Litigation & Arbitration

Kennedy Van der Laan has expanded the scope of its practice following the new class actions regime in the Netherlands and represents plaintiffs in a number of collective actions related to abuse of dominance and ESG issues. The team handles a mix of corporate and commercial work, with Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken handling post-M&A cases and disputes between shareholders and boards of directors. The team is co-led by Christoph Jeloschek, who handles cross-border litigation and IT disputes, and Martine de Koning, who is the go-to for commercial disputes such as trade disputes as well as competition law litigation.

Practice heads: Christoph Jeloschek, Martine de Koning

Next Generation Partners

Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken 

Testimonials

• ‘We had a complex situation which was mitigated professionally with the expertise of the team who assisted and made sure we won the litigation on all fronts we initiated it on.’
• ‘They are knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to work with. They know the law but also are commercially savvy and know how to adapt their expertise to the needs of the case.’
• ‘I had the pleasure of receiving the professional advice of this great team. In particular their ability to draw upon different competences within the Team swiftly and accurately, stands out. It was a great pleasure to see that this also was reflected in the invoices. I found this team exceptionally lean and diligent.’

Kennedy Van der Laan handles a broad range of litigation cases, including class actions and contractual and shareholder disputes. Team members have further notable experience in ESG litigation, data protection cases and professional liability proceedings. Clients from the real estate, media, technology and consumer goods sectors retain the law firm to represent them before Dutch courts.

• Kennedy Van der Laan represented Blauw Research, as well as six other clients, in interim relief proceedings and potential liability claims against Nebu in relation to a ransomware attack.

“Kennedy Van der Laan demonstrates very strong handling of sophisticated legal disputes. The lawyers have full control of the cases and are aware of strategic commercial approaches.”

“We found Kennedy Van der Laan's team to be very dedicated. We could reach out at any time and it was always prepared to assist us. Its approach was very practical and business oriented.”

“The team is made up of very proactive problem solvers who have multiple different approaches planned for every instance. It is great at communicating its ideas but also translating the legal talk.”

“Kennedy Van der Laan is thoughtful, straightforward, efficient and coordinated. The team cuts to the chase and gets the work done excellently with caring team members.”

“I have never had a law firm be as responsive and helpful as Kennedy Van der Laan.”

Kennedy Van der Laan handles a broad range of litigation cases, including class actions and contractual and shareholder disputes. Team members have further notable experience in ESG litigation, data protection cases and professional liability proceedings. Clients from the real estate, media, technology and consumer goods sectors retain the law firm to represent them before Dutch courts.

• "Kennedy Van der Laan is thoughtful, straightforward, efficient and coordinated. The team cuts to the chase and gets the work done excellently with caring team members."
• "I have never had a law firm be as responsive and helpful as Kennedy Van der Laan."
• "We found Kennedy Van der Laan's team to be very dedicated. We could reach out at any time and it was always prepared to assist us. Its approach was very practical and business oriented."
• "Kennedy Van der Laan demonstrates very strong handling of sophisticated legal disputes. The lawyers have full control of the cases and are aware of strategic commercial approaches."
• "The team is made up of very proactive problem solvers who have multiple different approaches planned for every instance. It is great at communicating its ideas but also translating the legal talk."

Kennedy Van der Laan represented Blauw Research, as well as six other clients, in interim relief proceedings and potential liability claims against Nebu in relation to a ransomware attack.

Christoph Jeloschek and Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken are key contacts at the law firm.

One of the new areas of growth for Kennedy Van der Laan has been collective actions, where the team represents both claimants and defendant. Commercial litigation expert Christoph Jeloschek leads the practice, focusing on cross-border litigation and IT-related disputes. The team was strengthened at senior level by the promotions of practice co-head Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken, Jelle Blom and Veerle van Druenen in January 2023. Van Tuyll van Serooskerken is frequently engaged by clients for her expertise in corporate litigation, and has bolstered the firm's capabilities in post-M&A disputes and disputes between directors and executive boards. Blom is a go-to for pre-litigation and injunction proceedings, while van Druenen specialises in contractual and technology disputes.

