Van Doorne Delivers Three Green Ambassadors: Klapwijk, Maessen, and Van Ahee Recognized as Legal Leaders in the Energy Transition
Amsterdam, 16 June 2025 – The Zuidas may not be known as the green heart of the Netherlands, but a different wind is clearly blowing at Van Doorne. This year, the firm delivers not one, not two, but three lawyers who have been named Legal 500 Green Ambassadors: Léone Klapwijk, Victor van Ahee, and Diederik Maessen. With this, Van Doorne becomes a key supplier of sustainable legal talent – and that’s no coincidence. The Green Ambassador title is not a marketing award, but an international recognition for lawyers who distinguish themselves in their work on the energy transition, ESG, and decarbonization. Or, as insiders call it: the legal backbone of the green economy.
Léone Klapwijk – Strategist of the Energy Transition
Léone Klapwijk has been a mainstay in energy law for years. She advises heat companies and governments on how to develop district heating networks and helps market players find solutions for grid congestion. She lectures on congestion solutions at VU University, serves on the board of Stichting Warmtenetwerk, and publishes on all things energy and law. “Heat is not a side issue in the transition – it is the transition,” says Klapwijk.
Diederik Maessen – Dealmaker in Sustainable Infrastructure
Diederik Maessen is the dealmaker of the trio. He brings parties together to shape the transition collaboratively. He advises, among others, Gasunie on the development of the national hydrogen network and is involved in CO₂ storage projects such as CO2next. His strengths? M&A, project development, and contracting – but with a green twist. “The energy transition requires courage and legal precision,” he says.
Victor van Ahee – Guide Through Green Regulation
Victor van Ahee helps industrial companies and property owners transition to more sustainable processes and assets. He is one of the few legal experts in the Netherlands capable of navigating the complex European and Dutch regulations on CO₂ emissions, renewable fuels, and sustainable development.
Van Doorne: From Full Service to Full Impact
The number of appointments is no coincidence. Van Doorne has heavily invested in the energy transition in recent years. The firm supports clients in developing new infrastructure, setting up ESG strategies, and forming innovative collaborations. “We don’t just want to advise – we want to help build the solutions of tomorrow,” says managing partner Sjoerd Kamerbeek. “These recognitions from Legal 500 confirm our direction: using legal expertise for societal impact. We’re proud that Léone, Diederik, and Victor are part of our team and are making a difference together in multidisciplinary teams.”
For more information, contact Catharina Burgman, Communications Advisor at Van Doorne, via burgman@vandoorne.com or +31 627965118.
Legal Green Ambassadors are selected based on the following criteria:
- Sustainable client work – Legal work that actively contributes to decarbonization and the energy transition.
- Broad legal backgrounds – Not limited to ESG or energy; sustainability is central.
- Client focus – Impactful work for public or private entities, large or small.
- Thought leadership – Active contributions to debate, education, or sector initiatives.
- Internal and external impact – Visible sustainability leadership both within the firm and in the sector.
- Individual recognition – Focus is on the lawyer’s achievements, not the firm’s.
Learn more about the Green Ambassadors and the selection process: https://www.legalbusiness.co.uk/green-ambassadors/methodology/
