bureau Brandeis > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile
bureau Brandeis Offices

SOPHIALAAN 8-10
1075 BR AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
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bureau Brandeis > The Legal 500 Rankings
Netherlands > Industry focus: Media and entertainment Tier 2
bureau Brandeis‘ team has extensive experience in the digital and media sectors, advising on digital copyrights, entertainment law, and publishing matters. The group also has specialised expertise in advising both public and commercial broadcasters on regulatory issues, often covering the internet, digital business, and publishing industries. Practice head Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm brings commendable specialism in handling defamation and intermediary liability cases, while co-head Machteld Robichon focuses on media, broadcasting, and gaming regulations. Anna Sträter is recommended for licensing processes and enforcement proceedings.Practice head(s):
Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm; Machteld Robichon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They work very well together and the absence of a team member is always flawlessly picked up by other members of a team.’
‘Their legal skills are very good.’
‘This practice possesses a deep understanding of media and telecommunications law. The team is hands-on, highly approachable, and fun to work with.’
‘Machteld Robichon has a great amount of experience, is well organised, extremely approachable, and is always a pleasure to deal with. Anna Sträter is a valuable team member who is very knowledgeable and fun to work with.’
‘I admire their thorough industry knowledge. I also like the innovative solutions they often come up with. They know how to make the client feel important and provide customised service. They take the time to listen to the client’s expressed needs and help the client understand its real needs.’
‘I mostly work with Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, who is an amazing litigator.’
‘An extremely quick, switched on, and engaging team of lawyers. They are willing to do what it takes to get a matter dealt with.’
‘Machteld Robichon and her team are fantastically good lawyers. They’re thorough, quick, and strategic.’
Key clients
Netflix
KPN/XS4ALL
Sanoma
Dutch Publishers Association
Talpa Radio
Hearst Magazines Netherlands B.V
AMS-IX
Public broadcasters AT5
Public broadcaster NH Nieuws
VBK Uitgeversgroep B.V
Dutch Association for Educational Media
Close
Bitbird
Bunq
Betcity
Screenforce
Pathé
Work highlights
- Represented Talpa Radio on various strategic legal appeal procedures involving the award of FM and DAB+ frequency licenses.
- Advised Netflix on all media, technology, privacy, and copyright issues.
Netherlands > Dispute resolution: class actions Tier 3
bureau Brandeis primarily acts for plaintiffs in class actions and has recently handled a number of class actions related to mass damages and antitrust follow-on litigation. Another key focus of the firm is climate change litigation. The team is jointly led by disputes specialists Wesley Vader and Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, who are both based in Amsterdam. Vadar has been assisting on class actions related to the diesel emissions scandal and is well versed in collective redress. Alberdingk Thijm is active in technology and internet-related class actions.Practice head(s):
Wesley Vader; Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm
Testimonials
‘The practice of bureau Brandeis specialises in class actions, which is a very important niche market that requires hard-core specialisation. Bureau Brandeis is capable of pulling out the maximum of a class action case and – maybe even more importantly – show passion to win these hard cases.’
‘Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm is an absolute expert in privacy cases and this is recognised in the Netherlands in a way that he needs no further introduction to any of the stakeholders in a case.’
‘bureau Brandeis is incredibly thorough in their representation. They are knowledgeable about the legal matters they pursue and are responsive to client communications.’
‘Very commercial – always open to discuss new ideas and projects. They are much more than legal advisors.’
‘High level litigation with excellent collaboration in a complex, international setting.’
‘Wesley Vader is an excellent lawyer, team player, and has great planning and organisational skills.’
‘Outstanding skills and experience regarding class actions in the Netherlands. Proactive, result-driven approach. Clear customer communication.’
‘Wesley Vader communicates very clearly, is pleasant and builds strong customer relationships. An excellent, highly talented lawyer. High level knowledge of (international) mass claim procedures.’
