Firm Profile > BarentsKrans > The Hague, Netherlands
BarentsKrans Offices
LANGE VOORHOUT 3
PO Box 30457
2500 GL The Hague
Netherlands
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BarentsKrans > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 1
The dispute resolution team at BarentsKrans, based in the Hague, is perhaps most well known for its strong supreme court litigation practice, receiving referrals from several leading Dutch and international law firms to take cases up to that level. The firm is also home to strong teams dealing with commercial and corporate litigation, financial litigation, and contract disputes, along with a growing presence in mass litigation, with the firm often instructed by large-scale litigation funders. The practice is led by Martijn van Maanen, Rieme-Jan Tjittes, and William Schonewille, who focus on the commercial and corporate, Supreme Court, and financial litigation aspects of the practice respectively.
Practice head(s):
Martijn van Maanen; Rieme-Jan Tjittes; William Schonewille
Testimonials
‘Wiliam Schonewille is proactive and on top of his matters: knows the details without losing the big picture.‘
Key clients
KPN
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (Shape)
European Patent Organisation
Microsoft
HDI-Gerling
Claims Funding Europe
Macquarie
Bank Indonesia
Fox Networks
Cartel Damages Claims
Tata Steel
Aramco
The Greek State
The State of the Netherlands
Sakata
KPMG
GasTerra
Intrum
Employment Tier 1
BarentsKrans is home to one of the premier employment teams in the Netherlands, and is particularly recommended for complex litigation, union negotiations, and restructuring. Max Keulaerds heads the team, and is well regarded for his litigation experience, particularly for disputes arising out of employee dismissals. Elsewhere in the team, Laurens De Graaf is highly recommended for matters involving trade unions, while senior associate Frank Dekker is another key name to note, having advised and represented several large clients, including in the Supreme Court. Peter Vas Nunes and Rogier Duk have retired.
Practice head(s):
Max Keulaerds
Testimonials
‘BarentsKrans is really your go-to when it comes to employment law. Its a rare combination of an employment law team where all lawyers are above the average smart. They are very knowledgeable and each have their own specialism. That makes it a very all-round team.’
‘Their rates are more friendly than the Amsterdam firms, while at the same time they are probably even more knowledgeable than most firms. An excellent choice for any company to work with!‘
‘For me Laurens de Graaf is the employment team of BarentsKrans. His level of knowledge and the way he treats clients questions, both complicated and simple, with speed and care is remarkable.‘
‘We often work with Max Keulaerds, who is an outstanding litigator, extremely smart and at the same time a very friendly guy‘
‘Ireen Castenmiller is very knowledgable and can think very quickly on her feet. She has a pragmatic way of looking at issues which can simplify issues and make priorities clear which is very much appreciated.‘
Key clients
ABN Amro Bank
Canon / Océ Technologies
TechnipFMC
McDermott
Ryanair
VDL Nedcar
Aramco
BDO
Carlos Ghosn
The National Police
Industry focus: healthcare and life sciences Tier 2
BarentsKrans is praised as having 'unmatched qualifications and expertise' in the healthcare and life sciences sectors by bringing together commercial, regulatory and IP skills. The 'creative' and 'commercial' Marleen van den Horst is especially noted for her extensive, sector-focused patent, regulatory and product liability expertise, while Jaap Bremer is also noted for his blend of IP and IT knowledge. The group's work includes advising on clinical trials and the bolar exemption, acting in product liability cases for human and veterinary products, and handling advertising matters.
Practice head(s):
Marleen van den Horst
Testimonials
‘They are always eager to help, understand business and have exceptional knowledge of pharmaceuticals either legal or IP or regulatory aspects.’
‘They have unmatched qualifications and expertise, very proactive and keeps us updated on the case without delay.’
‘The team is very approachable and friendly. The advice is always carefully thought through and thorough. There is a depth of regulatory knowledge and experience that is unmatched at other Dutch firms.’
‘Marleen van den Horst is highly experienced and always gets to the bottom of legal problems, whilst keeping the client’s commercial goals uppermost in her mind. Her colleague Jaap Bremer is also a thorough lawyer with a pragmatic approach.’
