Speakers

Lothar Van Driessche

Partner
Stibbe
Brussels

I am Lothar Van Driessche, a Brussels based solicitor and head of Energy, Industry & Utilities (BeLux) at Stibbe, the leading independent law firm of Belgium and in the Benelux. At Stibbe, we are committed to providing legal excellence to our clients wherever they are and whenever they need it.

👨‍🎓 Practicing E&I at the heart of the EU: It is my privilege to be admitted to practice before the Courts of Belgium and the European Union. My practice revolves around the intricate world of energy and infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on transactional work and regulatory advice. The acronyms PPP/PFI are not just jargon; they represent the vital infrastructure that supports our communities.

🌐 Expertise with a purpose: My role requires a comprehensive understanding of what the energy transition entails within a Belgian and European context, and an awareness of how energy markets and regulated (network) infrastructures operate. It is a field that is complex and ever-changing, but one where every detail matters.

🛠️ The art of agreement: Risk analysis, contract negotiation, and drafting agreements for public and private (regulated) infrastructure projects are part of my daily toolkit. My familiarity with diverse contractual structures and industry standards like FIDIC, NEC and EFET helps me to navigate and tailor solutions that are thoughtful and fit for purpose.

📚 Committed to learning and sharing knowledge: My educational background includes a Master of Laws from Ghent University and a Master of Business Laws from the Free University of Berlin. Beyond my studies, I have contributed to scholarly works on energy regulation and infrastructure finance, sharing knowledge and insights through various publications.

🎤 Contributing to the legal dialogue: I take pride in delivering seminars and writing for respected legal publications, playing my part in the ongoing conversation about the law, its business drivers and its impact on society.

🏅 Recognised by peers: I am delighted to be recognised by my peers as sought after in public law and regulatory matters (Legal 500 | Energy, 2024) and noted for my experience and pragmatic approach to project finance (Legal 500 | Real Estate and Construction, 2024).