Key clients
Stichting Diesel Emissions Justice
Stichting Massaschade & Consument
Stichting Truck Cartel Recovery
unilegion Truck Claims Stichting
Stichting Equal Justice Equal Pay
Foundation The Privacy Collective
ClientEarth, Fossielvrij
Greenpeace
Stichting Ukrainian Victims of War
Work highlights
- Represented Stiching Diesel Emisions Justice in five dieselgate cases.
- Represented Stichting Massaschade & Consument (M&C) in a class action for privacy and consumer law violations.
- Represented The Privacy Collective in the first privacy class action under the WAMCA against Oracle and Salesforce.
Netherlands > EU and competition Tier 3
At bureau Brandeis, the team's workload includes appearing for the defence in dawn raid cases, advising on distribution matters, state aid cases, and a wide range of regulatory matters. Bas Braeken, who spearheads the practice, is 'an experienced and well-known attorney at law in this field'. Jade Versteeg handles merger notifications, cartel cases and abuse of dominance matters. Hans Bousie left the firm in May 2024.Practice head(s):
Bas Braeken
Other key lawyers:
Lara Elzas; Jade Versteeg
Testimonials
‘The team is constructive and very knowledgeable in what can be done within the framework of competition compliance and sustainability objectives.’
‘Bas Braeken is an experienced and well-known attorney at law in this field.’
‘Bas Braeken has a very hands-on way of working and is is thorough and speaks on the technical in a way that is also understandable for clients.’
‘There is no question that this firm is more than competent in the field of competition law.’
‘Bas Braeken is very good at distinguishing the really important stuff from any fringes.’
‘Lara Elzas is very personable and has solid knowledge.’
Key clients
ENGIE
Bastion Hotels
Cleary Gottlieb
Prijsvrij.nl
AGU
European Elite Athletes Association
Multi Tank Card
Bosch Siemens Household Appliances
TIX.nl
Dutch Travel Alliance
Netherlands Online Gambling Association
Axeco
VakantieDiscounter
Youfone
Maxeda
Burando
IDH
Noordhoff Publishers
Koninklijke Boom Publishers
Sendcloud
TUI
CAI Harderwijk
Evidensia
Pro Agent
De Bijenkorf
Vierhouten Pallets
De With Pallets
Cooper
Vemedia
Axelera
Tony Chocolonely
Howards Home
Zuiver
Crowell & Moring/Verduyn
Work highlights
- Assisting Youfone in the second-phase investigation of the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets into its acquisition by KPN.
- Acted for third parties in the appeal lodged by the International Skating Union (ISU) with the General Court in Luxembourg against the Commission’s decision prohibiting the ISU’s eligibility rules.
- Assisted Vierhouten Palletindustrie B.V. & De With Pallets B.V. in the second-phase investigation by the ACM into the merger of with Foresco.
Netherlands > Industry focus: telecoms Tier 3
bureau Brandeis is renowned for its expertise in litigating regulatory matters within the telecoms sector, boasting extensive knowledge of telecoms, media, competition, and administrative law. Machteld Robichon is recognised for her work in regulatory enforcement proceedings, as well as telecoms, broadcasting, and media regulations; she jointly heads the team with Bas Braeken, who provides counsel to fixed-line and mobile operators on a wide range of issues, including market analysis decisions, merger control assessments, and behavioural antitrust.Practice head(s):
Machteld Robichon; Bas Braeken
Other key lawyers:
Anna Strater
Testimonials
‘The lawyers are very skilled and knowledgeable in the fields they’re operating.’
‘Machteld Robichon and Anna Strater are very knowledgeable and experienced lawyers.’
Key clients
Talpa Radio
AMS-IX
Disney (Eredivisie Media & Marketing)
RadioCorp
Youfone
Cegeka
Glasdraad
CAI Harderwijk
Work highlights
- Represented Talpa Radio in various strategic legal (higher) appeal procedures involving the award of FM and DAB+ frequency licenses.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 3
The practice at bureau Brandeis is well-equipped to advise its clients on issues of digital copyright, often in cross-border contexts. It is also experienced handling IP litigation before various courts. Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm leads the practice and has particular expertise acting for the range of clients in such litigious matters as those regarding copyright and trade mark infringement and enforcement as well as intermediary liability matters, often in cross-jurisdictional contexts. Former co-head of the offering Hans Bousie departed the team in May 2024, and in the same month Syb Terpstra also left the team.Practice head(s):
Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm
Other key lawyers:
Silvia van Schaik; Nienke De Bruijn; Minke Gommer
Testimonials
‘The team is very knowledgeable and reactive, particularly Silvia van Schaik and Nienke De Bruijn.’
