De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is a go-to firm for complex arbitration. The team is sought-after for its expertise in energy-related arbitration, regularly representing multinational corporations, and also stands out for its work on investment arbitration. Practice head Albert Marsman specialises in international arbitration within the energy and financial services sectors, particularly concerning cross-border investments. Marnix Leijten has a wealth of experience handling commercial and investor-state arbitration as well as enforcement and setting aside proceedings. Matthias Kuscher handles an array of arbitration in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction and IP. Martje de Vries Lentsch is noted for her work on arbitration involving the gas sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Their reliability and extremely responsive attitude.
- They are exceptional lawyers, with an in-depth knowledge of any aspect of arbitration proceedings.
- ‘De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is unique in its combination of exceptionally skilled partners, who are supported by a strong and diverse team.’
- ‘The team stands out for the following reasons: the ability to understand complex cases and translate those to relevant legal concepts, the urge to find out what really happened, as well as trustworthiness and commitment to your case.’
- ‘Very experienced and reachable team.’
- ‘Marnix Leijten and Albert Marsman have been outstanding in providing timely legal and strategic advice in a very complex high-profile matter.’
- ‘The team delivers high-quality legal services, make complex issues seem simple, has unique expertise in the energy sector and a dedicated and highly responsive team that makes collaboration extremely smooth.’
- ‘Marnix Leijten and Matthias Kuscher stand out for their thought leadership and expertise in international arbitration in the energy sector.’
- ‘Martje de Vries Lentsch is one of the most even-keel external counsel with whom I have worked. She analyses thoroughly though at pace, all while keeping her cool and helping client stakeholders keep theirs. I truly value having her measured presence and advice in tough spots.'
- 'Matthew Blome thinks creatively and proactively and is unafraid to take a decisive position and explain his reasoning.’
Key clients
- Shell
- GasTerra
- Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Kingdom of Bahrain
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- State of Malaysia
- Yukos majority shareholders
- NN
- Philips
- Heineken
Work highlights
Represented Kingdom of the Netherlands in a dispute related to the 2018 decision of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St Maarten to place Ennia Caribe under supervision due to concerns as to the latter's solvability and mismanagement of investments.
Represented Shell in an arbitration filed in December 2023 on behalf of Shell and ExxonMobil against the Kingdom of the Netherlands relating to the accelerated closure of the Groningen gas field.
Advised Shell-ExxonMobil on navigating highly politically charged disputes with the Dutch State.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Albert Marsman
Other key lawyers
Marnix Leijten; Matthias Kuscher; Martje de Vries Lentsch; Matthew Blome