Insurance: Netherlands

THE FIRM NautaDutilh once more leads the charge with its outstanding insurance practice. With 14 fee earners in the department, the group works on large civil liability and insurance cases, including multiparty litigation and consumer-led claims. Its clients include insurers, reinsurers and brokers as well as companies looking for advice on insurance policies and assessment of major liabilities. Clients who continue to instruct the team in these areas include Interpolis, Avéro Achmea and Zurich. It represented Delft University of Technology in a case regarding its property policy after its architecture faculty burned down. The costs are estimated to be EUR140 million. The team assists Chartis with various product liability matters, including coverage for class action claims against Philips regarding the chemical BPA in baby products. It continues to advise Achmea on mass claims concerning unit-linked insurance products. With over 500,000 consumer contracts, the amount involved is over EUR400 million.

Sources say: "Very well-organised, all-round experts."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stijn Franken combines profound knowledge of the sector with a practical approach, making him "one of the top lawyers in insurance," according to clients. He handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, specialising in technical damage, regulatory law and product liability.

Department head Eric van Niekerk "knows his business well, listens to the client and gives good advice." His practice covers technical damage, including damage relating to construction. He also assists with drafting insurance policy documents.

Sjoerd Meijer specialises in insurance and liability, including litigation. Sources also note his strength in regulatory matters. He represents insurers, intermediaries and financial institutions.

Clients praise Tjitske Cieremans for her "strong analytical skills," pleasant manner and ability to "get to the point." She handles policy disputes and professional liability claims as well as insurance aspects of M&A transactions.

THE FIRM Van Doorne's leading insurance practice attracts some of the most prominent cases in the sector. It specialises in professional and D&O liability, and counts big names such as Chubb Group and Chartis among its clients. Recent work includes professional negligence cases, liability and mis-selling cases, and coverage disputes. Given its strength in dispute resolution, it regularly represents clients in ICC and Netherlands Arbitration Institute arbitrations. Other areas of focus include policy drafting, contracts with brokers and conflicts between insurers.

Sources say: "An important, high-quality practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pieter van Regteren Altena is considered an authority on professional and product liability, with particular expertise in the healthcare and food sectors.

Walter Hendriksen leads the practice. He is experienced in advising on professional liability claims and other insurance matters.

Maurits Kalff is "well known and well respected," say sources. He advises on insurance and commercial litigation as well as D&O liability.

Annemieke Hendrikse is rapidly building a reputation as an expert in the field of insurance and D&O liability.

Leonie Rammeloo is highlighted for her knowledge of professional liability matters. She also handles civil and disciplinary proceedings.

THE FIRM This insurance team can draw on De Brauw's strengths in corporate/M&A, financial markets regulation and dispute resolution. Mainly acting on the side of the insured, it assists prominent clients such as Philips, Akzo Nobel and ABN AMRO with contentious insurance matters. It also advises international insurance companies on M&A, capital raisings and regulatory issues. A recent example of such work was advising Allianz Global Investors on the structuring of its new business activities in the Netherlands.

Sources say: "One of its strengths is the ability to act quickly." "I appreciate the no-fuss approach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources note Eelco Meerdink's depth of expertise and praise his "appropriate, to-the-point advice." He deals with contentious and non-contentious insurance matters.

THE FIRM This Arnhem and Nijmegen-based firm stands out for its highly specialised insurance practice. The sizeable team is well known for its experience in areas such as liability, policy disputes and personal injury. It represents many major clients in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and is capable of handling complex damage cases. Liability issues are a key area of expertise, and it advises on a wide range of cases including professional liability, government liability and medical liability matters. It also assists with reviews of policy conditions and cover issues.

Sources say: "The lawyers are involved and helpful."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rob Elzas is recognised by sources as a specialist in personal injury claims and has over 30 years' experience advising on insurance matters.

Harry Kruitwagen receives strong praise from clients for his negotiation skills and practical advice. "You can easily decide on strategy with him," says a client. His practice covers liability, damage and loss as well as insurance.

THE FIRM With the departure of several senior lawyers, this local firm has sharpened its focus on corporate and commercial insurance work. The team also handles complex, international insurance disputes. It recently advised the Dutch export credit agency Atradius on credit insurance for projects in Dubai, worth over EUR500 million. It also represented LyondellBasell in an international coverage issue.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hans Londonck Sluijk heads the insurance practice as well as the corporate and commercial litigation department. He is picked out for his expertise in international insurance and reinsurance issues.

Berry Jonk-van Wijk specialises in regulatory issues, and acts a board adviser for various Dutch and foreign insurance companies. Her practice further includes professional and product liability, litigation and insurance coverage.

THE FIRM Kennedy Van der Laan has a strong insurance offering, with recognised expertise in areas such as professional and D&O liability, technical damages and product recall. It has an impressive client roster of insurance clients, featuring big names such as Chartis, Delta Lloyd and Zurich. It is advising the latter as the liability insurer of a chemical plant in Moerdijk that caught fire in early 2011. Other recent cases include fraud, professional indemnity and product liability claims.

Sources say: "It's a law firm that tries to find solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frits van der Woude is noted for his broad experience in the sector. His practice covers insurance law, supervisory legislation, terms and conditions and professional liability issues. "He is highly skilled and easy to communicate with," say clients.