‘We had a really good experience with Minke; she really helped us out and did amazing research, which really made the difference!’
‘They are really nice. They provide quick answers and are responsive.’
‘bureau Brandeis are probably the best law firm I’ve ever worked with. They are extremely structured in their work, creative, empathetic and adaptable. They are super hard workers and can move from very strategic work to the very tactical details easily.’
‘Extremely trustworthy as thought partners.’
‘I work with Christiaan and his team, in particular Nienke, Sam, Silvia. All are extremely trustworthy, understand really well all the facets of the multitude of concurrent topics we are working on with them at the same time.’
‘They are very hungry and in a ‘winning’ mindset – every problem has a solution! Working with them is also very energising for my team members and I.’
Key clients
Dutch Publishers Association
PVH Europe
Overamstel Uitgevers
Netflix
KPN
eBay
Submarine
News Service Europe
Hearst Magazines
Quote
Dutch Association for Educational Media
Marktplaats
Talpa
Bunq
Work highlights
- Representing PVH (Tommy Hilfiger) in landmark proceedings against Facebook regarding infringing and unlawful advertisements on Facebook.
- Represented the client before the Dutch Supreme Court regarding several issues relating to the right of communication to the public under copyright law and intermediary liability.
Netherlands > Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory Tier 4
bureau Brandeis has considerable experience in representing clients facing regulatory or civil proceedings brought by the AFM and DNB and customers respectively, covering banks’ duties of care to customers, while also helping clients to mitigate the risks of litigation via risk assessments and sanctions compliance advice. The team is led by Simone Peek, who advises financial services companies and individual directors facing regulatory investigations.Practice head(s):
Simone Peek
Other key lawyers:
Casper Rooijakkers; Joris Viellevoije
Testimonials
‘Highly motivated team with above average attention to the client. Skills and knowledge of the financial world, especially the administrative side and the pitfalls. High degree of involvement and attention to the human side of things.’
‘Simone Peek and Casper Rooijakkers are experts in their field. They offer a personal approach and attention.’
‘With both a legal and communication background, Simone Peek has an eye for both the commercial and reputation aspects of a case. She turns complicated regulations into practical advice, keeps her eye on the big picture and does not give up until a solution is reached, if necessary by creating new case law.’
‘The one thing that to me always stands out with bB, is the personal connection. It is always a pleasure to talk to the people at their offices, and you get to talk to the member of bB who actually does the work.’
‘Interpersonal contacts, very knowledgeable and without exception, pleasant to work with.’
‘The team has extensive experience in litigation around financial service regulation and is extremely client-focused in its approach. They anticipate questions, adopt a pragmatic approach and communicate clearly and frequently, ensuring they are at all times aligned with the interests of the client.’
‘Casper Rooijakkers is an excellent operator and able to work independently while keeping in close communication with the client. His strong domain knowledge in financial regulation and excellent litigation skills are an immensely valuable combination. Simone Peek is excellent communicator who works efficiently and is able to easily distil complex facts into clear and convincing arguments.’
‘Their up-to-date knowledge in a fast changing regulatory environment is very valuable. The way how they help you to ensure that you will be compliant is very practical.’
Netherlands > Data privacy and data protection Tier 4
Independent law firm bureau Brandeis is well versed in data privacy and telecom matters and excels in representing claimants in data protection-related class actions. Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm leads the team with his focus on digital copyright litigation after former practice co-head Vita Zwaan, an expert in mass claims, litigation and enforcement issues related to data protection, departed for Rubicon Impact & Litigation in November 2024 together with Jacob van de Velde.Practice head(s):
Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm
Other key lawyers:
Nienke de Bruijn; Minke Gommer
Testimonials
‘Exceptionally personal and transparent in their approach.’
