NautaDutilh > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile

NautaDutilh > The Legal 500 Rankings

Netherlands > Banking and finance: asset finance and structured finance Tier 1

NautaDutilh continues to prove itself as a market-leading firm for structured finance. The team possesses an in-depth knowledge on covered bonds and securitisations, placing it at the forefront of many high-value and complex cross-border transactions. Prominent members of the practice include Michaëla Ulrici, who co-chairs the Dutch structured finance team, and Arjan Scheltema, who leads the financial law, capital markets and structured finance department. Reinier Dommerholt heads the structured finance sustainability team and regularly advises on securitisations, covered bonds, capital markets transactions, and loan portfolio transfers. Liza Gerritsen is also noted for her capabilities with asset-based financing, including financing structures backed by mortgages, consumer loans, and SME loans.

Netherlands > Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory Tier 1

With a large team of financial regulatory experts, NautaDutilh is a market-leading firm that caters to a wide range of Dutch and international banks, among other financial institutions. In particular, the firm has proven its expertise in navigating the fintech sector, having advised on the regulatory requirements of products, business models, online distribution, and internet platforms. Frans van der Eerden has in-depth experience of handling cases concerning capital requirements and financial supervision, while Larissa Silverentand is recommended for matters within the insurance and fintech sectors. Sven Uiterwijk and Jasha Sprecher are also noted for their expertise in regulatory and securities law.

Netherlands > Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 1

NautaDutilh has extensive experience of advising on lending transactions for global banking institutions, asset managers, and alternative debt providers, among other financial institutions. Heading the team, Arjan Pors is recommended for matters related to corporate lending and acquisition finance. Other prominent members of the team include Diederik Vriesendorp and Michelle van Doren, both of whom are especially skilled at handling real estate financing mandates. Located in New York, Elizabeth van Schilfgaarde is also noted for her expertise in navigating cross-border financing transactions between the US and the Netherlands.

Netherlands > Capital markets: equity Tier 1

The equity capital markets team at NautaDutilh acts for its well-known clients in high-value matters involving such significant transactions as the combining of businesses, IPOs, and shares listings on Euronext, wherein the team advises on all relevant aspects of Dutch law. The cohort’s workload frequently features multiple jurisdictions Private equity and debt specialist Petra Zijp; SPAC and IPO expert Antonia Netiv; and ECM, M&A and corporate governance-experienced practitioner Paul van der Bijl all oversee the practice, which advises clients from sectors including healthcare, retail and financial services. Senior associate Sabrina Legerstee supports on much of the team’s most complex work.

Netherlands > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

NautaDutilh's commercial, corporate and M&A group, led by Jaap Stoop, is well-placed to advise on a broad spectrum of matters, including high-profile M&A deals, often including cross-border elements. Other key drivers of work for the team include private equity matters, business combinations, and the sale of shares. Finance, energy, life sciences and tech are key sector strengths. Jacqueline Clement focuses on corporate work in the finance arena, and Stefan Wissing fields expertise in M&A. Lieke van der Velden and Willem Bijveld are singled out for their contributions.

Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 1

With a focus on ESG-related and financial litigation, the dispute resolution practice at NautaDutilh is a popular choice for many clients with complex, high-stakes cases that require knowledge of both Dutch and international law. The team is also strong in corporate litigation, which is handled by Frans Overkleeft and Paul Olden; Olden is known for his skill in transaction-related litigation, alongside director's liability proceedings, while Overkleeft typically leads on cross-border mandates. Practice head and Supreme Court litigator Freerk Vermeulen is an authority on ESG and climate change-related litigation, New York-based Marieke Faber closely assists Vermeulen in advising corporations and financial institutions on strategy in ESG cases, Kasper Krzeminski handles energy disputes, and Philip Malanczuk is experienced in cartel damages actions.

Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Mediation Tier 1

NautaDutilh is regularly engaged by insurance companies to assist them with potential mediation as part of the wider dispute resolution practice. The firm is an expert in mediation cases, often assisting large multinational corporations. Stijn Franken chairs the practice and is known in the industry for his expertise in insurance, acting for both insurers and insureds. Paul Olden and Geert Raaijmakers are both CEDR-accredited mediators who assist with a number of corporate mediation matters.

Netherlands > Energy

The Rotterdam-based energy practice at NautaDutilh has strong capabilities handling transactional matters for its portfolio of significant clients, which includes well-known names in the energy sector such as Shell and ENGIE but also the Dutch state. Its work portfolio spans an array of complex matters, which are frequently of the multi-millions or multi-billions in value, high stakes and high-profile. The team handles energy transition matters, and advises clients on energy project strengthening and expansion across jurisdictions. Overseeing the practice are a multitude of experts: multi-sector M&A and contracting specialist Harm Kerstholt; upstream and midstream work-focused Jaap Jan Trommel; ‘great to work with’ counsel Lisa Schoenmakers; and Iris Kieft, who is developing the regulatory side of the practice.

Netherlands > Fintech Tier 1

NautaDutilh‘s team has a strong reputation in the fintech space in the Netherlands. The group regularly handles cross-jurisdictional matters, and has particular expertise in advising on the regulatory aspects of cases involving financial products and the establishment of online platforms. The practice is led by the quartet of the 'pragmatic' Larissa Silverentand, the 'excellent' Jasha Sprecher, Sven Uiterwijk, and Frans van der Eerden. Specialist counsel Roel Theissen is a key contact.

Netherlands > Fraud and white-collar crime Tier 1

NautaDutilh has a strong corporate crime and corporates investigations team, comprised of experts in criminal law who have experience handling complex out of court settlements as well as representing companies before the Dutch Supreme Court. Managing partner Marike Bakker is at the forefront of the team with nearly three decades of experience advising on fraud as well as tax and criminal law. Leading the team alongside her, Francien Rense is highly sought after for international matters relating to enforcement, compliance, and sanctions. Léon Wijsman and Simone Honig are also prominent members of the team.

Netherlands > Insurance Tier 1

NautaDutilh acts for a spectrum of household names in the insurance sector from both the Netherlands and abroad, advising on regulatory matters and mergers in the insurance sector, and representing clients in high-stakes litigation, including mass claims concerning product and D&O liability, with a strong focus on matters in the energy and pharmaceutical markets. The team is led by Stijn Franken, a specialist in regulatory insurance law and product liability cases, and Sjoerd Meijer, the firm’s co-managing partner, who is engaged in mass claims concerning unit-linked insurance products. Roel Theissen advises insurers and banks on prudential supervision in relation to governance and transactions.

Netherlands > Private equity Tier 1

NautaDutilh‘s Rotterdam-based private equity cohort is co-led by ‘outstanding private equity lawyer’ Joost den Engelsman who has noteworthy experience handling the range of cross-border M&A transactions, alongside corporate and securities specialist Gaike Dalenoord. The team assists its client portfolio on noteworthy acquisitions and contemplated acquisitions which often involve multi-millions in value. It also advises on complex public to private transactions and joint ventures cases. Olaf Baks is equipped to handle domestic and cross-border transactions and management incentive plans, whilst Sophie van Lanschot has particular expertise advising on management participation schemes.

Netherlands > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

The restructuring and insolvency group at NautaDutilh is regarded as being formed of ‘leaders in the field’. The practice assists reputable clients in the array of complex matters, from high-value restructurings to wind-downs. Its work includes guiding its clients through the range of high-stakes distressed circumstances. Robert van Galen has a particular focus on cross-border issues therein, which are a key specialism of the team, whilst practitioner Barbara Rumora-Scheltema has impressive expertise in both litigious matters and non-contentious negotiations. Teun Struycken advises sponsors, lenders and borrowers in the array of cases. At the team’s helm is the ‘technically excellent’ Marc Orval, while senior associate Saskia Heumakers is developing a focus on asset-based lending matters alongside cases involving various financing arrangements.

