Nicolien van den Biggelaar heads the Competition and Regulation practice of De Brauw. She specialises in public law, including Dutch and European environmental law, spatial planning, nature conservation, compliance and enforcement, European law and regulatory. She acts on behalf of both national and international companies and Dutch principals on the regulatory and environmental aspects of infrastructure projects, including energy plants, pipelines, electricity transmission systems, wind farms and harbour infrastructure.

Nicolien’s practice focuses on various energy infrastructure projects and power plants, oil and gas companies, the chemical industry, pesticides and hazardous substances. In addition to advising clients on spatial planning and permits of large infrastructure projects, she represents clients in negotiations with regulatory authorities and in litigation before administrative and civil courts. Her expertise is regularly called upon in M&A transactions and IPOs. Nicolien also remains at the forefront of De Brauw's CO2 emission trading practice.

Recent work includes advising important Dutch principals on the development of the North-South gas transmission system, the expansion of the high volt electricicity transmission system, Maasvlakte 2 and two interconnectors. Our full service to clients in these projects implies team work with a combination of De Brauw’s specialists in PPP projects, project tenders, project finance and the regulatory and procurement law practice.

Legal 500 says: De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek gives ‘speedy’ advice, which is ‘fit for purpose’, and exhibits ‘excellent’ industry knowledge. ‘Pragmatic’ practice head Nicolien van den Biggelaar ‘provides great service with respect to environmental and nature conservation law’.

Nicolien is a member of the board of the Dutch Environmental Lawyers Association (VMA). She is also a lecturer on environmental, administrative law and nature conservation issues.