‘They have in-depth understanding of all the different aspects of the healthcare and life sciences industry focus. This is a rare quality in particular in The Netherlands. And they have this combined knowledge in a condensed team. You do not have to jump from one team member to another; each team member has this quality.’
‘Marleen vd Horst is an absolute power woman; she is very creative and thinks various steps ahead. Not unimportant, Marleen automatically goes the extra two or three miles, which, in my experience, are always relevant and decisive. Marleen’s years of experience in the generic pharmaceutical field is recognized as a valuable asset not only by the generics but more and more also by the innovators in the pharmaceutical field.
‘BarentsKrans regulatory affairs competence is extremely helpful under all aspects of this area, providing – for example – legal support in disputes with authorities and competitors, reimbursement issues and patent (SPC) related questions. The energetic Marleen van den Horst teams perfectly with the more restrained Jaap Bremer.’
Key clients
Mylan
Nutrition Sciences
HMC
Insud Pharma
MenariniDiagnostics
Bayer
Neo Kidney Foundation and Dutch Kidney Foundation
SunPharmaceuticals
AET (Alfred E.Tiefenbacher)
StichtingVoedingscentrum
Fortimedix
Focus Care Pharmaceuticals
PharOs
Consilient Health
Accord Healthcare
Stada / Centrafarm
Nutrition Sciences
Teva
Intellectual property: Patents Tier 2
BarentsKrans handles a wide range of contentious and non-contentious IP matters, with a particular focus on patent litigation and strategic advice on cross-border transactions. The team is known for its 'in-depth understanding' of business and expertise in litigation. Practice head Marleen Van Den Horst has a well-established expertise in generic pharmaceuticals and is a 'highly skilled litigator' with 'creative and commercially sound suggestions'. Jaap Bremer is also recommended as an 'excellent advocate' who is 'highly competent, pragmatic and deliberate'. Horst and Bremer are representing Mylan in preliminary relief infringement proceedings initiated by ICOS and Eli Lilly. Claudia Zeri is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Marleen van den Horst; Jaap Breme
Testimonials
‘Marleen Van Den Horst is very well known in generic pharma. She has an extensive understanding of patent and SPC law. Jaap Bremer is also an excellent advocate – I think that he is making a name for himself‘.
‘They have in-depth understanding of all the different aspects that are relevant for business. This is a rare quality in particular in The Netherlands. And they have this combined knowledge in a condensed team. You do not have to jump from one team member to another; each team member has this quality‘.
‘Marleen vd Horst is an absolute power women; she is very creative and thinks various steps ahead. Not unimportant, Marleen automatically goes the extra two or three miles, which miles, is my experience, are always relevant and decisive. Marleen’s years of experience in the generic pharmaceutical field is recognized as a valuable asset not only by the generics but more and more also by the innovators in the pharmaceutical field‘.
‘Marleen van den Horst is a determined and highly skilled litigator. Always willing to provide creative and commercially sound suggestions‘.
‘Jaap Bremer is highly competent, pragmatic and deliberate. Far more than a safe pair of hands though – a highly valued member of the litigation team. A quality advocate‘.
‘Claudia Zeri is a highly enthusiastic and committed litigator‘.
Key clients
Mylan
Nutrition Sciences
Stada (Centrafarm)
Teva
NeoKidney Foundation
Sun Pharmaceuticals
Accord Healthcare
AET (Alfred E. Tiefenbacher)
Consilient Health
Insud Pharma
Interdigital
Unilin
PharOs
Focus Care Pharmaceutical
EU and competition Tier 3
BarentsKrans covers a wide range of EU and competition law including public procurement, state aid law, and cartel investigations. The team is praised not only for its expertise but also its 'understanding of the broader business challenges'. Joost Fanoy leads the practice and clients describe him as 'very knowledgable' with a 'sharp business mind'. The team is representing Macedonian Thrace Brewery with its follow-on litigation against Heineken and its Greek subsidiary Athenian Brewery. Also recommended is senior associate Tim Raats, a 'fantastic lawyer' with lots of experience.
Practice head(s):
Joost Fanoy
Testimonials
‘Joost Fanoy is very knowledgeable, approachable and hands on. He has a sharp business (and common sense) approach and is very good at explaining difficult issues in simple terms which enable the business to make the proper decisions‘.
