Firm Profile > Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV > The Hague, Netherlands

‘On supreme court litigation they excel.‘

‘Very experienced team, quick and reliable. The team delivers work of high quality and is also capable of finding good practical solutions for complex legal matters. Team members are easily accessible, also outside office hours.’

‘We have trusted the Dispute Resolution team of Pels Rijcken to handle complex litigation for us. They are exceptionally knowledgeable and committed. Their work has been outstanding.‘

‘As the State Advocate of the government of the Netherlands Pels Rijcken not only performs as an excellent ordinary law firm, but also has a unique strength. ‘

‘Hans van Wijk really stands out. Practical, solution oriented and sharp as a knife.‘

‘Wemmeke Wisman assists us in very complex procedures and is among the best Dutch lawyers.‘

‘Hans van Wijk is an excellent lawyer when it comes to litigation concerning international law within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.‘

‘Karlijn Teuben delivers high quality legal advice and has an exceptional performance in court: sharp and tough on legal content, with the needed empathy for the opponent.‘

‘Willem Heemskerk is an excellent lawyer who is a true and valuable sparring partner. He is always able to translate complex issues into practical and workable solutions, with a constant eye for the client’s interest. Very reliable and easily accessible.‘

‘Gijsbrecht Nieuwland is a very intelligent lawyer who delivers high quality work. Nice to work with and like the other lawyers of the team very accessible. He has a friendly and down-to-earth approach.‘

‘High profile knowledge and very responsive.‘

‘Iman Brinkman – very well connected in politics, detailed knowlegde on energy law and the sector. Very good value for money.‘

‘The team has an in-depth knowledge of the energy market, not only as regards the regulatory framework but also as regards the latest trends, technological innovations, etc. so they can offer more creative solutions.‘

‘Extremely knowledgeable and reliable as well as great strategic think in complex litigation cases.‘

‘Iman is quite determined. I am also happy to have Iman in the editorial board of the Dutch Journal on Energy Law that I am chairing, as his contributions to the Journal are excellent and punctual.‘

‘Iman Brinkman – attention to detail, thorough knowledge of all links in the supply chain.‘

‘Iman Brinkman – superb expert in the energy field, clear advice. Combines energy law well with e.g. other legal fields and has a good knowledge of other energy market developments in the wider sense.‘

‘Pelsrijcken has a unique position in advising government on public law. As the fixed law firm for the national government they acquire a broad experience in assisting government in public law related cases. The team therefore has a broad experience. The people are competent lawyers. Their knowledge is complemental to the in-house knowledge of government lawyers‘.

‘Liesbeh Schippers and Roelof Reinders are very dedicated, accessible and easy to get along with. They are real team players and are able to make the team work in a very pleasant way‘.

‘Danielle Roelands is the guru in the field of environmental law (and actually all other administrative law matters). She always answers my questions quickly and in a pragmatic way. She does not have to do any research or write a memo before she is presenting me with the correct conclusion.’

‘Jim Zweers also responds very quickly to several ad hoc questions. We are also very pleased with their work when we need a complete due diligence research about the administrative aspects of an acquisition. The lawyers of the planning and environmental team of Pels Rijcken are very pragmatic without losing sight of the legal framework‘.

‘Liesbeth Schippers is a very enthusiastic and hard working attorney. She works very fast without compromising the impressive quality of her legal advice. With her inspiring personality, her knowledge covers a wide range of subjects and her effective and accurate way of thinking makes a difference in court‘.

‘The construction and procurement practice is unique as they have extensive knowledge of, and lots of experience in working with, the Dutch central government. They have a good understanding of what is important to us – we do not have to guide them or explain them: they just know and advise accordingly. ‘

‘Their subject matter expertise, integral and detailed approach to the case and interest and specific client / project member involvement make this company really stand out from other firms.‘

‘The lawyers who helped me are competent, work quickly and think along with the client – I have been informed of risks that we did not have in mind and the lawyers have come up with an innovative solution‘

‘Besides the excellent legal services, the focus is always on the best collaboration and insight about the common interests. ‘

‘The individuals are building personal relationships, are outspoken, realistic and fair. They make you think. Each one of the team is aware of the bigger picture and is always working on the best solutions that are resistant for the future. ‘

‘Sikke Kingma is a fast thinker, willing to think along with the client, and substantively strong. Christina Muntinghe is a  fast thinker, customer friendly with broad knowledge. Maarten van Rijn is a good negotiator, sharp, and formulates correctly.‘

