Dispute Resolution: Netherlands

Arnold Croiset van Uchelen balances his long-standing dispute resolution practice with his role as the firm's senior partner. One source comments: "He really impresses. He's one of the best there is: a good, analytical thinker."

Willem van Baren is praised for his extensive experience in international arbitration and for being "very business-savvy."

Brechje van der Velden specialises in commercial and financial litigation. "She quickly understood all our business needs. She's pragmatic and easy-going, and can always be reached," says a client.

The "very bright, analytical and down-to-earth" Marieke van Hooijdonk combines a busy litigation and arbitration practice with her role as a deputy judge at the Court of Appeal in Arnhem. "She knows both sides of the table, so she can advise on how an argument will stand," say interviewees.

Marnix Leijten is praised by sources for his international arbitration and energy expertise. "His advice and approach are always spot on," say clients.

Corporate litigation head Ruud Hermans has a highly regarded Supreme Court practice and is well known for his restructuring work.

As part of his corporate practice, Harm-Jan de Kluiver often handles corporate litigation. According to sources, "he's a very calm and balanced litigator, who's really in control."

Bommel van der Bend is a skilled arbitrator and often assists clients with construction arbitrations.

Berto Winters focuses on corporate and Supreme Court litigation. He also handles restructuring and insolvency cases.

Rob Meijer has an excellent reputation in this field. "He is one of the most outstanding litigators in the Netherlands," enthuse sources.

Head of dispute resolution Albert Knigge specialises in financial litigation.

The "knowledgeable, calm and assured" Dirk Knottenbelt heads the arbitration practice. Sources describe him as "a very bright guy, on top of all the issues."

Paul Olden is praised by one client as "pragmatic and conscientious – he methodically defined our strategy and didn't let other parties throw him off course." Olden specialises in corporate and securities litigation.

Bart Gerretsen focuses on corporate and commercial litigation and co-heads the litigation practice. He leads the team advising Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines on third party proceedings.

Daan Lunsingh Scheurleer is "insightful, practical and a great communicator," say interviewees. His extensive experience of US-related litigation is valued by sources.

Gerard Meijer is praised for his skills as an arbitrator and litigator. One client comments: "He's clear and to the point in his responses; he really knows what he's talking about."

Senior statesman Marius Josephus Jitta is highly respected as an experienced arbitrator and litigator.

Fons Leijten recently represented the former chairman of the non-executive board of Fortis in a number of disputes. He specialises in corporate litigation.

Department head Toni van Hees is praised as being "hands-on and experienced." He led the team representing ABN AMRO in the disputes concerning the redemption of hybrid securities.

Jeroen Kortmann "has the knowledge and expertise needed to come up with the best strategy," say clients. "He's efficient, responsive and very pleasant to work with." He co-heads the antitrust litigation group. 

Jeroen Fleming focuses on corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration, and has been busy of late on international arbitrations.

Jurjen Lemstra's main focus is corporate litigation, but he also has a flourishing financial disputes practice. He often advises executive and non-executive board members and shareholders on matters such as corporate governance and personal liability.

The "really skilled" Pieter van der Korst specialises in corporate transactions and corporate disputes. His work on class action lawsuits has earned commendation in the market.

As state advocate, Bert-Jan Houtzagers is one of the most visible figures in litigation in the Netherlands. "He is sharp, fast and always willing to help," say sources.

Interviewees commend Willem Heemskerk for his in-depth knowledge of civil procedure law. One source comments: "Within five minutes he can find a way to tackle any problem. He's good at his work and also good to work with."

Hans van Wijk receives glowing praise for his Supreme Court practice, with sources noting: "He is brilliant at analysing the complexities behind a case." He is also active in corporate litigation.

Frank Kroes has attracted attention of late for his role advising football manager Johan Cruijff on summary and appeal proceedings against Ajax.

Robert Van Agteren is praised for his skills in complex litigation and insolvency work. One client comments: "He's very creative in finding ways of getting you one step ahead – you're always glad he's on your side."

Martijn van Maanen heads the corporate litigation team. He often handles class actions and mass damages settlements.

William Schonewille represents all individuals who suffered damages in the bankruptcy of DSB Bank in a collective action against DNB and AFM. He has extensive experience of financial litigation.

Department head Jeroen Ouwehand leads the firm's continental Europe litigation and dispute resolution practice. He handles corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration, and is leading the team advising Bank of America Merrill Lynch on the Fortis case.

Counsel Leonore Bruining specialises in corporate and securities litigation.

Head of arbitration Juliette Luycks often acts as an arbitrator in Paris and Madrid, and is a fluent Spanish speaker. She is also qualified to practise in Spain.

Department head Hans de Savornin Lohman focuses on corporate litigation as part of his broad corporate practice.

Sidney Berendsen has attracted much attention for his role defending Den Drijver, the former CEO of Van der Moolen, in the Enterprise Chamber inquiry proceedings into Van der Moolen's bankruptcy.

Jeroen van den Brande "is able to turn his knowledge into tactical advice, and knows how the courts think," say sources. He chairs the technology, media and litigation practice group.

Winfried van den Muijsenbergh specialises in corporate litigation. He represents the liquidators of Akai Holdings in a dispute with ING Bank and ING Trust.

Walter Hendriksen leads the litigation and insurance group and is "good at seeing the bigger picture," say sources.

Annemieke Hendrikse focuses on insurance law and corporate litigation, and has particular expertise in D&O liability.

Pieter van Regteren Altena specialises in professional, product and company liability and resulting litigation. Clients include food manufacturers and tobacco companies. He also acts as an arbitrator.

Paul Hopman primarily handles litigation relating to banking and financial services.

Hub Harmeling heads the practice. "He's a true strategist. He sees ahead, and so is able to really help the client," say interviewees.

Group head Daniella Strik is "very good in international litigation," says one source; "I appreciate the precision of her advice." Strik's clients include Ageas.

Bernard Verbunt leads the team assisting various Dutch pension funds with claims for misrepresentation against national and international investment managers.

Jacob Cornegoor is a well-regarded figure in the market. He specialises in shareholder disputes.