Aanbevelingen
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.
Practice heads: Patrick Wit; Reinoud Westerdijk; Joost Schmaal; Christoph Jeloschek; Judica Krikke.
Leading Individuals
Next Generation Partners
Other key lawyers
Astrid Sixma
Veerle Van Druenen
Testimonials
- ‘Most likely the best IT team in the Netherlands and beyond, KVdL’s IT practice stands out in all aspects. Exceptionally good at contracting, litigating and providing legal and regulatory advice.'
- ‘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.’
- ‘This team is top of the market and consists of nice, able and eager people. Their scope is broad in services and knowledge.’
- ‘The team’s strength is its ability to adapt to the client’s needs.’
- ‘The KVdL team always provides best-in-class, pragmatic and business-oriented solutions. One aspect that sets the team truly apart is their ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.’
- ‘Joost Schmaal has a high knowledge of IT, and is able to quickly understand issues or risks and effectively solve or mitigate them.’
- ‘Joost Schmaal has great experience, technical ability and commercial acumen in dealing with all aspects of IT/IP disputes. I would highly recommend Joost: he is a very hands-on, pragmatic lawyer and very knowledgeable.’
- ‘Astrid Sixma is uber smart, very fast, extremely knowledgeable on the full IT landscape (and beyond) and – also important – great fun to work with.’
Chambers Europe 2024 - TMT: IT and IT Outsourcing - Band 1
What the team is known for
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 telecommunications matters, including disputes on regulations and strategic frequency auctions. 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.
Strengths
"Kennedy Van der Laan can quickly familiarise itself with complex and extensive files thanks to its available team."
"I like that the lawyers are quick to understand our approach to risk; their expertise goes without saying, and for me what they do goes even further than being pragmatic."
"Kennedy van der Laan is particularly strong because it has a deep knowledge of IT in combination with its extensive litigation experience."
"The team are always on time, proactive and responsive."
Notable practitioners
Jens van den Brink is regarded as one of the leading media law specialists in the Netherlands. He has a strong focus on contentious matters, representing clients in defamation cases, attempts to prevent the publication of misinformation and disputes relating to advertising.
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. "Joost has great experience, technical ability and commercial acumen in dealing with all aspects of IT disputes; I would highly recommend him as he is very hands-on." "He asks the right questions, has spot-on, sufficient knowledge of market practice and also gives you the support as a strategic partner."
Judica Krikke is a market-leading lawyer in the field of IT. 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. "Judica is really an expert in complex software agreements; she adds a lot of value for us, is very business-oriented, and happy to jump on calls with internal stakeholders." "Judica is hands-on and practical, which is much appreciated."
Hester De Vries is well regarded in the field of privacy and data protection. In addition to her experience in data sharing mandates, she regularly represents clients in GDPR disputes and advises on the use of biometric data under data privacy regulations.
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 regulatory advice. Additionally, he advises on data-related matters such as access requests.
Quirine Tjeenk Willink enters the rankings this year in recognition of her depth of experience in litigation relating to spectrum auctions. She also advises on regulations and licensing for operators and radio broadcasters. "Quirine is extremely smart and good on sensitive cases."
Joran Spauwen is well regarded in the field of media and communications. He advises clients on contentious matters such as anti-piracy action, media regulations and defamation. He also assists with matters relating to freedom of information.
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.
Practice heads: Patrick Wit; Reinoud Westerdijk; Joost Schmaal; Christoph Jeloschek
Leading Individuals
Next Generation Partners
Other key lawyers
Astrid Sixma
Veerle Van Druenen
Testimonials
- ‘Super-fast and quick thinkers; are able to make a relatively simple overview on complex contracts and deviations.’
- ‘Joost Schmaal is always enthusiastic and able to deliver.’
- ‘Impressive market presence – leading practice.’
- ‘Patrick Wit is very confident, convincing and result oriented.’
Chambers Europe 2023 - TMT: IT and IT Outsourcing - Band 1
What the team is known for
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.
Strengths
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."
Notable practitioners
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.
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.
Practice head(s): Patrick Wit; Reinoud Westerdijk; Joost Schmaal; Christoph Jeloschek
Other key lawyers: Astrid Sixma
Leading Individuals
Patrick Wit
Next Generation Partners
Joost Schmaal
Testimonials
- ‘They seem to have enough people in their team to also pick up last-minute and bigger projects.’
- ‘Joost Schmaal is very easy to work with, super smart and will get it done.’
- ‘They speak our language, are pragmatic, but sharp if needed. Always available, when you need them. They have a strong background in IT, which is very helpful in understanding our business.’
Chambers Europe 2022 - TMT: IT and IT Outsourcing - Band 1
What the team is known for
Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The IT team is 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.
Strengths
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."
Notable practitioners
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.
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.
Reinoud Westerdijk assists clients from the technology sector with negotiating licensing agreements and with opening new data centres. A client reports that he is "a terrific all-round commercial and contracting lawyer with decades of industry knowledge."