International law firm Bird & Bird today announces the hire of EU regulatory specialists Claudio Mereu and Natalie Konings as partners in the Regulatory team in Brussels. The duo joins alongside their team of 7 people, comprising 4 lawyers and 2 paralegals/finance managers for REACH Consortia. The team is recognised as a leading chemical regulatory practice that is consistently being ranked as Tier 1 Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, Lexology Index and other major directories.
Claudio Mereu
With over 26 years’ experience, Claudio focusses on EU regulatory law with an emphasis on chemicals (REACH/CLP) and biocides, as well as other related consumer, professional and industrial goods (cosmetics, medical devices etc.). His practice can be divided in three main streams: advisory, advocacy and litigation, at both EU and national levels. This includes assisting clients in navigating the EU regulatory landscape, policies and compliance requirements across various sectors.
Claudio also provides advocacy support to clients, engaging with EU and Member State policy makers and government officials, working in partnership with the EU Focus Group providing input on public consultations and product related decisions and restrictions. He also has a very active litigation practice both domestically and internationally, having defended over 40 cases before the EU courts.
Natalie Konings
Natalie has specialised experience in biocides alongside her work on registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) matters. She is regularly instructed to advise on product authorisations, labelling and recall of chemical products and is also involved in the establishment and running of task forces and consortia related to REACH and the Biocidal Products Regulation.
Her expertise also covers the chemical regulatory aspects of cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceutical and other products. Additionally, Natalie is often involved in litigation and represents clients in front of arbitration instances, as well as in ECHA Board of Appeal cases.
Anne Federle and Paul Hermant, co-heads of Belgium at Bird & Bird, commented: “Claudio and Natalie’s arrival will significantly boost our strong EU regulatory expertise, not only in Brussels but internationally. We’re seeing increased interactions between chemicals and our other sectors, for example in life sciences, food and automotive, so their combined expertise will be a great complement to the existing expertise of our international teams. We wish them both a warm welcome to the firm.”
Claudio said: “I am delighted to join Bird & Bird whose leading international reputation in the regulatory space, particularly across the EU, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, provides a strong platform for me and my team to support clients with their matters under REACH/CLP, agrochemicals, biocides and other regulated sectors. Bird & Bird's unique ability to bridge the growing interplay between chemical regulations and other sectors, such as life sciences and food, will enable us to offer my clients a truly comprehensive service, addressing both their chemical compliance needs and the broader industry-specific challenges they face.”
Natalie added: “Bird & Bird’s sector led approach, and collaborative culture, will provide an excellent foundation to support clients with their regulatory matters. The firm's deep expertise in life sciences and its innovative work in areas such as digital health and intellectual property perfectly complement my practice. I look forward to leveraging Bird & Bird's platform to help clients navigate these complex regulatory landscapes.”
