Professional Profile and Bio
I have been a Partner in the "Energy & Utilities" department at Fieldfisher in Brussels since September 2012, where I lead the Energy Regulatory practice. I am also Head of EU Regulatory department.
I have been active in the energy sector since 1999, advising Belgian and international clients in the energy and utilities sector (including water and waste).
I have broad experience in providing strategic advice and assistance in the liberalisation of energy markets, including drafting legal and regulatory frameworks in the electricity and gas markets and drafting regulated and negotiated contracts in the natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, heat (project development, transit, supply and trading) markets.
Furthermore, I have developed an extensive practice in advising and assisting clients in the Belgian and European energy sectors and have acted in several EU Member States on a wide range of commercial and regulatory matters, including energy contracts, construction and permitting issues, greenhouse gas emissions-related mechanisms, financing and public procurement.
I act on behalf of private (international companies, domestic companies) and public entities (provinces, regulators) and focus mainly on the regulatory aspects of energy law. Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of the legal framework of these sectors, I advise major players on every aspect of energy contracts (both regulated agreements and commercial contracts). Moreover, greenhouse gas emissions-related mechanisms and public procurement are part of his expertise.
Finally, I have extensive experience in proceedings before commercial courts, the Belgian Council of State, the Constitutional Court, the European Court of Justice and various arbitration bodies. My recent work includes acting as an arbitrator (ICAC, CEPINA) in commercial disputes. I am also a fellow and guest lecturer at the "Centre for Energy Law" (AUCEL) at the University of Aberdeen.
For years, I have been ranked in renowned legal directories such as Chambers and Legal 500.
After graduating from KU Leuven, I obtained an L.L.M. from VUB and a Finance Certicate from the London School of Economics.
As a member of the Brussels Bar, I speak fluent Dutch, English, German and Spanish in addition to French (mother tongue) and have a basic knowledge of Russian.
*BV David Haverbeke 0480.401.111
What others say…
David Haverbeke is very pleasant to work with. Thorough knowledge of the energy sector. A very good sparring partner for complex issues.
Clients enthuse that David Haverbeke has a deep knowledge of Belgian energy regulation and regulatory workings, which he is able to share in an easy-to-understand and commercially astute way.
Brussels-based David Haverbeke frequently advises clients on matters relating to EU subsidies, public procurement and interactions with regulators. Clients enthuse that he offers an “outstanding performance”, boasting “experience in litigation, out-of-the-box thinking, being quick and efficient with excellent response times.”
The 'efficient, pragmatic and solution-oriented' team at Fieldfisher is highlighted for its 'in-depth know-how of the energy sector'. Key names to note include practice head David Haverbeke and of counsel Wouter Vandorpe, who attract praise for their 'regulatory knowledge' and ability to 'translate and interpret regulations in practical cases'.
Head of the energy department David Haverbeke is described by clients as 'a brilliant lawyer' with an 'innovative mindset'. He regularly advises on regulatory energy matters, and is also active on utilities and climate change mandates
