Insurance & Liability

Kennedy Van der Laan provides comprehensive advice around insurance regulatory issues, drawing on expertise from its IT, IP, employment and corporate experts. It is experienced in Dutch and European financial services regulation, as well as claims relating to casualty, personal injury, D&O, property and engineering. The team is headed by Erik van Orsouw, Chris van Dijk, Frits van der Woude, Peter van den Broek, Jan Broekhuizen and Petra Oskam. Van den Broek handles insurance and liability law, and policy drafting and coverage disputes.

• ‘Easy accessible and they have a specialised team for bodily Injury claims’

Established name in the insurance market with particular strength in relation to claims matters. Houses a dedicated insurance regulatory practice, including advice on relocating, the application of regulations for new insurance products and licensing requirements. Covers the full scope of insurance services, with expertise in D&O claims, recourse cases and tort litigation. Actively involved in bankruptcy-related insurance disputes. Frequently instructed by prominent Dutch and international insurers.

One client notes that the team is "very helpful" and appreciates that "the advice is always practical."

Erik van Orsouw is the head of the practice and regularly advises insurers on contentious reinsurance matters. He is also known for assisting with professional liability cases.

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. He also assists with medical and employers' liability cases.

Frits van der Woude represents clients in coverage disputes regarding D&O and professional indemnity. He also advises on insurance and liability matters in relation to bankruptcy proceedings.

Peter van den Broek assists with recourse disputes and construction liability claims. One interviewee comments: "He is commercial, responsive and enthusiastic."

The team at Kennedy Van der Laan 'provides practical solutions' and also stands out for its 'strong personal relationship' with clients. The firm has a strong record in advising on all aspects of Dutch and European financial services regulation applicable to insurers, brokers and other insurance distributors, as well as assisting with claims and reviewing policy wordings. The 'experienced' Peter van den Broek specialises in product recall. For corporate insurance matters, Jan Broekhuizen is the name to note and Erik van Orsouw leads on work with insurance brokers and intermediaries. Also recommended are Chris van Dijk, Frits van der Woude, Petra Oskam and senior associate Mark Wisse.

‘Good quality of work, accessibility, open to discussion. Work gets done on time. Their advice provides practical solutions with a firm legal basis. I do like theorising, but they understand when this is not opportune.‘

‘The team has high level knowledge in the area of liability and professional liability. We can make use of the knowledge of the team to enlarge our knowledge. The team can advise us in different matters on our speciality, the professional liability of financial advisers and real estate agents.‘

‘The lawyers are accessible and open.‘

‘The team is very engaged, accessible and knowledgeable. Team members are always ready to engage and work towards practicable solutions. I would highly recommend the team for matters in the field of insurance and professional liability.‘

‘Michiel Lubbers is a very accessible and engaged attorney. He is very knowledgeable in his field, insurance and professional liability. Michiel is a very effective and hands-on attorney who is always prepared to go the extra mile for his client. Would highly recommend. Peter Kramer is a very knowledgeable and accessible attorney in the field of insurance and professional liability who is effective and hands-on representing his clients. Would highly recommend. Marit van der Pool is a very knowledgeable and effective attorney in professional liability and insurance. I would especially highly recommend Marit with regards to accountant professional liability.‘

‘Strong personal relationship, variation with individual services provided.‘

‘In depth insurance market knowledge. Efficient. Easy to deal with.‘

‘Peter van den Broek: experienced, efficient, not only a lawyer but also a trusted adviser.‘

Established name in the insurance market with particular strength in relation to claims matters. Covers the full scope of insurance services, with expertise in D&O and professional indemnity cases, product recall, and personal injury claims. Actively involved in W&I insurance, including policy drafting and often handles construction-related matters. Houses a dedicated insurance regulatory practice, including advice on compliance, the application of regulations for new insurance products and licensing requirements. Frequently instructed by prominent Dutch and international insurers, as well as other multinational companies.

Clients appreciate the team's pragmatic approach, with one stating: "The advice is practical and they provide solutions with a firm legal basis."

The team is also singled out for the lawyers' approachability, with one interviewee noting: "They are very down to earth, straightforward and casual. They are just very easy to communicate with and, at the same time, very high-quality."

Chris Van Dijk is renowned for handling complex and high-profile personal injury and professional liability matters. One market commentator describes him as "well known and excellent," while another states: "What is very good is that he is capable of looking at things from both sides. He is capable of going off the path and bringing people together."

