With a client base spanning major underwriters, global intermediaries, and large corporate insureds, BLD Ekelmans specialises in complex liability and coverage disputes as well as mass claims within regulated sectors. Jan Ekelmans focuses on high-stakes liability and governance matters, standing out on cross-border healthcare sector mandates. Frank Schaaf is adept at construction and engineering insurance matters, while Astrid van Noort is an expert on healthcare insurance and life and non-life insurance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A high professional standard and experience. They have a broad range of specialisations amongst the partners and lawyers who are recognised for their experience and professionalism.’
- ‘The members are very responsive and dig very deep to find solutions even for the most complicated problems.’
- ‘Jan Ekelmans is among the biggest names in insurance in the Netherlands and proves his outstanding reputation in every single case. Daan Spoormans is responsive and a positive lawyer in all liability cases.’
- ‘A strong player in the market. Regarding insurance fraud prevention, I can confidently say that the lawyers I work with excel in their profession.’
- ‘Their personal approach and genuine involvement ensure that clients are kept closely informed down to the smallest detail. They are also able to guide clients through the case-handling process in a pleasant and professional manner.’
- ‘Ekelmans is highly committed to every new assignment we give them as a liability insurer. They quickly deliver a thorough initial analysis, have short lines of communication, and act proactively.’
Key clients
- ASR Schadeverzekeringen
- ASR Zorgverzekeringen
- Eno
- Goudse Schadeverzekeringen
- HDI
- Nationale-Nederlanden
- Rhion
- Verbond van Verzekeraars
- De Vereende
- Zilveren Kruis
- Zorg & Zekerheid
Work highlights
Acted as coverage counsel for leading international insurers in securing a €540m settlement arising from the global recall of over 10 million Philips sleep apnoea devices.
Advised the Dutch Vehicle Crime Insurance Bureau on GDPR-compliant cross-border data sharing between insurers and law enforcement to support AI-driven vehicle recovery and reduce losses for the insurance market.
Acted in a reference to the CJEU concerning whether a drunk passenger’s handbrake intervention removes the insured’s status as “driver,” a ruling set to clarify the scope of compulsory motor insurance across the EU.
Practice head
Jan Ekelmans
Other key lawyers
Frank Schaaf; Astrid van Noort; Marcella de Haan; Daan Spoormans