AKD's practice houses 'a dedicated team of seasoned experts with broad and deep experience in the healthcare industry'. The client roster includes medical associations, healthcare providers, and pharma companies. Practice co-head Joris Rijken is active in contractual work in the healthcare sector, and is equally adept at assisting with care procurement issues. Practice co-head Barbara Mutsaers, who is based in the Eindhoven office, has 'an extremely high level of knowledge of the industry', with a solid track record in handling work concerning clinical trials, marketing authorisations, administrative proceedings and product liability issues. Marlou Jannink is 'precise and dedicated'. Maartje de Jong left the firm in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The AKD office offers a full spectrum of services. Communication is very efficient, and the team is very efficient and accurate. ’
‘Barbara Mutsaers has an extremely high level of knowledge of the industry, both commercial as well as legal.'
‘Good knowledge of the market (commercially) and legally; good litigators both on substance and in approach. This appllies in particular to Joris Rijken, who stands his ground professionally and politely. ’
‘The core of the team at AKD is its people. For me, the knowledge and expertise of the team really stands out. The healthcare team provides professional work with the right focus, which sets them apart from other companies.’
‘We work together with Barbara Mutsaerts and she responds to our questions regarding medical devices in a very comprehensive and detailed way. She really helps to solve issues and not only gives us all the legal information but she makes it also practical to work with.'
‘The team is dedicated to fulfilling the needs of clients. The response on questions is quick and relevant. They go the extra mile.'
‘Joris Rijken is a leader in opinions and strategy. He is capable and has the ability to think and analyse quickly. Good in cooperation and getting things done. Marlou Jannink is precise and dedicated.’
‘AKD brings a dedicated team of seasoned experts with broad and deep experience in the healthcare industry, legislation and specific healthcare sector topics. The team consists of trusted and dedicated advisors with strong expertise in the healthcare sector. ’
Key clients
- Utrecht University Medical Centre
- Leiden University Medical Centre
- Stichting Zuyderland Medisch Centrum
- Prinses Máxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie B.V.
- Dutch Association for General Practitioners
- Dutch Association for Care for People with a Disability
- Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care
- VGZ
- Erasmus Medical Center
- University Medical Center Utrecht
Work highlights
- Successfully acted for the University Medical Centre Utrecht and the Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology in court proceedings concerning heart surgery centres.
- Represented a supplier of veterinary medicines in litigation against the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
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Practice head
Joris Rijken; Barbara Mutsaers
Other key lawyers
Marlou Jannink