold Francis Haumont in high esteem for his land management and soil pollution expertise. Peers say he is "a pleasure to work with – a real gentleman."  

THE FIRM This dedicated environment boutique deals with a range of environmental issues, including climate, energy and planning. It is most active in the Flemish market, where market observers praise its continued visibility and success. It acts for an impressive variety of clients from both the public and private sectors. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS "A robust litigator," Isabelle Larmuseau is widely regarded as one of the most prominent lawyers in the environment market. Clients include Dutch NGOs and public authorities, and she wins praise for her innovative thinking.

THE FIRM This highly integrated, full-service practice is involved in major litigations and high-profile environmental files throughout the country. A notable mandate involved advising CityMall on the environmental aspects of its commercial centre development in various Belgian cities. This includes the acquisition of additional land, applications for building permits and the modification of public roads and surrounding areas.

KEY INDIVIDUALS François Tulkens is a well-known figure in the French-speaking market, where he often works on the zoning aspects of project planning and permit acquisitions. "He is a strong litigator, and also an intelligent and fair lawyer, who defends clients until the last breath," say sources. The widely respected Patrick Peeters is active in the Dutch-speaking market and draws particular praise for his strong litigation skills. He also comes recommended for soil contamination and regulatory matters.

THE FIRM As well as offering a dedicated local service, this firm also benefits from the global CMS network, which gives it a significant advantage in cross-border files. The team focuses largely on renewable energy schemes and recently drafted new legislation on the implementation of windmills for the Walloon Environment, Town & Country Planning & Mobility Ministry. 

Sources say: "The lawyers always prove extremely helpful."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Luc Depré is the main contact here. His expertise spans soil remediation, waste management, climate change-related matters and energy.

THE FIRM This practice collaborates closely with the firm's corporate and real estate departments to offer clients a fully-rounded service. Energy has been a notable area of focus in recent months, as seen in its work for GDF SUEZ on soil regulations relating to its asset merger with International Power. The team worked closely with its colleagues in London, Paris and Amsterdam on this deal, demonstrating its ability to offer a truly seamless international service. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers hold Lieve Swartenbroux in high esteem for her broad environmental legal expertise, which covers environmental permits, soil contamination, emission trading, waste management and land planning. Swartenbroux is also a specialist in energy law, with notable strength in renewables. Sources admire Anne Delfosse's experience in planning law. She is particularly visible in the French-speaking market.

THE FIRM This firm offers a wide-ranging environment practice, touching upon issues of real estate and energy. The team is active in all three Belgian regions and is heavily involved in soil contamination, permit regulation and diverse energy-related matters. Clients include Electrolux and Essent Belgium, which have instructed the firm on electronic waste treatment and green energy certification matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Wouter Neven advises national and international companies on a whole spectrum of environmental and planning matters including soil contamination, waste management, pollution and litigation.