Mr Huib Lebbing > Houthoff > Rotterdam, Netherlands > Lawyer Profile

Houthoff is a popular choice for insurers and their insureds facing class action suits, with the firm handling several such cases over the past year, including those tied to the alleged mis-selling of unit-linked insurance products. The practice also assists with regulatory matters, focusing on prudential insurance and business conduct, as well as the launches of new insurance products, while also providing transactional support. Berry van Wijk leads the team, with a regulatory practice that covers both life and non-life insurance products and issues tied to M&As. Huib Lebbing specialises in contentious insurance matters, with a particular focus on health and safety-related incidents. Former practice co-head Hans Londonck Sluijk co-founded his own firm, insurance boutique Londonck & Kos, in January 2023.

Primarily based in Amsterdam, the team at Houthoff dispays vast experience in advising on competition mandates, with particular emphasis on merger clearance and investigations, in addition to damages claims. Practice co-head Weijer VerLoren van Themaat is noted for his broad expertise in acting for hospitals and private clinics in cases against public authorities and restructurings, while co-head Freeke Heijne primarily handles regulatory matters for healthcare insurers and investors. Rotterdam-based litigator Huib Lebbing represents clients in class actions and collective claims, having deep knowledge of contractual liability related disputes. Having previous experience working for the Dutch Healthcare Authority, Murat Duman is well-placed to represent associations of hospitals and private clinics in cases before government authorities.

Houthoff is a go-to firm for defendants requiring representation in class actions and mass claims proceedings. The practice has wide-ranging knowledge across a large number of sectors such as finance, transport, aviation, and energy. The team has advised clients on diesel-related class actions, mass claims for cartel damages, securities collective actions, consumer class actions, and mass damages follow-on litigation. Expert in cross-border disputes and civil procedures Albert Knigge spearheads the class actions practice within the large dispute resolution group and is the leading lawyer on high-profile class actions for the firm. Working closely alongside Knigge, Rick Cornelissen focuses on follow-on cartel and abuse of dominance damages claims. In Rotterdam, Huib Lebbing acts as defence counsel in class action cases involving health and safety issues. Paul Sluijter is also key to the team and is specialised in international mass claims.