Netherlands > Transport Tier 1

NautaDutilh’s transport division offers comprehensive legal guidance across the shipping, aviation, and transport industries, covering regulatory, corporate, commercial, and litigious matters. At the helm of the shipping and transport practice, Erik Geerling operates between London and Rotterdam, focusing on ship finance deals encompassing notarial work, leasing, restructuring, and mortgage transactions. He is supported by senior associate Maaike Heijink, who advises both lenders and borrowers in ship financing transactions. Marc Orval, leading the restructuring and insolvency group, and Kasper Krzeminski, who heads the litigation and arbitration practice, add depth to the team’s expertise.

Netherlands > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 2

Headed by Arjan Pors, the team at NautaDutilh acts for a variety of borrowers, including private companies as well as Dutch and foreign sponsors. With particularly strong ties to the US and UK markets, the firm is proficient at navigating both multi-jurisdictional and domestic financial transactions. Elizabeth Van Schilfgaarde, Janneke de Goeij-Prins, and Diederik von Königslöw all possess a thorough knowledge of cross-border transactions, especially between the Netherlands and the US. Other key members of the team include David Viëtor and Diederik Vriesendorp.

Netherlands > Capital markets: debt Tier 2

NautaDutilh’s debt capital markets practice is well-equipped to advise its roster of clients, being companies, underwriters and investors, in the variety of matters. Its caseload includes offering support through public and private equity and debt offerings and listings on Euronext Amsterdam and internationally. It also advises on multi-tranche green bonds, notably having done so for De Volksbank. The team is under all-female leadership, with Petra Zijp, ECM and DCM-experienced practitioner Antonia Netiv, and New York-based Elizabeth Van Schilfgaarde, who has a particular focus advising on Dutch aspects of US originated cross-border transactions, at its helm. Sabrina Legerstee is an impressive senior associate.

Netherlands > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 2

NautaDutilh has strong expertise across a variety of sectors, including energy, finance, and construction, allowing the firm to expertly advise clients in these sectors on all aspects of arbitration. The practice handles both international and national cases and is particularly known for representing clients in investment arbitrations. The team handles both arbitrations with a seat in the Netherlands and the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Investment arbitration specialist Mirjam Van de Hel-Koedoot leads the practice and frequently acts as lead counsel in high-stakes enforcement and set-aside proceedings. Kasper Krzeminski is also key to the team, focusing on energy and construction disputes as well as cross-border enforcement matters. Freerk Vermeulen, Paul Olden, and Barbara Rumora-Scheltema are all involved in different aspects of arbitration proceedings for the firm.

Netherlands > Employment Tier 2

The employment and pensions practice NautaDutilh is led by Maartje Govaert, who is an expert in whistleblower claims and continues to handle whistleblowing investigations for the firm's international and national client base. Reorganisations, cross-border mergers, and litigation concerning executive contracts and non-competes are also pillars of the practice. Homme ten Have has notable expertise in reorganisations, employee consultation rights, and corporate governance-related issues, while Albert van der Kolk is known for his focus on flexible work solutions, privacy, and pensions. Drawing on the expertise of pensions specialist Pieter de Jong, the team is also well versed in handling both advisory and contentious matters for clients and their pension funds.

Netherlands > Environment and planning Tier 2

NautaDutilh’s planning and environment practice has a particular focus on non-contentious advisory work, including advising on matters such as the development of large-scale onshore projects, and on offshore wind projects. Additionally, the team assists companies with their ESG reporting. ‘Highly experienced’ team lead Iris Kieft has expertise in the legal aspects of climate change, the circular economy, and energy. Counsel Anke Holtland is a name to note. Departures from the team include those of former co-leads Stephan Sluiter, who left for independent practice in May 2023, and of Jolize Lautenbach who took on a judicial position in December 2023. Associate Arjen Praat also departed in April 2023.

