Information Technology
Our specialisms
IT contracting / Cyber security / Digital transformation / IT Outsourcing / IT suppliers / IT procurement / IT litigation & arbitration / E-commerce / IT public procurement / Emerging technologies / Blockchain / Telecoms / German Desk
The impact technology has on businesses is growing and unprecedented. As the largest team of specialists in The Netherlands we know what that means: we have been helping our clients deliver and manage the opportunities - legal risks included - since 1992.
As many of our attorneys have technology and engineering backgrounds, we offer in-depth knowledge of the law and a native understanding of the technological aspects of a case.
When you work with us on other practice areas, be it as a technology user, a supplier, a multinational or a local player, our dedicated technology team works closely with other specialists across the firm to deliver dedicated technology-specific advice. We handle outsourcing, telecoms, data privacy, IT projects and transactions, e-commerce, cybercrime, licensing, distribution, electronic signatures work and IT public procurement as well as IT litigation, arbitration, mediation.
We are considered thought leaders on cutting edge topics in IT law, such as blockchain and cyber security. Our clients include major businesses in the technology & communication supply, fashion & retail, professional & financial services, insurance, digital media and healthcare.
When expertise of other jurisdictions is required, we have access to over 150 law firms in 100 jurisdictions across the globe.
Market recognition
The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 - Industry Focus: Information Technology - Tier 1
The depth of Kennedy Van der Laan‘s sector expertise is confirmed by clients who report that ‘they speak our language‘. The large size of the practice, including a substantial team of associates with technical backgrounds. allows it to scale up to take on large projects and regularly post secondees to key clients. The team is also at the forefront of rolling out legal tech initiatives for its clients, for example the ‘customised alliance’ – knowledge sharing between attorneys and in-house counsels across various jurisdictions. The lead partners provide a comprehensive range of expertise: Patrick Wit heads IT and IT outsourcing; Reinoud Westerdijk as the key contact for IT licensing, cloud sourcing and procurement; Joost Schmaal the main name for IT outsourcing and emerging technologies, and Christoph Jeloschek as the specialist in IT litigation and arbitration. The group's expertise includes large-scale outsourcing, assistance with matters involving cutting edge areas such as AI and green IT, and related areas such as cybercrime and competition issues.
Practice head(s): Patrick Wit; Reinoud Westerdijk; Joost Schmaal; Christoph Jeloschek
Other key lawyers: Astrid Sixma
Leading Individuals
Patrick Wit
Next Generation Partners
Joost Schmaal
Testimonials
- ‘They seem to have enough people in their team to also pick up last-minute and bigger projects.’
- ‘Joost Schmaal is very easy to work with, super smart and will get it done.’
- ‘They speak our language, are pragmatic, but sharp if needed. Always available, when you need them. They have a strong background in IT, which is very helpful in understanding our business.’
Chambers Europe 2022 - TMT: IT and IT Outsourcing - Band 1
What the team is known for
Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The IT team is highly esteemed for its work in the technology sector, advising on outsourcing and procurement agreements, the launch of new platforms, opening new data centres and licensing contracts.
Strengths
One interviewee reports that Kennedy Van der Laan "holds its own in the Dutch scene, and its lawyers are always quite innovative."
A client reports that the team "has a strong capacity" and highlights the "great quality of advice."
Notable practitioners
Joost Schmaal assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters in the technology sector, representing clients in drafting IT contracts, as well as in disputes with suppliers.
According to one commentator, Patrick Wit is "a real IT specialist who is very capable at handling high-stakes cases." He often advises on technology procurement mandates and IT outsourcing agreements, as well as assisting with the regulatory aspects of launching new technology platforms.
Reinoud Westerdijk assists clients from the technology sector with negotiating licensing agreements and with opening new data centres. A client reports that he is "a terrific all-round commercial and contracting lawyer with decades of industry knowledge."