‘Mr. Wolters Ruckert and Mr. Pieter Stuijt: These gentlemen act with integrity, care for the cause and speak up for what is right. Both create an atmosphere open for dialogue and suggestions. This makes the clients feel understood, involved and feel that they talk in a trusted environment.‘

‘Pieter Stuijt is a very likeable lawyer with a great sense of humor, which makes him a pleasure to work with. He has a ton of experience and is the reliable and steady force behind many associates.‘

‘Lonneke de Graaf is an excellent lawyer with a sharp eye for detail‘

‘The privacy team always has good up-to-date knowledge and remains well informed on all relevant developments in the field of privacy. The team works quickly, professionally and transparently in a good atmosphere with the client. The respectful manner in which the other party is approached is also striking.’

‘Deep knowledge of privacy and all related topics. Strong in privacy and data protection and very pragmatic advice. A very skilled team in a relatively novel area (blockchain and artificial intelligence). I asked them to audit a blockchain software device we developed in light of GDPR legislation. They were actively involved not only to point out weaknesses in the prototype but also advised how to improve it.’

‘The privacy team has the ability to think with the client, instead of “against” the client. What I mean by this is that they excel in analysing where the legal issues are and presenting potential solutions to these issues, aiding in the client’s risk analysis.’

‘Gerrit-Jan Zwenne has a very strong knowledge of privacy law and related regulations and has a great reputation in the field of privacy.’

‘Jeroen Naves provides pragmatic advice and is very knowledgeable and skilled on the topics of privacy and IT-related matters.’

‘I particularly valued the expertise of Sandra van Heukelom Verhagen and Marte van Graafeiland. Both are highly skilled, intelligent, committed and helpful, and they were able to understand the very fundamental technical details of our blockchain device, which was, in my opinion, essential to give appropriate legal advice.’ 

‘They are smart and very analytical, are quick and ask the right questions. They are very natural in their interaction. Marte van Graafeiland, Jeroen Naves and Sandra van Heukelom all excel at this in particular. Their vision of innovation is very helpful and also relatively rare in the legal community. Sandra van Heukelom in particular steers towards a ‘what can we do’ instead of ‘this cannot be done’ type of innovation.’

‘The conversations about IT didn’t take long because their base knowledge about ICT is high. This in combination with the experience from other practices made it possible that we could act quickly. Furthermore, the firm, has a wide range of other lawyers which we had easy access to.’

‘Our lawyer who, in the lead, had good knowledge about IT within organizations but also how they work. This made it possible that we quickly discussed the issues/problems we had. He understood the context.  Furthermore the team were flexible and could manage the deadlines very well.’

‘They have in-depth knowledge of the ICT market and its products, as well as knowledge of licence agreements. So not only the legal perspective, but also considering the (ICT) market and the business interests.’

‘The personal approach, easily accessible, knowledge of the market and client. To the point and honest about the legal issues at hand. Good time management and always honouring commitments.’

‘Strong in privacy and data protection and very pragmatic advice. Gerrit-Jan Zwenne has very strong knowledge of privacy law and related regulations and has a great reputation in the field of privacy.  Jeroen Naves provides pragmatic advice and is very knowledgeable and skilled on the topics of privacy and IT-related matters.’

‘The information technology team has a great ability to understand the needs of their clients and work with the client to figure out the best solutions to certain problems.’

‘They are insightful and have great analytical skills.’

‘They go beyond saying no,  but think with you to create a yes, that is very useful.’

‘The people skills are exceptionally good in all employees and partners.’

‘Top quality knowledge of the construction sector and government.‘

‘All lawyers I have experienced from this firm are very committed and deliver high quality work.‘

‘This practice makes the difference for me because of their total package: up-to-date knowledge of labour law, pro activeness, think out-of-the-box/creative, dare to take a risk, flexible and someone is always available when urgency is needed.‘

‘The health care team from Pels Rijcken is best to be described as dedicated, experienced and always available. The team knows exactly how to represent our organisation in court: they operate on a friendly base with respect for the other parties that are involved.’

‘I work a lot with Margriet Verduijn. One of her strengths is that she keeps calm under all circumstances. She’s also very cooperative and informs us in time of the relevant circumstances or steps that have to be taken in a case.’ 

‘The practice knows exactly what’s happening in the areas concerning our field of work, and know how to translate this in spot-on advice and representations.’ 