‘Nienke de Bruijn and Minke Gommer have done an outstanding job.’
‘Hands-on mentality, very good knowledge and experience as well as nice people.’
‘Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm is a leader in the field, combination with practical and academic work, X-factor to clients, competitors, judges, good public speaker.’
Key clients
Spotzer Digital
Alfen
RAI Amsterdam
NewBees
Stichting Massaschade & Consument
The Privacy Collective
Maxeda DIY Group
Civinc B.V. and Stichting Civinc
Polarsteps
StuDocu
Timelex
Pathé
Marktplaats
Work highlights
- Represented Stichting Massaschade & Consument in a class action against Google before the District Court of Amsterdam on behalf of Android users in the Netherlands regarding the violation of laws on data protection.
- Represented Stichting Massaschade & Consument in collective damages actions against TikTok before the District Court of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Court of Appeals based on the GDPR and the new Dutch collective claim regime.
- Assisted Pathé with updating its internal and external privacy policies, taking into consideration its new business ventures, partnerships and corresponding processing activities.
Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 4
bureau Brandeis is known for its specialism in litigation and its position within the Dutch market allows it to never be conflicted against major Dutch banks, auditors and the Dutch government. The team is noted for its strength in ESG-related litigation, shareholder disputes and director liability cases. The Amsterdam practice is co-led by Wesley Vader and Simone Peek; Vader is well versed in corporate litigation and liability cases, while Peek handles commercial and financial disputes. Frank Peters departed from the firm in 2024.Practice head(s):
Wesley A. Vader; Simone Peek
Other key lawyers:
Floor Eikelboom
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge of business issues.’
‘This is the boutique litigation firm in the Netherlands. Great service by people who know what they do.’
‘Wesley Vader is an outstanding lawyer that breathes litigation, explains complex matters in easy language, is super responsive and above all a great person to work with.’
Key clients
West Coast Supply Group
This is City Attractrions
Work highlights
- Assisted Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation (Emissions Justice) with a class action under the new WAMCA legislation.
bureau Brandeis > Firm Profile
- Handles high-profile cases, including landmark cases before the Dutch Supreme Court and the ECJ and (international) cartel damages cases
- Focuses on litigation and other forms of dispute resolution, and chooses not to represent Dutch government bodies
- Works in close contact with many foreign law firms in cross border disputes and investigations
- Represents clients in all stages of proceedings, before courts and tribunals
- Prevents disputes with its diligent compliance work
- Assists undertakings in investigations by and litigation against regulatory bodies like the Authority Consumers & Markets, the Netherlands Gaming Authority, the Dutch Data Protection Authority, the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets, French Competition Authority etc
- Is outspoken about matters of public interest and has a preference for the challenger. This gives bureau Brandeis a unique position in the Dutch market.
Class actions: The firm has unique expertise and experience in this field. bureau Brandeis has a long track record as counsel to claim vehicles and assisting funders in class actions. More than any other firm, bureau Brandeis is involved as counsel to plaintiffs in proceedings under the WAMCA, the new Dutch regime for collective redress introduced in 2020. Currently, the firm is involved in several class actions, including in relation to the diesel fraud, privacy violations and various cartels or abuse of dominance matters.
Key clients: Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation, Stichting Massaschade & Consument, The Privacy Collective and BRS (UK). ,
Partners: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Wesley Vader and Bas Braeken
Corporate and commercial litigation: bureau Brandeis handles corporate and commercial litigation, such as board members’ liability, hedge funds and shareholders’ activism, takeover disputes, business conflicts, compliance (ia corporate governance, commercial contracts) and insolvency matters
Key clients: Bastion Hotels, bunq, West Coast Supply Group, Talpa, Netflix, Betsson, Prijsvrij and LG International
Partners: Wesley Vader, Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Simone Peek, Bas Braeken and Machteld Robinchon
Corporate governance: The firm mostly assists directors, supervisory directors and shareholders of both listed and non-listed companies in disputes concerning corporate governance.