Peers have a great deal of respect for Erik van Orsouw, who is seen as a promising practitioner. He specialises in professional and product liability, technical damages and policy disputes.

Chris van Dijk is commended for his liability and personal injury work. He also publishes and lectures widely on insurance matters.

THE FIRM This ten-lawyer team offers contentious and non-contentious insurance services, including contractual insurance law and liability. It also advises on financial services, corporate and tax law. In response to market demand, the practice is increasingly dedicated to compliance work. Its client base consists of leading insurance companies and corporates, including Aegon, Cigna and Amlin Corporate Insurance.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe Kitty Lieverse as "calm, well spoken and excellent at solving problems." A member of the banking and finance practice, she specialises in regulatory matters.

THE FIRM This outfit has substantial international capacity in the insurance sector and is a favourite amongst clients such as Delta Lloyd, ING and ASR. Its Dutch insurance offering is spread across its corporate, litigation, regulatory and capital markets departments and as such offers a broad range of expertise. The team advised Ageas on the sale of Intreico to Swiss Re.

Sources say: "Driven to reach sustainable solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Willem van Baren is "the one to go to when deep or detailed knowledge of the underlying issues is required," says a client. He heads the litigation and arbitration department in Amsterdam and advises on contractual liability, product liability and insurance.

Sources describe Brechje van der Velden as a dedicated lawyer with a good sense of judgement. Her practice covers financial litigation, class actions and directors' liability.

THE FIRM This Rotterdam boutique is singled out for its focus on insurance, liability and litigation. It represents domestic clients on a range of insurance issues, including drawing up general terms and conditions of policies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frank Stadermann specialises in liability and insurance law. His particular areas of expertise include professional and commissioners' liability, policy disputes and damage claims.

Interviewees are impressed with Wence Rupert, noting that he is "very active on claims work." He acts on both contentious and non-contentious matters in the areas of insurance policies, product liability and professional liability.

THE FIRM This well-known niche practice has received a considerable boost with arrivals from Houthoff Buruma, including Peter Drion and Derk-Jan van der Kolk. The firm's history is rooted in maritime and transport law, but insurance and liability form one of its three core practice areas. In addition to advising on a wide range of insurance and liability matters, it also assists with policy disputes. Clients include contractors, constructors, insurance agents and banks.

Sources say: "A strong firm that continues to expand in market presence and knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Drion remains one of the pillars of the insurance market. Peers praise him for his 30-plus years of experience, particularly on professional liability and insurance issues.

THE FIRM This compact outfit is well versed in liability and insurance issues. It covers a wide range of matters, including fire, technical and fine art insurance. The team also handles disputes and provides assistance with drafting policy provisions. It has been highly active in liability disputes regarding the sale of financial products such as equity lease and life insurance policies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jan ter Meer stands out for his experience handling contentious and non-contentious insurance and liability matters.

THE FIRM This boutique is dedicated to marine insurance, transport, trade and liability work. The five-strong team represents insurers, brokers and logistics service providers. It advised the underwriters on a dispute over the coverage of equipment leased to a Russian party, and defended an art storage company against a claim by a Dutch museum over water damage to a painting. Other clients include Amlin Corporate Insurance, Delta Lloyd and HDI Gerling.

Sources say: "They are swift, proactive and focus on the interests of the client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Joeri Cox wins praise from clients for his "impressive negotiation skills" and ability to "step in and calm things down" when tempers flare. His specialisms include heavy equipment, transport and art.

Carlijn Ten Bruggencate is "smart in interpreting laws in her client's best interest." She handles liability cases and advises many insurers, brokers and logistics service providers.

THE FIRM With the advantage of a strong regional footprint, DLA Piper is well placed to cover both national and international insurance issues. The group offers insurers, brokers and underwriters expertise on a wide range of insurance products, including liability policies and annuity insurance matters. Prominent clients include Allianz, Aon and ING.

Sources say: "We have great confidence in the lawyers we work with because of their knowledge and communication  skills."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe Gerard Endedijk as "impressive in court" and recommend him for his "profound knowledge of the insurance area." He leads the litigation and regulatory practice group and is well versed in international insurance and liability law. 

Nadia Haase is seen as an "enthusiastic, passionate and highly capable" practitioner. She focuses on personal injury cases. 

Since publication, Gerard Endedijk and Nadia Haase have joined Rutgers & Posch

THE FIRM This firm continues to build on its successful insurance and liability practice. The 15-lawyer team is based in The Hague, and advises on insurance law, liability, personal injury and fraud. It also offers clients seminars on these subjects. Insurance litigation is another key area of expertise, as are underwriting, claims brokerage and recourse.

Sources say: "A stable and classic insurance firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jan Ekelmans leads the practice.

THE FIRM The lawyers at this compact firm focus on insurance and liability issues. Its traditional stronghold is the region around Apeldoorn, Zwolle and Arnhem, but it is well placed to advise clients across the country. The team also covers personal injury claims and advises on compensation regarding property damage.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tjalling Dorhout Mees has expertise in liability and insurance law. He works primarily on behalf of insurers and is described as "an experienced and high-quality lawyer."