Public Law
The growth in Dutch and European regulation has an effect on all sectors. The relationship between government bodies and market parties is governed by regulation in areas such as financial and other supervision, the environment, spatial planning, land, procurement, health and safety, and tax. Houthoff's Public Law Team assists government bodies, domestic companies and foreign corporations. That's why our public law specialists understand the challenges and opportunities for both public and private clients. As the public law market leader, Houthoff is always involved in the most ground-breaking and complex public law related cases. This can involve anything from giving advice on public-private partnerships and litigating licence or subsidy cases to managing complex crisis situations. Our Public Law Team is also regularly asked to give the legislature advice on new laws and regulations. Our specialists understand the language of government bodies and supervisory authorities and they understand the market. This unique combination means that the services we offer are unrivalled.
-
“One client stated that 'Houthoff's team goes to great lengths to understand the case and develop a conclusive line of reasoning'.”Chambers Europe, Public Law (2024 Edition) -
"A client says: 'Houthoff delivers excellent work within short timeframes and is appropriately proactive at the same time'."Chambers Europe, Public Law (2023 Edition)
-
“The team understands our commercial and reputational interest very well.”Chambers Europe, Public Law & Planning and Environment (2022 Edition)
-
“A client explains that the size of Houthoff is advantageous as it ‘guarantees that we will be able to be advised on the right discipline and practice area that is warranted by the legal situation’.”Chambers Europe, Public Law & Planning and Environment (2022 Edition)
-
“Highlighting the firm’s collaborative approach, one client comments: ‘The team listens to my questions and reasoning,’ before going on to add that ‘in addition to the firm’s accurate advice, Houthoff helps me in deciding on a strategy to communicate.’”Chambers Europe, Public Law & Planning and Environment (2021 Edition)
-
“Another client enthuses: ‘Houthoff has very pleasant lawyers to work with,’ and underlines that the lawyers are able to ‘present solutions before the problems even come up.’”Chambers Europe, Public Law & Planning and Environment (2021 Edition)
Our expertise in public law matters
Houthoff is the trusted adviser for many large companies with regard to the public law aspects of their businesses. Our Public Law Team comprises specialists in the areas of planning and zoning law (environmental law), and specialists in the areas of financial and public economic law. Houthoff is involved in the most important spatial development projects, and advises developers and government bodies from the drawing board until completion.
Our public law specialists have comprehensive legal expertise and sector knowledge and they assist parties in matters such as internal investigations, regulatory issues with supervisory authorities and enforcement processes. If necessary, they represent clients in proceedings before bodies like the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State or the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal.
Our changing society means that we need to have a better understanding of public governance and its correct application. Our Public Law Team has gained a special position in this area and advises companies and government bodies on investigations related to governance.
Houthoff is one of the founders of Pro Bono Connect, the first Dutch public interest clearing house. NGOs like Amnesty International and PAX have sought the advice of our experts via this organisation on highly politically-sensitive issues like human rights and sustainability.
Our Public Law Team works closely together with our specialists in areas such as M&A, real estate, procedural law, procurement, and EU and competition. Together with our sector-specific focus (including health, energy, governance, construction and IT) this multi-disciplinary approach leads to well-considered advice and pragmatic solutions. We provide solutions for today and for the future.
-
Represented RDW (Dutch Vehicle Licence Authority) before the Dutch DPA and administrative courts in defence of complaints raised by a group of data subjects.
-
Advising and representing PPG Industries in their environmental and safety compliance and permitting matters for all Dutch facility locations.
-
Houthoff is the lead counsel to the private owner of the vast Dutch polder Duchess Hedwige (adjacent to the Belgian border in the southern part of the Province of Zeeland). Houthoff advises the owner and litigates against the Dutch Government regarding the planned project of the Dutch Government to submerge the privately-owned polder (more than 300 hectares of cultivated land) and turn it into estuarine nature.
-
Advising and representing RAI Amsterdam regarding the zoning plan “Amsterdam RAI” which comprises the development of a large hotel and parking garage at the site of RAI Amsterdam.
-
Advising university medical centres in public tender procedures for IT and electronic medical files.
-
Advising and representing Tata Steel, one of Europe's largest steel plants, on their most important environmental permits and enforcement procedures.