Erik van Orsouw advises international insurers on coverage and liability issues. One interviewee describes him as "down to earth, straightforward and pragmatic." Another adds: "He's very good at thinking outside the box and coming up with practical solutions.

"Frits Van der Woude is well reputed for acting on professional liability and D&O matters and is particularly noted for his extensive experience within the industry.

Peter van den Broek handles coverage disputes and drafting policies on behalf of prominent insurers. He is also noted for advising on technical damage claims regarding property or construction. One interviewee says that "he is not only doing what you are asking but is also an adviser," adding: "He will persuade me not to do something; he is very open about things because he knows the business and what is relevant."

Kennedy Van der Laan 'has a pragmatic approach, focuses on priorities, and is a great partner'. Peter van den Broek is recommended along with Frits van der Woude and associate Mark Wisse. Senior partners Erik van Orsouw heads the insurance and liability practice and Chris van Dijk has a focus on claims relating to personal injuries. AIG, Zurich, Chubb, and AON are clients and recent work includes advising on large claims in the construction industry; various regulations and advice on insurance and liability issues in connection with the use of asbestos and the insurance implications of product recalls.

Established name in the insurance market with particular strength in relation to claims matters. Covers the full scope of insurance services, with expertise in D&O and professional indemnity cases, product recall, and personal injury claims. Actively involved in W&I insurance, including policy drafting, as well as housing a dedicated insurance regulatory practice. Frequently instructed by prominent Dutch and international insurers, as well as other multinational companies. Often handles construction-related matters.

A satisfied client reports: "They really understand what we are looking for and we can always call them for a question." This source also describes the team as "practical."

Further interviewees appreciate that "they are well aware of all relevant developments in the insurance market."

Chris Van Dijk is especially well placed to handle employer's liability and property damage claims. He acts for a range of leading global insurers and has strong expertise in personal injury cases.

Erik van Orsouw is "extremely responsive, very knowledgeable, and flexible in thinking outside the box,"according to one impressed source. His practice includes coverage disputes and professional indemnity matters.

Frits Van der Woude is noted for his expertise in financial lines, and has significant knowledge of D&O and professional indemnity cases. One client states: "He is a pragmatic person with a hands-on approach in handling issues. He listens to clients' requests and is solution-driven."

Peter van den Broek often handles construction and product liability cases, as well as advising on policy drafting. Clients appreciate that he has a "pragmatic approach and is focused on priorities," as well as being "solution-oriented and going the extra mile."

Kennedy Van der Laan’s practice handles all kinds of insurance, including directors’ and officers’ (D&O) liability, personal injury and medical malpractice. Group head Erik van Orsouw is supported by Chris van Dijk, Frits van der Woude, Peter van den Broek and Jan Broekhuizen. AIG and Zurich are clients.

Noted for its strength in tendering procedures, Kennedy Van der Laan’s practice is particularly active in healthcare-related construction. Practice head Richard-Jan Roks is advising Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie on the procurement and construction aspects of its new 50,000sqm building. Stichting de Lawei is a construction arbitration client.

Established name in the insurance market with particular strength in relation to claims matters. Covers the full scope of insurance services, with expertise in D&O and professional indemnity cases, product recall, as well as personal injury claims among other areas. Actively involved in W&I insurance, including policy drafting, as well as housing a dedicated insurance regulatory practice. Frequently instructed by prominent Dutch and international insurers, as well as other multinational companies.

The team's personal service is appreciated by clients, who report: "They are down-to-earth, but have the best theoretical legal knowledge that is needed. They are one of the best companies in the Netherlands."

Additional clients commend the firm's "excellent performance," noting that it "combines knowledge, good communication and a solution-driven approach."

Frits Van der Woude draws on extensive prior experience of working in the insurance industry to advise clients on a range of matters, including D&O, professional liability and professional indemnity claims, as well as policy and coverage issues. Clients enthuse that he is "a true professional with an impressive track record who is really connected in the insurance industry."

Chris Van Dijk is regarded by market commentators as "an excellent lawyer," who focuses on a range of matters in the insurance and liability space. He has particular expertise in professional indemnity and employers' liability claims, as well as material damage insurance.

Erik van Orsouw is well regarded by market commentators as a "very notable" lawyer, who is "pleasant to work with." The scope of his expertise includes technical damage claims and coverage disputes, as well as professional indemnity cases involving lawyers, engineers and accountants.

Peter van den Broek has a growing profile in the market, with strong expertise on insurance matters in the construction sector. His focus includes technical damage and property claims, as well as product liability cases.