‘Tim also is a fantastic lawyer and – given his age – definitely one to watch in the future‘.
‘The team is a great choice for all competition law matters – both as regards Dutch and EU competition law – including merger control, cartel investigations, behavioural matters and compliance. The advice is always well tailored to the problem and the team works extremely well together.‘
Key clients
Exterion Media
Canon
IBM
Macedonian Thrace Brewery
BCD Travel
Finco Fuel
Dura Vermeer
BMW
KPN
Dell
Claims Funding Europe
Oshkosh Group
Albron
E-violin
Cartel Damage Claims
Infotheek
Selecta
LTO
Omni Bridgeway / Hausfeld
Stichting Jeugdformaat
Condor Arnhem
Visma Connect
Province of Zuid-Nederland
Real estate Tier 3
The sizeable team at BarentsKrans 'has the strength to advise on all facets of real estate', focusing in particular on project development, the setting up of property investment funds, and on the cooperation between local government authorities and private parties, especially in the areas of social housing and sustainable energy. Practice heads Jesse Zijlma and Jeffrey Koenecke act for a range of clients, including housing corporations, investment funds, institutional and commercial investors, investment managers and developers, among them IEF Capital, Aegon and Ikea. Other core members of the team include Remco Bäcker, Nicole Soliana and Joost Huijgen.
Practice head(s):
Jesse Zijlma; Jeffrey Koenecke
Testimonials
‘High flexibility and availability.‘
‘Very high knowledge of the case involved.‘
‘The team has the strength to advise on all the facets of real estate. Providing both legal advice and also a notary is a big plus for this company.‘
‘Besides the fact that we are working with nice people they also have a hands-on mentality which is something that fits to our company philosophy.‘
Key clients
Amvest
Aegon Levensverzekering NV
a.s.r.
MN Services
Borealis Hotel Group
Brookland/Dirk van den Broek
Provast
Municipality of Delft
Zürich Lebensversicherung
Ecorus
Coltavast
IKEA
BNG Bank
Gist
Van der Vorm Vastgoed
Rabobank Nederland
ABB Bouwgroep
Detailresult Groep
Synchroon
LSI
JP van Eesteren
AM
Urban Interest
Municipality of Ridderkerk
Municipality of Westvoorne
Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 4
Based in The Hague, BarentsKrans has substantially expanded its financial offering over the last year, hiring senior associates Jason Van De Pol and Han Tonino in 2019, from Baker McKenzie and the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets respectively. The team is led by managing partner Michiel Martin, who has experience of a wide range of financing structures. Recent work has included acquisition finance, refinancing, and large cross-border deals, where the firm has provided Dutch law advice to major international firms and their clients.
Practice head(s):
Michiel Martin
Testimonials
‘BarentsKrans is a very good partner for our company in legal affairs.‘
Key clients
ASN Bank
Aegon
Bank Indonesia
BNG Bank N.V.
BMW Nederland
Borealis Hotel Group
Dominion Colour Corporation
Ecorus
Gimv
Huisman Equipment
Iederzon
KIKO S.p.A.
King & Spalding
McMillan
MSA Safety, Inc.
MVGM
Quintes Holding
Reco Solar
Rooftop Energy
Sidley Austin LLP
Snowworld
Stichting Wocozon
Trainmore
White & Case
Zwanenberg Food Group
Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 4
BarentsKrans has an established track record in areas such as trade marks, copyright and design law. The firm has cross-border capabilities and regularly advises clients including Exterion Media, Facebook, and KPN. Jaap Bremer and Marleen Van Den Horst jointly lead the team that is representing KPN in appeal opposition proceedings against trade mark squatter Michael Gleissner. Senior associate Jos Klaus is noted as someone to watch for the future.
Practice head(s):
Jaap Bremer; Marleen van den Horst
Testimonials
‘We are working with Jaap Bremer and his team for years. The team has excellent expertise and is highly efficient, always customer-centric, having a excellent eye for the clients budget and needs. Superfast-responsive, easy to work with’.