Netherlands > EU and competition Tier 2

Known for her work advising clients from the spectrum of industry sectors on the array of complex matters, Mauricette Schaufeli heads up NautaDutilh‘s EU and competition team from Amsterdam, which collaborates with public procurement specialist David van Ee to offer a well-rounded service to its clients. Rotterdam-based Philip Malanczuk harbours expertise in cartel damages actions, and in commercial litigation cases. The practice represents well-known clients before the Dutch courts in matters which involve significant values and multiple jurisdictions. Proposed acquisitions and cooperations also make up a large portion of the team’s workload.

Netherlands > Industry focus: healthcare and life sciences Tier 2

The group at NautaDutilh displays vast expertise in handling a broad array of corporate matters for its varied client list, including seed rounds, share offerings, and private placement financings. Practice co-head Ruud Smits has a great deal of transactional expertise within the healthcare and life sciences space, advising start-ups and investors on M&A and VC-backed financing rounds. Co-head Jeroen Boelens is an IP specialist who focuses on technology within the pharma and biotech spaces, frequently assisting clients with biotech IPOs and licensing M&A. Anne Marie Verschuur departed the practice in May 2023.

Netherlands > Industry focus: Information technology Tier 2

‘Highly qualified in information technology’, NautaDutilh boasts expertise in outsourcing, cloud services and data monetisation, as well as in IT litigation. The team is managed by Joris Willems, who is a popular choice for financial sector clients. Sybren de Beurs is notable for handling both public and private tech-related M&A transactions for incumbent and emerging companies. Eva Reinders focuses on diverse IT commercial contracts such as outsourcing, software licensing and service agreements. Marlous Schrijvers offers advice on software licensing, cloud services, SaaS and transfer contracts.

Netherlands > Industry focus: retail Tier 2

NautaDutilh handles a broad range of retail-related issues, including M&As and restructuring measures, franchising arrangements and IP and brand protection matters. The practice is spearheaded by the London-based Willianne van Zandwijk, who focuses primarily on transactions involving national and international retailers,  in addition to acting for private equity and real estate investors. Jeroen Boelens handles hard and soft IP matters, including licensing and high value disputes. Petra Zijp, who co-heads the firm’s capital markets team, is also frequently instructed on matters concerning the retail sector.

Netherlands > Industry focus: telecoms Tier 2

NautaDutilh excels in offering guidance on 5G spectrum auctions, telecoms outsourcing, and OTT platforms, delivering comprehensive transactional, regulatory, and litigation services to TMT clients. Led by Joris Willems, the technology group boasts extensive experience advising clients such as telecom companies, mobile operators, technology consultancies, and mobile satellite service providers.

Netherlands > Investment funds Tier 2

The investment funds practice at NautaDutilh is well-equipped to handle the array of funds work, namely involving fund management in relation to real estate, mortgage, and sustainability and ESG impact-related funds, as well as AIFMDs. The team also assists its fund manager clients with the implementation of ESG policies. Team co-lead Larissa Silverentand has impressive experience advising on the regulatory aspects of funds, which is the key focus of the firm. Silverentand harnesses regulatory expertise more broadly also and is supported by co-heads Frans van der Eerden, who specialises in AIFMD and structuring work, and fund structuring and distribution specialist Jasha Sprecher.

Netherlands > Project finance and PFI Tier 2

NautaDutilh has recently been active in key Dutch PPP projects. Its practice covers a range of renewable energy, infrastructure and real estate project financing, and it is often sought out by US and UK law firms to assist on Dutch-related banking and finance matters. As such, the firm is constantly engaged in a number of high-profile transactions. Jaco Belder chairs the team from Rotterdam; he advises on major PPP projects and is experienced in advising both lenders and borrowers in real estate financing transactions. Finance specialist Erik Geerling co-chairs the team alongside Belder.