Practice heads: Christoph Jeloschek; Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken

Next Generation Partners

Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken

Other key lawyers

Jelle Blom; Veerle van Druenen

Testimonials

• ‘Isabel Van Tuyll van Serooskerken was very responsive and very attuned to the needs of the client. Her advice was prompt and very practical.’
• ‘Christoph Jeloschek is one of most impressive attorneys I have met. He is not only focused on the legal issues at hand and how to master them, but also the political, financial and public dynamics of cases and the people involved as well. I have had the opportunity to work with many international firms and individuals and have not met or worked with such capable, smart and kind, yet assertive and savvy, individuals as at Kennedy van der Laan.’
• ‘The team are very engaging, understanding and professional in their approach to clients. They are well spoken, they explain things in layman’s terms for clients without being patronising or condescending, and they are very friendly and helpful. We have found that they give us all the required time and information and they do not pressure us, but rather give us a relevant timeframe to decide on things and move forwards. We have enjoyed the advice and support from Kennedy van der Laan.’
• ‘Isabel Van Tuyll has been fantastic at giving advice, explaining things about Dutch law where we are unfamiliar and has been assertive but reasonable in her approach to following up on our disputes with the third parties. This has been a welcome breath of fresh air.’
• ‘Kennedy Van Der Laan bring detailed scrutiny to the conduct of litigation. What makes the team stand out is that it has a very collaborative approach with clients. They get to know the sector and really drill into the issues.’
• ‘Christoph Jeloschek is an outstanding advocate. He has an engaging and confident rapport with the court. Veerle van Drueren applies a forensic approach to cases. She is an experienced advocate.’
• ‘Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken has a client-friendly approach and is extremely responsive and diligent. What clients also appreciate about her is that she provides advice in a digestible and highly commercial manner.’
• ‘Christoph Jeloschek is a very good lawyer for cross-border cases and is very knowledgeable in international and European procedural law. He has a hands-on approach, and is very easy to work with.’

Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The law firm handles a number of high-profile media disputes relating to the publication of misinformation, defamation claims and advertising litigation. The team is also 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. Kennedy Van der Laan also represents clients in contentious matters, including disputes with suppliers. It also acts on data privacy matters, advising clients on the use of biometric data and data sharing agreements, as well as representing clients regarding alleged breaches of GDPR.

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."

A client appreciates Judica Krikke for her ability to "understand and interpret our questions and wishes." She represents clients in technology sector disputes and in the negotiation of supply agreements and outsourcing contracts. She has experience in procurement tenders and advising on regulatory compliance.

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. Additionally, he advises on outsourcing of services and IT infrastructure, including cloud-based software delivery.

Patrick Wit 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 opening new data centres. Additionally, he advises on data-related matters such as access requests.

Kennedy Van der Laan enters the rankings this year following a strong showing in litigation and arbitration matters. The firm handles a broad range of litigation including class actions, contractual and shareholder disputes. Team members have notable experience with ESG litigation and professional liability proceedings.

"Kennedy Van der Laan lawyers are quick to schedule calls, give feedback and address documents or materials where required. Their service, communication and responsiveness is very good."

"The team is very fast and will grasp something very quickly, is able to provide strategic advice and make sense of the case."

"The advice is very easy to understand and not too formal and legalistic. The team is very pragmatic and good on law.

Christoph Jeloschek and Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken are key contacts at the firm.

Kennedy Van der Laan advised Greenpeace on proceedings against the Dutch State and pertaining to the impact of climate change on the Caribbean island, Bonaire.

Kennedy Van der Laan acts for both domestic and international clients on complex cross-border disputes, and has recently seen an uptick in collective actions instructions. Christoph Jeloschek co-heads the team and has considerable experience in cross-border litigation, particularly in the it sector. Martine de Koning also co-heads the team and is recommended for commercial disputes.

Practice head(s): Christoph Jeloschek; Martine de Koning
Other key lawyers: Veerle van Druenen; Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken

Testimonials

• ‘They are very professional and render timely legal services’.
• ‘They precisely examine all the details of the work that needs to be done’.
• ‘They are very down to earth and hands on, and do not make things overly complicated’.