BarentsKrans

After receiving honourable mentions in the Chambers Global Guide 2022 last month, we are proud and grateful to have been ranked in the Chambers Europe Guide 2022. Chambers Europe ranks the leading lawyers and law firms across Europe and is one of the leading guidebooks within the international field of advocacy. The annual rankings are based upon feedback from clients as well as peer reviews.

We would like to thank our clients who have participated in this research. The complete overview of our rankings can be found on the Chambers and Partners website.

Competition/European Law

‘BarentsKrans frequently acts for clients on cartel and abuse of dominance follow-on damages litigation, often working alongside the firm’s well-respected disputes practice. The team also represents clients in antitrust investigations and dawn raids. The law firm assists with merger clearance and distribution issues.’

  • Joost Fanoy,  Band 3 ranking in ‘Competition/European Law’

Joost Fanoy assists with competition issues, including acting on the claimant side on follow-on litigation. A client enthuses that “he is fabulous, super proactive and responsive.”

Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market

‘A client describes BarentsKrans as an “accessible, specialist and pragmatic firm that advises based on the goal and interests of the customer.” Another client describes the lawyers as “realistic, innovative and quick.”’

Michiel Martin is active in a wide range of acquisitions and divestments. A client appreciates that he is “very interested in the well-being of our company,” and also highlights his ability to “distinguish very well between which items are nice to have and which matters you need to have.”

Dispute Resolution

‘BarentsKrans boasts a strong claimant-side practice in damages disputes and class action cases. The law firm is also particularly active in commercial litigation, representing clients in contractual disputes and shareholder disputes, as well as in financial litigation. The team has notable experience advising bondholders and stakeholders on expropriation claims. Team members are noted for their ability to handle Supreme Court litigation. A client stresses that the firm’s lawyers “have a deep knowledge of the law and the system.”’

Martijn van Maanen has a strong focus on claimant side matters, frequently assisting clients with damages claims arising out of competition investigations. An interviewee describes him as “a very good, skilled lawyer” and adds that he has been “responsible for some very good results in competition cases.”

William Schonewille is particularly known for his work on financial sector disputes, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in compensation claims.

Dispute Resolution: Supreme Court Litigation

  • Rieme- Jan Tjittes, Band 2 ranking in ‘Dispute Resolution: Supreme Court Litigation’

One client particularly appreciates Rieme-Jan Tjittes for his ability to “explain complex things in plain English.” He represents clients before the Dutch Supreme Court in a range of disputes, including multi-jurisdictional matters and criminal cases. Rieme-Jan Tjittes is also known for his work in commercial litigation and arbitration matters.

Employment

‘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.

The department’s business understanding is highlighted by clients, one describing it as “tremendously helpful, very practical and efficient in its work.”’

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.

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.”

Intellectual Property

‘BarentsKrans is particularly known for assisting clients with the protection of their patents, representing them in enforcement and invalidity proceedings. The law firm also handles non-contentious matters, including patent licensing agreements and supplementary protection certificate applications. The team often represents clients from the life sciences, manufacturing and technology sectors. Team members have notable experience handling soft IP matters. A market source describes the team as “pleasant, to the point and skilful.”’

  • Jaap Bremer, Band 3 ranking in ‘Intellectual Property: General – Mostly Trade Mark/Copyright’ en ‘Intellectual Property: Patent’

Jaap Bremer acts for clients on both patent and soft IP infringement and invalidity proceedings, as well as advising on the negotiation of IP licensing agreements. He also assists clients with anti-counterfeiting measures, IP ownership disputes and advertising regulatory matters. One commentator reports: “I really appreciate the fact that he doesn’t take a ‘one size fits all’ approach; he takes the time to listen to you and he figures out what the client wants achieved.”

  • Marleen van den Horst, Band 3 ranking in ‘Intellectual Property: Patent’

Marleen Van den Horst is particularly popular with clients from the pharmaceutical industry for advice on the IP aspects of product launches, including patent protection and invalidity actions, as well as applications for supplementary protection certificates. In addition, she represents clients in patent enforcement proceedings. A client appreciates that she is “straight to the point in addressing client needs” and expands that she “doesn’t get lost in non-relevant things.”

Real Estate

‘BarentsKrans advises clients on the acquisition and divestment of real estate across a range of asset classes, including residential, retail and commercial property. The law firm also acts for developers on all aspects of development projects, including drafting cooperation agreements. The team additionally represents clients in negotiating turn-key agreements and lease agreements. A client reports that “the team has great knowledge and experience, which gives us confidence in the outcome,” and appreciates that the lawyers “offer a helicopter view but most of all they successfully involved my team members to get a complete picture by asking the right questions.”’

Jeffrey Koenecke advises clients on the purchase of residential assets and on portfolio sales. He also has experience in drafting cooperation agreements for real estate development projects. An interviewee reports that Jeffrey Koenecke is “nice to work with,” while a client praises his dedication.