General Business Law: Curaçao

THE FIRM This practice is highly valued for its full-service capabilities, which includes the expertise of a number of specialised tax advisers, and a litigation department commended for its assertive style. The firm is also known for its international outlook, with its Amsterdam office serving corporate clients and individuals in the Dutch market. The team has advised companies from across the globe on investments in the Curaçao hospitality industry, and has been highly active in white-collar crime matters, especially with regards to fraud.

Sources say: “They understand that clients need advice that is not only legally sound, but that works from a business point of view. We’re very impressed with them.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe Karel Frielink as “very knowledgeable and incredibly responsive.” Clients say he is “always excellent in securities.” Clients have dubbed Martijn Welten “one of the best commercial lawyers on the island.” He is “very fast and very practical, and his way of thinking is crystal clear. He also presents himself very well in negotiations.”

THE FIRM This firm combines a heavyweight reputation in the international arena with a substantial amount of work for local public sector organisations. It has a long-standing association with Dutch firm Van Doorne, and foreign counsel value its connections throughout South America. The team has witnessed a significant level of growth since 2010, increasing by six fee earners, and now features 30 lawyers. Sources commend the team's skills in litigation, corporate law, banking, IP and labour law, and users include Girobank and GE. 

Sources say: “They have advised us extensively and swiftly.” “This law firm has the size to allow it to take on major work, and to guarantee a good level of quality.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frank Kunneman is Professor of Civil Law at the University of Curaçao, and sources say his academic pursuits “put him in a very good position when it comes to knowledge of government systems and constitutional structures.” This expertise has been particularly highly valued since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in October 2010, as clients try to ascertain the impact constitutional changes will have on their businesses. Clients are deeply impressed by Randolph van Eps' client service skills, as well as his outstanding commercial nous – he is “very creative and very business-oriented.” Head of litigation Michiel Gorsira is lauded for his “hands-on and proactive” approach, and he continues to handle matters in the wake of Lehman Brothers' collapse. Meanwhile, Focco Lunsingh Scheurleer has been developing a strong practice in securities matters, having acted on a number of local listings since the establishment of the Dutch Caribbean Stock Exchange in 2009. He has an excellent reputation for his wider banking and finance work, and has handled a number of syndicated loans and restructurings.

THE FIRM With a prominent position in the transactional market, this practice handles a variety of M&A and financing deals. Government investment in infrastructure has also resulted in a number of energy project mandates, and the firm is known for its depth of expertise in litigation too.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eric de Vries handles a wide range of disputes and advisory matters, and has valuable experience across a range of sectors, including banking, real estate and telecoms. Clients describe him as “an excellent lawyer – I would recommend him to anyone.”

THE FIRM This team has a strong focus on international work, advising foreign clients on corporate, banking and financing legal matters. The funds industry forms a mainstay of the practice, as does private client work, while a number of UK corporations also instruct the group on their Curaçao operations. The firm’s New York office reopened in 2010 after a gap of several years, and is attracting an increasing number of USA-based clients.

Sources say: “We are very happy working with them – they offer quality service in a prompt and timely manner.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients value managing partner Willem Van Bokhorst's depth of experience and market profile. He has extensive expertise in international financings.

THE FIRM This well-regarded practice is known for its strong practice in local legal matters, and clients are impressed by the group’s connections across the Caribbean. Its client base features a number of the region’s banks, real estate groups, construction companies and government organisations, and the team handles both litigation and non-contentious matters. International users include companies from the Netherlands, the USA and South America.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe Mirto Murray as “a very good lawyer - dedicated, and especially client-oriented. He really listens to you.” He is lauded for his market experience and his ability to quickly familiarise himself with his client's business.

THE FIRM This practice offers a wide range of corporate services, advising on litigation, transactional work, administrative matters and labour law. The strong local element in its client base encompasses a variety of sectors, including banking, hospitality and transportation, while international users instruct the firm on regional investments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Aardenburg is known for his international focus, and has considerable experience in corporate and financial issues. His client roster includes a number of trust companies, funds and banks.