About Michael Klijnstra

Michael is an experienced lawyer in public law, especially zoning and environmental law. He gives advice to and litigates for market players in matters concerning zoning plans, building permits, compliance and enforcement with regard to project and area (re)development, transformation and renovation projects and infrastructure. He also deals with complex matters involving soil and air pollution, noise, fire safety, environmental permits, control of waste and environmental liability.

Michael has been with Lexence since 2008. He studied law at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. In 1998 Michael earned a doctoral degree with a dissertation on “transparency in environmental law” at Universiteit van Amsterdam. He was admitted to the Dutch Bar in 1997.

Legal 500 (2021)
''The many years of cooperation with Michael Klijnstra on environmental issues has resulted in detailed file knowledge in often complex subjects, which, in combination with the legal input, leads to successful cooperation.''

  • Legal 500 (2021): "The many years of cooperation with Michael Klijnstra on environmental issues has resulted in detailed file knowledge in often complex subjects, which, in combination with the legal input, leads to successful cooperation."

  • Chambers (2021): "The lawyers have a very strong and in-depth knowledge throughout all real estate-related legal topics."

  • Legal 500 (2020): "Michael always pick up his phone and takes the time to understand the issue. The key succes of Michael is that even how big or difficult the situation is. Michael can explain it in simple words so everybody can understand it."

  • Legal 500 (2019): "The planning and environment department of Lexence is noted for its work in the housing and hotel development and industrial sectors. Team head Michael Klijnstra has expertise spanning zoning, building permits compliance and enforcement as well as issues of soil and air pollution, noise, fire safety and waste. [...]"

  • Chambers (2019): "Well-regarded real estate team with a strong reputation for handling of commercial leasing topics. Advises on sale and leaseback transactions and on acquisitions of logistics, office or retail buildings with a view to the signing of long-term leases. Also provides advice on project development, financing and construction matters."

  • Legal 500 (2018): "Lexence’s ‘excellent’ practice is led by Michael Klijnstra, who has strong experience in advising private companies and public bodies."

  • Chambers (2018): "Clients admire the 'excellent strategic capabilities' of the team, and commend the lawyers' 'customer focus and broad knowledge of the legal aspects of real estate'."

  • Legal 500 (2017): "Lease contract negotations are a particular strength, as are development-and-sale transactions."

  • Chambers (2017): "Well-regarded real estate team with a strong focus on commercial leasing. Also provides advice on project development, financing and construction, with further strength in planning and environment work, litigation and property management."