Insurance & Liability

Reflective of Kennedy Van der Laan‘s presence in the insurance market, it generates mandates from a wide variety of clients, notably insurance companies active in the Netherlands, insurance brokers, loss adjusters, insurance brokers and corporates. The firm is highly active in insurance regulatory matters (an area that is led by Jan Broekhuizen), and it also provides assistance with policy drafting and reviews of policy wording. In addition, insurance claims are another key pillar of the practice; a name to note in this space is Peter van den Broek, whose workload includes international claims and construction-related coverage disputes. Frits van der Woude focuses on policy disputes and professional indemnity claims, and he is also an expert in in D&O liability and professional liability. Chris van Dijk and Petra Oskam are particularly well-known for their personal injury expertise. Erik van Orsouw is another experienced practitioner at the firm.

Practice head(s): Erik van Orsouw; Chris van Dijk; Frits van der Woude; Peter van den Broek; Jan Broekhuizen; Petra Oskam

Other key lawyers: Maurits Oudenaarden; Peter Kramer; Marit van der Pool; Mark Wisse

Leading Individuals

Peter van den Broek

Erik van Orsouw

Rising Stars

Marit van der Pool

Testimonials

• The team’s lawyers are accessible and provide practical and understandable advice. They also organize meetings and lectures in which insurance practice matters are discussed in an informal atmosphere.’
• ‘Kennedy van der Laan have a great team (no matter who you get to work with) who are very easy to access and they understand your needs perfectly. They think along with you by being pragmatic and proactive.’
• ‘Mark Wisse – He is quick on his feet in terms of thinking and providing solutions, replies fast and provides tips and tricks. He also sees the bigger picture and making you aware of this and possible consequences.’

Kennedy Van der Laan is an established name in the insurance market with a notable strength in claims disputes. The law firm houses a dedicated insurance regulatory practice which acts on behalf of major national and international insurers and brokers on matters including market entry and structuring issues. The team also possesses the capacity to act on contentious mandates, and has been instructed on product liability and professional indemnity cases alongside class actions.

Clients value the team's prudent advice, with one emphasising that "the lawyers always try to look at both sides of the coin, not just focusing on what a client wants to hear; instead they give you the truth."

Another client praises the lawyers for their interpersonal skills, noting that "their ability to manage emotions and be empathetic is useful."

Chris Van Dijk advises international and domestic insurers on a wide range of liability cases, with a particular focus on professional and product liability matters. Clients emphasise his position as "an authority on the market" and identify him as "someone who is always going for solutions."

Erik van Orsouw regularly advises on product liability cases, as well as offering regulatory advice to insurers. Market commentators commend his commercial awareness, noting that "he manoeuvres smartly and is honest in his appraisal."

Frits Van der Woude represents clients in insurance and liability matters in relation to bankruptcy proceedings, including D&O and professional indemnity. Clients consider him to be "a hands-on lawyer with deep knowledge of the insurance industry."

Peter van den Broek specialises in dealing with contentious coverage mandates, with a particular focus on business interruption and product safety disputes. One interviewee praises his "ability to brainstorm informally with clients."