Firm Profile > BarentsKrans > The Hague, Netherlands

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.

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.

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.

Industry focus: Media and entertainment Tier 2

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.