‘Margriet Verduijn stands out in correct, sympathetic and precise communication. She’s adapts easily to the communication which is required by the situation and is very authentic in being there for us when needed and meets our expectations in legal precision and meticulousness.’

‘Erik Pijnacker Hordijk has the senior authority and knows exactly how to act in court; never arrogant, always spot-on behaviour which is required in different circumstances, visibly appreciated by judges’.

‘Ms.Verduijn as well as Mr. Pijnacker Hordijk make me feel that our interests are very well served by their legal experience, outstanding knowledge and authoritative presentation.’

‘If needed, the team can deliver a multidisciplinary approach by combining the knowledge of the sector with expertise in other relevant areas of law. Furthermore, due to fixed contacts urgent issues can be addressed immediately if necessary.’

‘I have had the pleasure to work extensively with Mrs Wisman and Mrs De Vries. Both stand out in their ability to tackle the issue concerned in a short time. They are easily accessible, pragmatic, clear and deliver high-quality (and if needed customized) legal advice.’

‘The team is always ready to help and very easy to communicate with. They have in-depth knowledge about a large variety of subjects, are very professional and are pleasant people to work with. When they take up a case for you, you can be sure that you are in good hands.’ 

‘Marije Batting specialises in Healthcare. Combined with her expertise in public law, she makes a great lawyer for a broad spectrum of cases. She is sharp, hard working and thorough. I have no doubt she will do as much as she can to win a case for you.’

‘The Dutch central government only deals with PRDF who is thorough and has a wide experience and a good understanding of history.’

‘Mrs Marije Batting and Mr Derek Tersmette are both concerned and accessible lawyers. In a short time they can understand a specific and complex case. Mrs Batting puts the essence of the case pleasantly and well-presented at the front of a session.’

‘Good knowledge of public law, European law and they have a lot of experience in court procedures – civil and administrative. They deliver on time and with good quality.  Team players and knowledge of government policies and procedures. Arnoud Boorsma, Thijs Franssen, Jannetje Bootsma and Jean-Paul Heinrich are the standout lawyers.’

‘Mr. Sikke Kingma understands the digital environment very well and is able to make the link between the digital world and the application of IP law‘.

‘Mr Kingma is creative and original in his analysis and the examples he brings forward to support the arguments of his client‘.

‘The team we work with is expert in their field, expertise that we do not have. The team knows how to fine-tune their expertise to our specific requirements and function as a government institution. The team ensures efficient and effective cooperation. The knowledge and experience with government institutions makes this team unique‘.

‘Very good practice. Always available for the best legal solutions and advice.‘

‘Astrid Temmerman and Karin Lemckert are very good.‘

‘Pels Rijcken is unique, because the team has a broad knowledge of planning and environmental law. They always respond to our questions very quickly and accurately. No other law firms answer questions so quickly as the lawyers of Pels Rijcken do. The advice is pragmatic and useful and not just a legal plea.‘

‘Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen is the guru in the field of environmental law (and actually all other administrative law matters). She always answers my questions quickly and in a pragmatic way. She does not have to do any research or write a memo before she presents me with the correct conclusion. Jim Zweers also responds very quickly to several ad hoc questions. We are also very pleased with their work when we need complete due diligence research about the administrative aspects of an acquisition. The lawyers of the planning and environmental team of Pels Rijcken are very pragmatic without losing sight of the legal framework.‘

‘Pels Rijcken & Drooglever Fortuijn specialises in providing legal advisory services for government companies. This requires, for example, high-level subject-specific knowledge in general administrative law. In practice these issues often arise from other fields, such as real estate, tenders, notaries, etc. This combination of knowledge makes it pleasant to work with this firm.‘

‘A very “Dutch” firm with a beautiful history and strongly embedded in the Netherlands. No nonsense quality for an affordable price, reliable quotes, very available and cooperative.’

‘Excellent M&A practice. The internal communication within Pels Rijcken is remarkably good with a very positive effect on our negotiating position.’

‘Pels Rijcken remains very good in the lead and ensures high-quality reporting.’

‘Pels Rijcken is often several steps ahead of the negotiation. The personal and at the same time very professional approach was of great value to my organization.’

‘A compact team with available specialities. High quality, dedicated and client focused. This practice has in depth deal expertise and mobilizes relevant transaction knowledge, if and when appropriate, eg in the field of anti competition law. Luc Defaix and his team excel in not only raising  the topics but yet providing practical solutions at the same time.’