Netherlands > Tax Tier 2

Praised for its ‘reliability and availability’, NautaDutilh is a popular choice for financial services clients and healthcare-focused investors seeking tax advice in relation to acquisitions, securitisations and bonds issuances, as well as restructuring and insolvency matters. The team is led by Chris Warner, who advises on tax matters tied to public and private M&As and IPOs, and Nico Blom, a specialist in structured finance and fund-related taxes. Nina Kielman focuses on debt and equity capital markets transaction taxes, with Pieternel Verhoeven-van den Brink handling restructuring and insolvency matters and fund structuring. Sjuul Jentjens departed the firm in May 2023.

Netherlands > Construction Tier 3

The construction practice NautaDutilh focuses on PPP projects and often acts in projects for the Dutch government as well as on matters involving both construction and financing. The team is well-versed in advising lenders and works on a number of energy-related construction projects. Team lead David van Ee excels in PPP projects, both advising and litigating on procurement issues, and development projects.

Netherlands > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3

The Benelux-based data protection and cybersecurity team at NautaDutilh primarily handles data protection compliance issues, advising its local and international clients on data privacy matters that often cross over into other practice areas such as finance and employment. Other than advisory work, the team also handles data protection litigation such as contentious data subject rights requests and issues involving sensitive personal data. TMT specialist Joris Willems leads the practice focusing on IT outsourcing, data monetisation, and cyber security. Terrence Dom, Sarah Zadeh, Danique Knibbeler, and Anke Holtland all assist with the full range of data privacy matters.

Netherlands > Dispute resolution: class actions Tier 3

NautaDutilh‘s dispute resolution practice is led by Freerk Vermeulen who is known for his Supreme Court litigation expertise and his knowledge of corporate, commercial, and climate change litigation. Frans Overkleeft is a go-to contact for dismissal claims and inquiry proceedings, while Paul Olden is well versed in securities litigation and collective settlements for mass claims. The team is adept at both class actions and collective actions, acting as defence counsel for its international client base. Philip Malanczuk is also noted and specialises in cartel damages.

Netherlands > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 3

NautaDutilh acts for clients facing pan-Benelux IP challenges, tackling trade mark and copyright infringement disputes and also assisting with counterfeiting prevention and customs seizures. The ‘pragmatic and proactive’ Jeroen Boelens has stepped into the role of practice head following Anne Marie Verschuur's July 2023 departure, covering multi-jurisdictional trade mark disputes and non-contentious matters, including IP licensing and due diligence. Charles Gielen acts for plaintiffs and defendants in trade mark infringement proceedings, with Liselotte Bekke advising at the intersection of IP and advertising law. Richard van Oerle retired in February 2023, and October 2023 saw Fleur Folmer depart the firm.

Netherlands > Real estate Tier 3

Full-service law firm NautaDutilh advises clients across a range of matters within commercial and residential real estate. With offices across the Benelux region, the team is active in energy transition and has continued to assist clients in large real estate transactions. Practice head and civil notary Kees Koetsier is the go-to for issues involving structuring and financing of real estate funds, corporations and commercial real estate. Construction expert David van Ee assists in development cases involving real estate issues, while David Wumkes is a specialist in notarial and real estate-related private law especially for energy projects. Ramon Pop is also noted. Arief van Rhee left the practice in April 2023.

Netherlands > Intellectual property: Patents

Dutch Caribbean > Leading firms Tier 1

NautaDutilh’s Amsterdam office serves as the primary base for the firm’s Dutch Caribbean expertise, leveraging its Netherlands-based banking and finance, dispute resolution, financial regulatory and corporate experience to act for a client roster of global financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Barbara Rumora-Scheltema and Frans van der Eerden jointly lead the practice, specialising in dispute resolution and financial regulatory work, respectively; Rumora-Scheltema is also a key name for restructuring and insolvency mandates. Supreme Court litigation practice head Freerk Vermeulen also contributes, as do of counsel Pim Rank and Allart Haasjes, who acts in financial litigation.