What the team is known for
Houthoff is one of the leading firms in the Netherlands for defending clients in class actions and damages claims. The law firm also handles a number of high-value commercial disputes, including post-M&A and joint venture litigation, as well as shareholder disputes. The team boasts a number of lawyers with notable experience handling contentious matters before the Supreme Court. Houthoff further assists clients with enforcement proceedings, real estate disputes, financial litigation, insurance litigation and liability issues in bankruptcy cases. Additionally the firm handles a number of cross-border arbitrations involving expropriation and arbitral award issues. The lawyers often act on cases under the NAI, ICC and ICSID rules.
Notable practitioners
Albert Knigge enters the top band of the rankings this year on the back of positive feedback, with one interviewee enthusing that he is
"good at coming up with solutions and good at listening," and going on to add:
"I am very happy to rely on Albert Knigge's advice and feel that I am in safe hands." Albert Knigge has market-leading expertise in defending clients in class actions and follow-on damages claims.
Dirk Knottenbelt assists clients with the enforcement and annulment of high-value arbitral awards. He represents states and corporate clients in investment arbitration, as well as acting on arbitrations under the ICC and UNCITRAL rules. One client describes him as
"calm, confident and very convincing," while another appreciates that he
"knows how to present a case convincingly." Jan Willem de Groot has a strong focus on corporate disputes, particularly post-M&A litigation and joint venture cases. He also assists clients with shareholder disputes and the enforcement of awards. One interviewee reports that he is
"creative, very dedicated to the client and the client's interest, and highly responsive and proactive." Rob Meijer has notable experience advising clients on the enforcement of arbitral awards and on commercial disputes. He also stands out for his ability to handle cases before the court of cassation.
