Dentons has recruited energy and infrastructure lawyer Cedric Degreef as a partner and head of its Energy group in Brussels, as the firm continues to build out its Belgian practice.
Degreef brings more than a decade of experience advising investors, banks, project developers, and operators on the planning, construction, financing, and transactional work tied to energy, utilities, and infrastructure projects. His practice spans energy and climate law, environmental law, administrative law, construction law, and risk management and compliance.
He also has a litigation practice focused on administrative matters, representing clients before bodies including the Council of State, the Council for Permit Disputes, and the Belgian Constitutional Court. He joins from Osborne Clarke, where he served as counsel and led the Energy and Projects team in Brussels.
Dentons said Degreef is ranked “Up and Coming” for Energy by Chambers Europe and is active as an author and conference speaker. He also teaches energy and climate law as a guest professor at the University of Antwerp.
The firm framed the move as part of its broader push in Belgium amid growing client demand for regulatory and transactional advice as the country pursues greater energy efficiency, security and diversification, with a particular focus on renewables. Dentons’ global Energy group includes more than 1,000 lawyers worldwide, including more than 150 in Europe, the firm said.
Over the past year, Dentons has also added partners Jens Debievre (Public Law and Regulatory), Joris de Vos (Restructuring), Tom Geudens (Banking and Finance), and Erwin Simons (Corporate and M&A) in Belgium, and said further additions are expected in the coming months.
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“Dentons has a strong Energy group across Europe, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues as we build the team here in Belgium. Joining Dentons also offers me the opportunity to draw on the knowledge of colleagues in other practices, such as Real Estate, Banking, and Finance and Public Law, to provide end-to-end legal support for clients’ projects and transactions.”
Cedric Degreef, Partner and Head of Energy (Belgium), Dentons
“As Belgium continues its transition toward greater energy efficiency, security, and diversification, Cedric’s recruitment will allow us to address the increased demand from our clients for quality regulatory and transactional advice across all energy segments, particularly renewables.”
Edward Borovikov, Dentons
“The recruitment of Cedric Degreef to establish and lead the Energy group in Brussels is an important milestone in our strategy to expand our capabilities and offering in the Belgian market.”
Tom Geudens, Belgium Co-Managing Partner, Dentons