‘Partner Jaap Bremer and senior associate Jos Klaus are a league of their own. Jaap really is one of the top guys in the field and it won’t take Jos long to get there as well. Smart, creative and very practical. They both really are a business partner‘.
‘The team is extremely responsive and gets to the heart of issues quickly. They always look at the bigger commercial context when evaluating the legal routes available and clients really appreciate that big picture thinking. They are always alive to the cross border implications of decision-making‘.
Key clients
Exterion Media
Grohe
Heutink
KPN
Nederlandse Energie Maatschappij
Vacu Vin
Voedingscentrum Nederland
Private equity Tier 4
BarentsKrans' work in the private equity space entails domestic private equity and venture capital transactions in industry sectors such as technology, biotech, safety and security. Led by Harry Rek, overseas private equity houses also frequently instruct the team in international inbound transactions through its referral network of law firms.
Practice head(s):
Harry Rek
Other key lawyers:
Rhamsey Croes
Key clients
Berwind
InnovaFonds
Athena Investissements
GIMV
Foreman Capital
InnovationQuarter
Commercial, corporate and M&a Tier 5
The BarentsKrans team is led by managing partner Michiel Martin, who is highly experienced in acquisitions and sales. Robert-Jan Zwaan is also a key name in the team along with Anne-Rieke van der Linden, who recently rejoined the team from an in-house role. Rhamsey Croes is also singled out. The group's client roster ranges from foreign multinationals to Dutch companies; the team also attracts clients through referrals from international US and UK firms.
Practice head(s):
Michiel Martin
Testimonials
‘High quality for a fair price. Partner accessibility and partner involvement is really outstanding. Very knowledgeable and strong client focus.’
Key clients
KPN
Aegon
BMW Nederland
Canon Nederland
Bentley Systems
Borealis Hotel
Group B.V
MVGM
Monuta
Vekoma Rides 1
Total Specific Solutions
Rotla (Central Point)
Trainmore
Zwanenberg Food Group
Berwind Corporation
King & Spalding
Addtech Nordic
Huisman Equipment
Gimv
Technolution
SnowWorld
Boehringer Ingelheim
Mourik
BarentsKrans > Firm Profile
The firm : BarentsKrans is an independent Dutch law firm located in The Hague. With over 80 lawyers and civil law notaries the firm has an excellent reputation in dispute resolution and transactional advice. The firm offers dedicated service that combines expert knowledge and experience to ensure its clients achieve their business goals. Its client base varies from listed and privately held multinational companies to financial institutions with commercial interests in the Netherlands. BarentsKrans’ litigators are regularly involved in groundbreaking cases leading to landmark decisions and are used to working in teams for multi-jurisdictional litigation.
Areas of practice: Corporate and commercial litigation: the firm’s corporate and commercial litigation specialists are recognised as leaders in this area. They advise and represent international and national clients in court proceedings and arbitration. The firm is involved in some of the most prominent international commercial and corporate disputes pending in the Netherlands, including cartel damages litigation (eg Air Cargo cartel and Paraffin wax cartel).
Commercial contracts: the firm has a number of recognised specialists in (international) contract law, who are able to act for companies and clients throughout the life cycle of a commercial contract: from the negotiation stage through to the contract termination. They work for both national and international companies, as well as advising renowned law firms that need extra expertise in the field of (international) contract law.
Banking & finance: BarentsKrans’ banking & finance team has many years of experience in advising and assisting clients with their entry into finance arrangements and on other complex finance issues, including financial regulatory and financial litigation matters. The lawyers of this team provide services to domestic and foreign banks, investors, other financial institutions, large companies, SMEs and high-net-worth individuals. This can involve syndicated or bilateral loans (LMA and other recommended forms), project finance, real estate (development finance), direct lending, asset based finance, trade finance and restructurings. Clients include: Huisman Equipment, Zwanenberg Food Group, Quintes, TINC Development Partners, Landesbank Hessen – Thüringen Girozentrale and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB), BNG Bank, Triodos Bank and MVGM.
IP and technology: BarentsKrans’ leading experts in this area deal with (multi-jurisdictional) disputes regarding infringement and validity of intellectual property rights as well as disputes regarding licences and exploitation of technology. The firm has extensive experience in representing clients before various national and European courts and institutions, including the Dutch Supreme Court, the Court of Justice and the EUIPO and has been involved in many prominent and pioneering cases.
