Last month we published the stunning results that BarentsKrans achieved in the Chambers 2021 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 publishes her rankings annually and in doing so compares 52 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.
Employment Law
‘Strong team noted for its expertise in Supreme Court litigation, primarily representing employers in disputes regarding dismissals, discrimination and transfers of undertakings. Has experience in standout cases relating to the employment law protection of workers from different EU states posted to the Netherlands, as well as matters concerning the relocation of employees within the Netherlands. Advises on employee integration matters following M&A transactions. Also handles outsourcing disputes and collective bargaining agreement mandates. Clients include significant players in the transport industry.’
- Max Keulaerds, Band 2 ranking in ‘Employment’
Max Keulaerds acts on disputes concerning the transfer of undertakings and redundancy payments, as well as advising on restructurings, especially those affecting high-level employees. He represents clients from the aviation and IT industries. His succinct manner is commended by clients, one describing him as “always to the point.”
- Laurens de Graaf, Band 5 ranking in ‘Employment’
Laurens de Graaf moves up in the rankings this year following glowing feedback from market commentators. Clients underline his commercial acumen, as one cites his “perfect approach for our business in combining the legal and practical aspects of a particular issue.” He acts on a number of contentious matters, including trade union disputes, as well as advising clients on reorganisations.
Corporate/M&A
‘Notable mid-market outfit with a healthy portfolio of Dutch clients. Advises companies in the technology, logistics and infrastructure sectors on sales, acquisitions and mergers. Also acts for private equity clients on investments into Dutch companies.’
- Michiel Martin, Band 4 ranking in ‘Corporate/M&A mid-market’ en Recognised Practitioner in ‘Private Equity’
Michiel Martin advises on transactional matters encompassing mergers, divestments and acquisitions. His client list includes technology companies, institutional investors and construction companies.
Dispute resolution
‘Impressive litigation team with particular strength representing clients in the Supreme Court. Notable activity for claimants on cartel follow-on damages claims, contractual disputes and bankruptcy cases. Experienced assisting with cases pertaining to shareholder disagreements and post-M&A disputes. Also acts for clients on arbitration matters, including the enforcement of arbitral awards.’
- William Schonewille, Band 3 ranking in ‘Dispute Resolution’
William Schonewille regularly undertakes high-profile shareholder disputes and compensation claims. Commentators acknowledge his activity in conflicts relating to the financial services sector, one calling him “strong in financial litigation.”
- Martijn van Maanen, Band 3 ranking in ‘Dispute Resolution’
Martijn van Maanen is acknowledged by commentators for advising claimants on cartel follow-on damages claims, one characterising him as “well known for collective redress.” He is also active in bankruptcy proceedings and shareholder disputes.
Dispute Resolution: Supreme Court Litigation
- Rieme-Jan Tjittes, Band 2 ranking in ‘Dispute Resolution: Supreme Court Litigation’
Rieme-Jan Tjittes is a well-regarded Supreme Court practitioner, advising clients from the financial services sector. Commentators highlight his skill in contractual disputes, one reporting that he is “an encyclopedia of contract law” and adding: “It is a pleasure to work with him.”
Competition
‘Frequently acts for claimants on cartel and abuse of dominance follow-on damages litigation, often working alongside the firm’s well-respected disputes practice. Also represents clients in antitrust investigations and dawn raids. Has experience advising public sector clients on state aid matters. Assists with merger clearance and distribution issues.’
- Joost Fanoy, Band 3 ranking in ‘Competition/European Law’
Joost Fanoy draws commendations from clients for his communications skills, one telling of how “he makes himself and his advice well understandable.” He assists with competition issues including follow-on litigation and state aid issues. He routinely acts on the claimant side in cartel damages cases.
Intellectual Property
‘Respected team acting for both multinational and domestic clients from the TMT, food and life sciences industries, with particular expertise in representing generic pharmaceutical clients. Experienced in copyright, trade mark, licensing, advertising and anti-counterfeiting matters. Frequently advises on litigation both domestically and across the Benelux region. Active on patent defence cases.’
- Jaap Bremer, Band 3 in ‘Trade Mark/Copyright’ en ‘Patent’
Jaap Bremer is active on both trade mark and patent disputes. His adroit manner of communication is underlined by clients, one informing of his “ability to quickly grasp the essence of a case, which he can then explain in easy-to-understand language accurately to the client and the judges.”
- Marleen van den Horst, Band 3 in ‘Patent’
Marleen Van den Horst routinely assists a clientele drawn from the pharmaceutical industry with patent infringement and invalidity cases. Clients rate the direction she brings to projects, one suggesting that “she is well organised and able to strategise cases well.”
Real Estate
‘Advises public and private sector clients on real estate transactions, including sale and leaseback transactions. Acts on a range of asset classes, including retail premises, office buildings, distribution sites, residential units and hotels. Also assists with development projects, land purchase and contentious matters.’
- Jeffrey Koenecke, Band 3 in ‘Real Estate’
Jeffrey Koenecke advises real estate investment funds on acquiring retail and residential assets, as well as assisting real estate companies with the disposal of commercial properties.
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An extensive overview of the Chambers Europe 2021 rankings for BarentsKrans can also be found on the website of Chambers and Partners.