Dispute Resolution: Netherlands
Arnold Croiset van Uchelen is a senior partner and has a focus on banking and finance litigation, corporate disputes and mass tort. “There can be no doubt that he is one of the best litigators in the Netherlands,” said one commentator. Willem van Baren heads the department and is particularly renowned for his work in aviation, insurance and product liability. His long career has earned him renown and the respect of his peers. Marieke van Hooijdonk is known for her work with financial institutions, and recently represented Citibank in its litigation to ensure the private sale of shares in Schoeller Arca Systems. She has also defended several financial institutions against claims from the former directors of the insolvent Ceteco. Brechje van der Velden is a commercial litigator and arbitrator, known for defending insurers and financial institutions against class actions. A peer dubbed her "a new partner with great promise."
Corporate litigator Harm-Jan de Kluiver often represents clients before the Enterprise Chamber of Amsterdam. Peers hold him in high esteem and clients describe him as "brilliant and accessible.” Ruud Hermans heads the corporate litigation practice and is renowned for his insolvency litigation expertise. As well as litigating complex, multi-jurisdictional cases, he also advises on restructuring and insolvency scenarios. “He came to the case with a fresh view and really challenged the other side's lawyers. He was crucial to navigating this complicated process,” commented a client. Marnix Leijten is well known as an arbitrator, and has industry knowledge covering a wide variety of sectors. Bommel van der Bend specialises in arbitration and has in-depth knowledge of the construction, energy and infrastructure sectors. Interviewees also recommend Berto Winters as a Supreme Court litigator. He is known especially for his work related to restructuring and insolvency.
Peter von Schmidt auf Altenstadt is widely admired as one of the most senior litigators in the country, and earns warm praise for his Supreme Court work. He recently acted for Goldman Sachs in complex securities litigation. Rob Meijer has an enviable reputation for his Supreme Court practice, and also acts as an arbitrator and in the lower courts. Albert Knigge specialises in financial litigation and professional liability.
Peers commend Paul Olden's thoughtful style:“He never puts a foot wrong in court, and judges really listen to him. He is excellent in his strategic approach.” Bart Gerretsen focuses on international commercial disputes. Daan Lunsingh Scheurleer is a member of the firm's banking and finance team and is “especially good at commercial litigation,” sources say. He has considerable experience with matters involving US elements. Gerard Meijer wins acclaim for his international arbitration work and has “contributed much to the arbitration know-how available in the Netherlands,” according to peers. Kate Lalor is an Australian barrister and solicitor based in Rotterdam. She is Australian-qualified and worked at a leading Australian law firm until 2007. She focuses on international arbitration, in particular investment disputes. Nicoline Tourtet specialises in international arbitration, and is qualified as a lawyer in France and the Netherlands.
Fons Leijten heads the corporate litigation team and often appears before the Enterprise Chamber and the Amsterdam Court of Appeals. Peers say he is “really excellent – first tier.” Marius Josephus Jitta has long experience in corporate litigation. Toni van Hees is head of commercial litigation. He is best known for property law and civil procedure work, but has long and varied experience in banking and finance disputes. “He is a highly rational, clever man,” say sources. Jeroen Kortmann is a liability lawyer with a background in large commercial disputes and cross-border litigation. He co-heads the firm's antitrust litigation group and has recently handled some very big cases. Jeroen Fleming is known for his work on international disputes. “He's a good, hands-on practitioner. It is a pleasure to work with him,” commented one interviewee.
Clients praise Frank Kroes for his availability. He is noted for his Supreme Court practice as well as his other commercial litigation activities. Robert Van Agteren works in multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation and arbitration. Clients note his strong US experience as well as his “sense of humour, which really helps to move things along" in difficult cases.
Jurjen Lemstra is "a gifted plaintiff litigator," handling corporate disputes on behalf of a range of clients, including shareholders and public interest groups. He is known for his work in group actions and on product liability in the financial services industry, and is "used to dealing with multiple claimants,” according to sources. Pieter van der Korst has a reputation as both an arbitrator and a litigator. “He really takes care of our interests and sees that we gain the utmost possible,” says a client.
William Schonewille is known for his banking and finance litigation practice. He acts before lower courts and regulatory agencies, in both class actions and individual lawsuits. Martijn van Maanen focuses on corporate litigation and often handles mass damages settlements, for claimants as well as defendants.
Jeroen Ouwehand is the head of European litigation and dispute resolution, and oversees the Amsterdam team. His expertise ranges from insolvency litigation to international arbitration, and covers all aspects of corporate and commercial law. Leonore Bruining specialises in collective actions. Her advocacy is “precise and well thought-through,” according to interviewees. Juliette Luycks focuses on arbitration and is qualified to practise in Spain as well as the Netherlands. Her language skills include English, French, Spanish, German and Dutch.
Hans de Savornin Lohman is a corporate litigator with broad experience. “He did an excellent job representing us," reported one client. "He was always accessible and clear in his statements. We were left in no doubt about our case.” Sidney Berendsen specialises in professional liability and general corporate work, and is “an outstanding litigator in his field,” according to peers. Winfried van den Muijsenbergh handles corporate and commercial litigation, and has recently been particularly active in the field of insolvency. Sources note his international experience. Telecoms and IP specialist Jeroen van den Brande often litigates international licence agreements and technology disputes, and also handles procedural and administrative matters. “He is sharp and quick," say clients. "He can think on his feet in front of a judge.”
Peers praise Jacob Cornegoor for his expertise in shareholder disputes, describing him as "an assertive plaintiff lawyer." He has practised in both the Netherlands and the Dutch Antilles. Jerry Hoff has worked in Singapore, Indonesia and Curaçao, and brings international experience to his work in corporate litigation and banking law.
Annemieke Hendrikse “knows how to present a case," say clients. "She makes everyone understand our position clearly." She is a specialist in insurance law in particular. Walter Hendriksen heads the dispute resolution department and concentrates on professional liability and arbitration. He is also known for his work in insurance litigation. “He is a true authority in the professional liability field, and there is no claim he cannot handle,” say clients. Pieter van Regteren Altena's practice covers insurance and arbitration. He focuses on professional, public and company liability, and is recognised for his work on medical regulatory and liability issues.
Clients report good experiences with Paul Hopman, a senior partner and financial services litigation lawyer. He often acts for financial institutions, including Staalbankiers and ING.
Hub Harmeling concentrates on IP litigation, and also has a busy non-contentious practice in this area. He heads Freshfields' dispute resolution practice in Amsterdam.
Allard Huizing often handles corporate litigation. He represented a well-known manufacturer of hair-care products in a dispute with one of its distributors. Managing partner Peter Roorda has much experience in M&A-related dispute resolution, especially cross-border litigation and international commercial arbitration.
Litigation and arbitration specialist Daniella Strik has arrived from NautaDutilh to head the team. “She is a strong lawyer and litigator. She will quickly build an excellent practice at the firm,” say peers.
Bernard Verbunt is the head of the practice. "He's easy to work with, responsive and very smart," say clients. His specialisations include corporate mismanagement and D&O liability, as well as class-action suits.