Houthoff handles cross-border commercial, investment treaty, and construction arbitration cases. The firm has experience handling commercial arbitration across numerous sectors and has been particularly active in the oil and gas and renewables spaces over the last year. Dirk Knottenbelt leads the arbitration team and is an expert in international disputes, handling a mix of commercial, corporate and investment arbitration. Thomas Stouten is a go-to lawyer, representing clients in both national and international proceedings arising from commercial and corporate disputes. Michel Klijn handles construction arbitration arising from EPC and FIDIC contracts and delay and defect issues. Remme Verkerk leads on international investment arbitration and is adept at enforcement and setting-aside proceedings. Eva Milou Moison left the firm in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Houthoff’s arbitration team is distinguished by its ability to combine deep expertise in both domestic and international arbitration with a pragmatic, business-oriented mindset. The team is particularly strong in complex, high-value disputes with cross-border dimensions, where legal strategy must be paired with commercial sensibility.’
- ‘The Houthoff team, and Thomas Stouten in particular, are fierce advocates that demonstrate a deep understanding of the facts and masterful way of synthesising their legal arguments. Houthoff provides commercial advice and is a great strategic partner on cross-border matters.’
- ‘Thomas Stouten, Remme Verkerk, and Dirk Knottenbelt are the individuals who stand out. Very approachable and service-oriented. Remme Verkerk is very cerebral and Thomas Stouten is well-connected.’
- ‘One of the big players in the Dutch international arbitration market. Lots of international work, great clients and particular experience in set-aside proceedings.’
- ‘Thomas Stouten is responsive, knowledgeable, and understands the commercial needs of clients. He is practical and excels on legal issues.’
- ‘The team combine a deep knowledge of Dutch law together with international arbitration experience and can respond to questions on these quickly and efficiently.’
Key clients
- Surpass Commercial Corp. Ltd.
- Republic of Peru
- Anaergia
- AES Solar Energy
- Mare Finance Investment Holdings
- Heirs of the Sultan of Sulu
- Iraq & Basra Oil Company
- Plurinational State of Bolivia
- Republic of India
- CW Travel Holdings NV
- Siemens (Guris)
Work highlights
Advised several claimants on three disputes totalling $1bn against PDVSA, the national oil company of Venezuela, and its subsidiary, Bariven.
Advised Anaergia on a dispute concerning the design and construction of the largest biogas energy plant in the Netherlands, Streksel.
Advised the Republic of Iraq and Basra Oil Company on a multi-million euro dispute with Mammoet Salvage concerning a major project to remove a shipwreck in the Persian Gulf.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Practice head
Dirk Knottenbelt
Other key lawyers
Thomas Stouten; Remme Verkerk; Michel Klijn