Department profile
Bird & Bird

TMT: Data Protection

Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands

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Bird & Bird

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About

Provided by Bird & Bird

Telecoms

The telecoms team has unsurpassed experience in advising clients in areas as fixed, mobile and satellite communications, Data Centres, OTT and Blockchain services on regulation, transactions and contentious matters. The team is known for its extensive expertise in leading multi-jurisdictional compliance projects for international Telecoms providers.

IT & IT Outsourcing

The IT Team provides a full range of legal services for the IT sector (large-scale tech implementation projects and supporting digital transformation, ecommerce and IT dispute resolution) also focusing on innovative tech, such as Blockchain / Bitcoin, AI, Robotics, and the platform economy.

Media

The Media Group is recognized by clients and peers for its wide range of national and international media related matters, both civil law and regulatory. The expertise spans freedom of speech, intermediary liability, advertising, copyright, gaming & gambling, content distribution, supervision and enforcement by regulators, sponsoring, privacy, Freedom of Information Act-related cases, as well as competition.

Data Protection

The Data Protection team has an outstanding reputation in the market for its expertise with regard to complex data protection matters, cross-border compliance, contentious matters, new technologies and the interplay with sector-specific regulation, covering other data regulations such as the AI Act, eIDAS, the DSA, DGA, PSD3, Data Act and various cybersecurity laws.

 

 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

TMT: Data Protection - Netherlands

Band 4

What the Team is Known For

Bird & Bird enjoys an outstanding reputation in the telecommunications sector. The law firm assists clients with contentious and non-contentious matters regarding the roll-out of the fibre network in the Netherlands, as well as representing clients in litigation concerning access tariffs and obligations. The team advises clients from the technology and telecommunications sectors on compliance with EU telecoms regulations, such as the Electronic Communications Code. Team members act for clients on spectrum auctions and infrastructure issues. In addition to its strength in the telecommunications sector, Bird & Bird represents clients in media sector disputes relating to freedom of information and defamation claims. On the non-contentious side, the team advises on broadcasting and production agreements and applications for licences. Team members additionally assist IT clients with commercial agreements and contract negotiations, as well as with matters involving blockchain technology and e-commerce. The law firm's offering further includes support with data protection mandates, covering GDPR compliance and EU data regulations.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Bird & Bird stands out for its strong combination of deep regulatory expertise, commercial understanding and seamless cross-border coordination.

    TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

  • Bird & Bird has a deep understanding of our business, which enables the team to quickly grasp the scope and context of the legal advice required.

    TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

  • Bird & Bird offers responsiveness, availability and topical advice.

    TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

  • Bird & Bird has a very strong understanding of our business and services, as well as a very good sense for what is happening in the industry and what relevant regulators expect.

    TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

  • Bird & Bird has very seasoned lawyers with in-depth knowledge in niche regulatory fields.

    TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Marjolein Geus
    Marjolein Geus

    Marjolein Geus

    Marjolein Geus has an established reputation as one of the leading telecommunications experts in the Netherlands. She has experience advising on spectrum auctions, the fibre network roll-out and infrastructure issues. She additionally represents clients in litigation concerning network access and advises on compliance with EU regulations.

    • Marjolein Geus is very professional, flexible and knowledgeable. She leads the project with a lot of engagement and charm.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Marjolein Geus is relentless with her work ethic and goes the extra mile for her clients.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Marjolein Geus is a very seasoned lawyer with in-depth knowledge.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Marjolein Geus is one of the best lawyers in telecoms.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope
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  • Olaf Trojan
    Olaf Trojan

    Olaf Trojan

    Media group co-head Olaf Trojan has a strong focus on representing clients in defamation and liability cases. Additionally, he advises on production and artists rights, publishing contracts and freedom of speech matters.

    • Olaf Trojan is very smart, educated, polite and responsive.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Olaf Trojan is a very competent and responsive lawyer.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Olaf is very knowledgeable about the law, but also takes our commercial position into account as well as the culture of our company and the way we do business.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Olaf Trojan does good research, listens well and applies his knowledge.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Olaf Trojan is an excellent strategic thinker with very high technical and legal skills.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope
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  • Paul Waszink
    Paul Waszink

    Paul Waszink

    Paul Waszink has a strong focus on contentious matters in the telecommunications sector, representing clients in disputes concerning network access and the fibre roll-out in the Netherlands. He also advises on compliance with EU telecommunications regulations. He additionally demonstrates expertise in media mandates, representing social media companies and broadcasters in regulatory issues and subsequent disputes.

    • Paul Waszink is an authority on telecommunications law, but at the same time very practical. He is also very pleasant to work with.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Paul Waszink is reliable, prompt if it is necessary, and provides a high level of service in the field of media law.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Paul Waszink is definitely able to handle complex and sophisticated telecommunications law matters.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope
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  • Roelien van Neck
    Roelien van Neck

    Roelien van Neck

    Roelien van Neck assists clients with a range of non-contentious matters in the technology sector, assisting with contract negotiations and services agreements, as well as advising on matters relating to e-commerce and blockchain technology.

    • Roelien van Neck is very competent and helpful.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Roelien van Neck brings a very human and approachable touch to her work, making every conversation clear, pleasant and productive.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope
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  • Berend van der Eijk
    Berend van der Eijk

    Berend van der Eijk

    Berend van der Eijk works for impressive global clients on GDPR compliance, privacy support and litigation. He assists with the data protection aspects of product launches and platform maintenance.

    • Berend van der Eijk consistently delivers high-quality results, demonstrating a pragmatic and risk-taking approach that is truly commendable.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Berend van der Eijk is practical, precise and a trusted partner for us.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Berend van der Eijk has deep legal and technical insight. He is a trusted business partner.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope

    • Berend van der Eijk's ability to view situations from a 360-degree perspective allows him to anticipate challenges and opportunities effectively.

      TMT: Data Protection respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Bird & Bird (6)

Netherlands

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