Insurance & Liability

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.

Kennedy Van der Laan’s department is strong in development, procurement and tenancy work; ‘committed, empathetic’ commercial real estate partner Nico Jacobs recently joined from Enspigt.

ABN AMRO, Bouwbedrijf de Nijs and the Port of Amsterdam are among Kennedy Van der Laan’s clients. Practice head Richard-Jan Roks advised Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie on the procurement and construction aspects of its new €100m building, which totals 50,000sqm.

Erik van Orsouw, Chris van Dijk and Peter van den Broek at Kennedy Van der Laan are material damages experts and ‘leading liability insurance specialists’. Clients include AIG and Zurich.

Established name in the insurance market which is traditionally known for its strength in claims. Covers the full scope of insurance services, with expertise in D&O and professional indemnity claims, product recall, as well as personal injury claims among other areas. Actively involved in W&I insurance, including policy drafting. Especially strong expertise in the ICT sector.

Clients mention the skilfulness of Kennedy Van der Laan lawyers: “It is a very skilled team with leading specialists in their market. The quality is high and consistent. They are flexible and know our interests.”

Another client compliments the team: “What I appreciate the most is that they treat me on an equal level, being more like sparring partners than lawyers who try to educate me,” adding: “Kennedy Van der Laan understands the position of the insurer.”

Client consensus is that the firm is good value for money: “They can do it very well for reasonable fees, which is also one of the reasons I chose them.”

Represented Delta Lloyd before the Dutch Supreme Court in relation to the question of whether strict liability for possession of animals applies between co-owners.

Frits Van der Woude is a distinguished insurance practitioner, representing clients in D&O issues and professional liability for lawyers. One source says: “He is really reliable. I could call him in the middle of the night and he would help me.”

Chris Van Dijk is “one of the leading figures in the personal injury sector.” He focuses on employers’ liability, medical malpractice and large damages claims.

Erik van Orsouw assists clients from the construction and engineering sectors, particularly with regard to professional liability questions. According to sources, “he is skilled in general insurance matters”; they also note that he “has a good practical no-nonsense approach and sees how to resolve an issue.”

Peter van den Broek is an up-and-coming lawyer who receives strong feedback from clients and peers. He specialises in technical damages claims, as well as product recall cases, where he represents both manufacturers and insurers. Clients remark: “He is very skilled and he knows what he is talking about.” Another client adds: “Besides legal knowledge he has the relevant soft skills to partner with insurers and clients.”

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.