Partners: Wesley Vader and Simone Peek
(European) competition law: bureau Brandeis advises on all aspects of competition law. It also represents multinationals, SMEs and start-ups harmed by or suspected from antitrust infringements to exercise their rights before both the Dutch, French and the EU competition authorities and national and EU courts. bureau Brandeis also assists parties harmed by competition infringements in obtaining damages. bureau Brandeis is widely recognised for its expertise and track record in the field of regulatory and antitrust litigation.
Key clients: Disney, Pathé, Prijsvrij, Dutch Travel Retail United, Fapricela, EU Athletes, Bastion Hotels, Tix, AGU, Centraal Boekhuis, Dromenjager, Innsworth,
Partners: Bas Braeken and Sarah Subrémon
Data protection and telecoms: The specialists at bureau Brandeis have many years of experience in complex compliance matters in the field of data protection and telecommunications, and as many in litigating in these areas. We are also regularly involved in proceedings concerning the installation of fiber optic networks.
Key clients: Netflix, AMS-IX, KPN/XS4ALL, NUV, eBay, Sanoma, Pearson, Talpa Radio, Glasdraad.
Partners: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Machteld Robichon
Financial services litigation: bureau Brandeis handles complex financial services litigation and other contentious regulatory matters. The team represents financial services companies and individual directors in investigations and enforcement measures of regulators such as DNB and AFM, and also provides risk management and compliance advice.
Partner: Simone Peek
Intellectual property law: Known for developing landmark case law and handling most landmark cases in the Netherlands in the field of digital copyright/IP litigation before the ECJ. The firm also has experience in reputation management, advertising law and trade name law.
Key clients: Netflix, KPN, NUV, eBay, Sanoma, Pathé
Partner: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm
Internet and technology law (intermediary and platform law): The firm has been at the root of developments in Dutch legislation in this area of expertise. The firm was involved in the foundation of Skype, has been eBay’s regular Dutch attorney for years and assisted Netflix in the establishment of its European headquarters in Amsterdam. We also support providers in case of enforcement procedures by the regulators.
Partner: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm
Gaming and gambling law: Proceedings before the Netherlands Gaming Authority and licence applications. Representation in enforcement procedures by the Dutch Gaming Authority, including proceedings on fines resulting in the prevention or reduction of fines or orders subject to a penalty.
Key clients: various operators of online gambling activities
Partner: Machteld Robichon
Media and entertainment: bureau Brandeis supports producers and distributors of film, radio, television, music and books who are active in this dynamic market. Companies who are just entering the market can also count on bureau Brandeis’ pragmatic assistance. We also represent major e-commerce retailers and advise online game suppliers.
Key clients: Talpa Radio, public broadcasters, such as AT5, Pathé, Dutch Film Works
Partner: Machteld Robichon
Shareholders’ disputes and activism: The firm assists hedge funds and other minority shareholders in creating higher shareholder value in Dutch listed companies: in close consultation with its client, by demanding attention and creating support for relevant subjects in the media and if necessary by litigating before the Enterprise Division.
Partner: Wesley Vader
Number of lawyers: 25 (Amsterdam), 10 (Paris)
Languages: Dutch, English, French
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Compliance, Intellectual property, Internet and technology, Privacy/telecoms | Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm | [email protected] | +31 (0)6 25017 235 |
Administrative, Compliance, Gaming, Media & entertainment, Privacy/telecoms, Public affairs, Regulated markets | Machteld Robichon | [email protected] | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
(European) Competition Law, Telecom, | Bas Braeken | [email protected] | + 31 (0) 611592679 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm | Partner | View Profile |
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Bas Braeken | Partner | View Profile |
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Simone Peek | Partner | View Profile |
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Machteld Robichon | Partner | View Profile |
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Casper Rooijakkers | Senior Attorney | View Profile |
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Jade Versteeg | Attorney | View Profile |