EU and competition: the firm has broad experience in EU law and competition/antitrust law, including cartels, merger control, private enforcement and state aid. The BarentsKrans’ lawyers also specialise in public procurement law and can advise tenderers or contracting authorities before, during and after the tendering process.
Life sciences: the distribution of patented medicines often leads to proceedings. The firm’s life sciences team has been involved in many of these proceedings. In the sector, short and mid-term capital requirements remain a constant challenge. The firm has a proven track record in assisting in venture capital, private equity, MBO and MBI transactions, setting up joint ventures and financing agreements.
Supreme Court litigation: BarentsKrans belongs to a select group of firms with a traditionally large and highly regarded cassation practice. The supreme court litigation lawyers advise lawyers and their clients and conduct cassation proceedings covering the entire field of civil law. The firm has been involved in numerous landmark cases (eg Samsung/Apple, KPN/Staat, Delta/Staat).
Corporate/M&A: BarentsKrans corporate specialists, including civil law notaries, have a lot of experience in the field of corporate law. They service a broad range of national and international clients on all aspects of mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions. Clients value the team for their efficient and problem solving approach.
Employment: the firm’s highly experienced specialists are known for their excellent service. They have been on top of the latest developments for well over a quarter of a century. BarentsKrans’ lawyers can assist with any employment law issue such as civil servants law, co-determination and pensions. All attorneys are members of relevant associations of employment law specialists.
Real estate: the firm consists of a large number of lawyers and civil law notaries with expert knowledge of and experience with real estate. Because the lawyers and civil law notaries work together closely, they are able to assist clients from the first negotiations through to the end result envisaged.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate and commercial litigation | Roeland de Mol | roeland.demol@barentskrans.nl | |
| Commercial contracts | Rieme-Jan Tjittes | riemejan.tjittes@barentskrans.nl | |
| Supreme Court litigation | Jan-Paul Heering | janpaul.heering@barentskrans.nl | |
| Employment law | Laurens de Graaf | laurens.degraaf@barentskrans.nl | |
| IP and technology | Jaap Bremer | jaap.bremer@barentskrans.nl | |
| EU and competition | Joost Fanoy | joost.fanoy@barentskrans.nl | |
| Real estate | Nicole Soliana | nicole.soliana@barentskrans.nl | |
| Corporate and M&A | Rhamsey Croes | rhamsey.croes@barentskrans.nl | |
| Life sciences | Marleen van den Horst | marleen.vandenhorst@barentskrans.nl | |
| Notary | Jeffrey Koenecke | Jeffrey.Koenecke@barentskrans.nl | |
| Notary | Robert-Jan Zwaan | robertjan.zwaan@barentskrans.nl | |
| Banking & Finance | Jason van de Pol | jason.vandepol@barentskrans.nl | |
| Arbitration | Rieme-Jan Tjittes | riemejan.tjittes@barentskrans.nl | |
| Public law & regulatory | Remco Bäcker | remco.backer@barentskrans.nl |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Jan-Willem de Jong | Jan-Willem de Jong works in the corporate litigation practice group. His practice covers complex litigation with a particular focus on cartel damages claims and securities class actions. Jan-Willem is highly experienced in running class actions and mass damages settlements e.g. Fortis (securities class action) , DSB Bank (overall settlement re duty of care claims) and Air Cargo, Sodium Chlorate as well as Trucks (all cartel damages claims). |
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Ms Marjolein van Rest | Marjolein has been working with BarentsKrans as a lawyer since April 2012. Her work focuses on preventing and settling national and international disputes within and between companies and/or joint ventures (corporate and commercial litigation). This covers disputes within companies (internal struggles between shareholders/directors) as well as directors’ and officers’ liability, takeover disputes and trade disputes. Marjolein is a litigation expert: she has extensive experience conducting proceedings before the Netherlands Enterprise Chamber and in provisional relief proceedings. Her approach is characterised by consistently setting out a clear and pragmatic (procedural) strategy in consultation with her clients. |
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