Patrick Wit
Specialisms
IT contracts / Cyber security / Digital transformation / Outsourcing (IT and BPO) / Telecoms / Mediation
Profile
Patrick operates at the convergence of technology, media and the regulatory systems for the telecommunications-, media- and IT sector. In his practice, he focuses on commercial negotiations and dispute resolution including litigation where necessary. He advises clients on the commercial and regulatory aspects of electronic communication and the protection of personal data. He also gives advise about complex IT projects and outsourcing business processes.
Patrick is a natural-born IT connoisseur. He studied Technical Business Administration and worked as a software designer, consultant and project manager. He is a member of ITechLaw and the Dutch associations NVvIR (Dutch Association for IT and Law), “Platform Outsourcing Nederland” and VIRA (IT Lawyers Association).
Recommendations
The Legal 500 EMEA 2024 - Industry focus: Information Technology - Tier 1
Kennedy Van der Laan’s ‘top of the market’ team offers comprehensive services in the IT sector, addressing transactional, regulatory, commercial and contentious aspects. The group’s leadership comprises Patrick Wit, Reinoud Westerdijk, Joost Schmaal, Christoph Jeloschek and Judica Krikke. Wit focuses on IT outsourcing, tech projects, cyber security and digital transformation, particularly serving the financial services, healthcare and retail sectors. Westerdijk is an expert in IT contracting, including cloud solutions, cyber security and IT public procurement. Schmaal’s expertise lies in IT and BPO outsourcing, procurement and tech litigation, and represents insurance clients in IT-related litigation. Krikke, who joined in March 2023 from Stibbe, brings extensive experience in IT outsourcing, cloud sourcing, software licensing and data protection. Jeloschek is the lead for IT litigation and arbitration at the firm.
Leading individuals
Judica Krikke
Patrick Wit
Testimonials
‘Patrick Wit has an excellent understanding of the IT industry and is, without any doubt, the go-to person for this industry. He easily understands complex matters, is pro-active and very clear in his recommendations to solve legal matters in a pragmatic way.’
Chamber Europe 2024 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked
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.
Chamber Europe 2023 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked
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.
The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - Industry focus: Information Technology - Tier 1
With the arrival of Judica Krikke, former head of Stibbe‘s IT department, in March 2023, Kennedy Van der Laan continues to be a go-to for clients seeking advice on major projects. Krikke not only brings expertise on IT procurement processes and ERP contracting but also represents clients in disputes concerning failed IT implementations. Patrick Wit works on tech projects, IT contracting, cybersecurity and digital transformations. Reinoud Westerdijk specialises in IT contractual joint ventures and public procurements and acts for high-tech suppliers and service providers. Christoph Jeloschek acts for large Dutch and international companies on cross-border litigations and complex IT disputes concerning failed IT projects. Joost Schmaal assists with emerging technologies such as smart contracts and AI. Senior associates Astrid Sixma and Veerle van Dreunen provide outstanding support and lead on large-scale transactions involving the integration of technology in transport projects.
Leading individuals
Judica Krikke
Patrick Wit
Testimonials
‘Patrick Wit is very confident, convincing and result oriented.’
Chamber Europe 2023 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked
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.
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.
Chambers Europe 2022 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked
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.
The Legal 500 EMEA 2021 - Industry focus: Information Technology - Tier 1
Kennedy Van der Laan continues to see growth in its digitalisation practice and an uptick in instructions relating to litigation and pre-litigation work. With a focus on transactional, regulatory, contentious, commercial and advisory work, the firm is active in the technology, financial, retail, telecoms and professional services sectors. Patrick Wit handles IT and tech M&A; Reinoud Westerdijk is the key name for commercial deals for Microsoft; and Joost Schmaal, who was recently promoted to the partnership, handles large IT projects and disputes. Christoph Jeloschek is noted for cross-border litigation and arbitration.
Leading individuals
Patrick Wit
Testimonials:
' Solid contract drafting, fast turnaround times and advice that can be used in practice’.
Chambers Europe 2021 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked
Patrick Wit advises leading international and domestic companies on contractual matters, handling both contentious and non-contentious mandates.
The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 - Industry focus: Information Technology - Tier 1
Kennedy Van der Laan provides sound advice combined with an understanding of current technologies. The team, which is led by Patrick Wit, handles the full gamut of transactional, regulatory and contentious work, which extends to e-commerce, blockchain, smart contracts and cybersecurity mandates. Wit's client roster encompasses financial and retail sector clients undertaking digital transformations and fintech start-ups. Reinoud Westerdijk and associate partner Joost Schmaal, who has 'tremendous insight into the IT landscape', are other key team members.
Chambers Europe 2020 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked
Clients are impressed by Patrick Wit 's "fast delivery, IT knowledge and quality of work." He advises leading international companies on the regulatory and contractual aspects of digital transformation processes, including on the termination of outsourcing contracts and negotiation of settlements.
The Legal 500 EMEA 2019 - Industry focus: Information Technology
Kennedy Van der Laan is highlighted for its 'fast and in-depth advice, ability to understand business problems, and for offering the right solutions'. In addition to outsourcing and other IT projects, the team also handles IT disputes, e-commerce mandates, cybercrime, and public procurement matters. Patrick Wit is in demand for his 'negotiation expertise', while other well-regarded partners include Joost Linnemann, Hester de Vries, and Christoph Jeloschek; senior associate Joost Schmaal is also a name to note. The team counts TNT, McDonald’s and Stichting BKR among its broad client base.
Chambers Europe 2019 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked
Patrick Wit is well known among market commentators for his advice on IT agreements. He has experience in cross-border outsourcings for international clients.
Chambers Europe 2018 - Information Technology - Ranked
"Patrick Wit is praised by clients for his "in-depth IT knowledge, commercial awareness" and "excellent counselling capabilities." He focuses on outsourcing projects and transactions and frequently acts for clients in the financial sector. One client notes: "He's very creative and never gives up. When he negotiates he really takes the place of a mediator between the parties, taking into account the interests of other parties, as well as our interests, and he aligns the interests by finding the overlap."
The Legal 500 EMEA 2018 - Information Technology - Ranked
"Kennedy Van der Laan’s team is led by Joost Linnemann, with support from Reinoud Westerdijk, outsourcing expert Patrick Wit and data protection specialist Hester de Vries. Microsoft, ABN Amro and Capgemini are clients. Litigator and arbitrator Christoph Jeloschek made partner in January 2017; Joost Schmaal is also recommended."
Recent Work
- Supported a major Dutch bank with a large scale international outsourcing agreement with a global IT consulting services company.
- Trusted adviser to the board of a Dutch Investment Bank on all aspects of IT outsourcing.
- Providing strategic advice to a worldwide factoring company within the telecoms industry.
- Assisted the VNAB (Dutch sector organisation for the corporate insurance market) with the development and maintenance of IT solutions that enables insurance companies and brokers to comply with Dutch, European and US financial sanction regulations.
- Provided the legal framework on sanction laws for a Insurance Exchange Association and its members (insurers and insurance brokers).