Chambers Europe 2018 rankings: again splendid results for BarentsKrans

Last month we published the stunning results that BarentsKrans achieved in the Chambers 2018 Global edition. Meanwhile, the Chambers Europe guide has also been published and we would, once again, like to share our Chambers feedback with you.

Chambers and Partners publish their rankings annually while comparing 53 jurisdictions across Europe, from Greenland and the United Kingdom to Russia. The most important areas of law are covered, including a.o. litigation and corporate/M&A. Chambers is one of the leading guidebooks within the international field of law. The annual rankings are based upon feedback from clients as well as peer reviews. This makes the rankings independent, trustworthy and therewith the more valuable.

Results Chambers Europe 2018
Consequently, we are extremely proud to have received numerous honourable mentions once again. BarentsKrans has been recognised to be a ‘leading firm’ in the following practices of law for years: intellectual property, corporate/M&A, competition & public procurement, litigation and – like last year – real estate. Additionally, the following specialists are considered ‘leading individuals’ in their field of expertise:

Employment Law
• Rogier Duk, Senior Statesman
A renowned Supreme Court litigator, Rogier Duk is lauded as “a guru” in Dutch employment and recognised for the “vast experience and seniority he brings to the table.” Duk represented a number of major Dutch transport companies in numerous lawsuits initiated by trade unions in relation to the employment of Eastern European drivers.

• Max Keulaerds, Band 2 in ‘Employment’
“A brilliant litigator,”Max Keulaerds is valued for his “broad experience in employment and social law” and described as a lawyer who is “friendly and down to earth but at the same time a library of knowledge.” He is particularly experienced in disputes relating to transfer of undertakings. His clients include listed companies and financial institutions and he continues to represent ABN AMRO in all employment-related litigation.

• Peter Vas Nunes, Band 2 in ‘Employment’
Peter Vas Nunes has over 40 years’ experience in employment law. He is known for his specialisation on discrimination in the employment field and is valued by clients for his academic prowess.

Corporate/M&A
• Michiel Martin, Band 3 ranking in ‘Corporate/M&A mid-market’
Michiel Martin focuses on M&A, venture capital, joint ventures, buyins and buyouts and corporate restructuring. His recent work highlights include assisting the Dutch branch of Canon with the sale of six business centres to Saphin. Clients enthuse that “he understands the commercial process well and has a lot of relevant experience.”

• Nick Surber, Band 4 ranking in ‘Corporate/M&A mid-market’
Nick Surber is an experienced Corporate/M&A lawyer, assisting clients in international transactions with a Dutch element. Nick is responsive and is fully familiar with the standards and expectations of multinational clients when it comes to delivering timely and practical solutions to complex legal challenges. Nick’s compact team is flexible and able to deliver seamless advice to the client. The team is well versed in assisting clients with setting up or maintaining multinational corporate structures, for example through cross-border mergers (in- or outbound).

Litigation
• William Schonewille, Band 3 ranking in ‘Dispute Resolution’
William Schonewille focuses on class action disputes in the financial litigation sphere, with particular expertise in banking and securities law. He recently represented a number of subordinated bondholders in relation to SNS Bank in EUR150 million compensation proceedings following the bank’s expropriation and nationalisation. He is described by one source as someone who is “very on top of the details” and “has a good litigation spirit” while his good “understanding of the merits of financial products” also proves useful to clients in contentious matters relating to that field.

• Rieme-Jan Tjittes, Band 1 ranking in ‘Dispute Resolution: Supreme Court Litigation’
Esteemed Supreme Court litigator Rieme-Jan Tjittes specialises in commercial contract disputes. He recently represented the Republic of Ecuador in EUR30 million set-aside proceedings concerning a PCA arbitral award relating to a dispute against Murphy Oil. He is heralded by sources as an “excellent litigator and a very pleasant person” and clients are also impressed by his efficient work and precise, to-the-point presentation in documents.

• Martijn van Maanen, Band 4 ranking in ‘Dispute Resolution’
Martijn van Maanen specialises in directors’ liability, M&A and antitrust disputes, as well as fraud matters. Commentators regard him as a “really sharp litigator” who has “a very good reputation.” He continued to defend Bank Indonesia on ongoing EUR140 million proceedings initiated by the bankruptcy trustees of the Dutch Indover Bank and represent Bank Indonesia’s counterclaim as a creditor in the bankruptcy.

Competition & Public Procurement
• Joost Fanoy, Band 3 ranking in ‘Competition/European Law’
Joost specialises in cartel damage and public procurement litigation. His work highlights include representing Selecta Nederland in public procurement litigation against Maas International before the district court of Amsterdam. Clients appreciate his “strong technical knowledge and commercial awareness” adding that “he really understands the business, is very pragmatic and is always available if needed.”

Intellectual Property
• Marleen van den Horst, Band 2 in ‘Patent’
Marleen Van den Horst represents established pharmaceutical and hi-tech industry clients in patent litigation across all sectors. She recently advised Fortimedix on the launch of surgical products and the prospective acquisition of a US patent portfolio. Clients praise her “outstanding knowledge, good commercial awareness, and customer focus.”

• Jaap Bremer, Band 3 in ‘Trade Mark/Copyright’ en ‘Patent’
Jaap Bremer’s practice covers patent and trade mark litigation. His patent litigation expertise includes pharmaceutical, mechanical and software patents. His recent work highlights include representing Unilin in patent validity and infringement proceedings for its European Patent 341 concerning floor panel systems. Sources admire his “high expertise paired with responsiveness, creativity and pragmatism,” and appreciate that he “always has the client’s interests in mind.”

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An extensive overview of the Chambers Europe 2018 rankings for BarentsKrans can also be found on the website of Chambers and Partners.