Department profile
Houthoff

Litigation

Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands

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Houthoff

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation - Netherlands

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Houthoff is one of the leading law 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 and liability issues in bankruptcy cases.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Houthoff represented Sharp Corporation in litigation brought by Aqipa before the District Court of The Hague concerning compensation for alleged contractual breaches.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Houthoff team is very flexible, to the point and has a great feeling for commercial dimensions. Its turnaround times are extremely impressive, all while maintaining the highest output standards.

    Litigation respondentEurope

  • The team combines solid legal expertise with a practical approach and, above all, works not just for the client but in close partnership with them.

    Litigation respondentEurope

  • Houthoff's strengths are its strategic vision, ability to efficiently coordinate different work fronts and in-depth knowledge of local legal systems.

    Litigation respondentEurope

  • Houthoff is quick to respond and willing to go the extra mile. The lawyers provide clear and direct answers.

    Litigation respondentEurope

  • The Houthoff team provides thorough results grounded in detailed analysis and robust actions. It delivers a best-in-class service for us in a timely and orderly manner.

    Litigation respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Albert Knigge
    Albert Knigge

    Albert Knigge

    Albert Knigge has market-leading expertise in defending clients in class actions and follow-on damages claims, notably in relation to the energy sector and automotive cartels.

    • Albert has a very clear view on the overall position of the matters he works on with us.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Albert Knigge is very experienced, sharp and has a clear vision of the strategy to be followed.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Albert is very experienced and has a lot of litigation expertise. It is a pleasure to work with him on complex litigation issues.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Albert is an excellent and incredibly responsive lawyer.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Albert Knigge is a really smart and diligent lawyer.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Bart van der Wiel
    Bart van der Wiel

    Bart van der Wiel

    Bart van der Wiel remains one of the leading Supreme Court lawyers in the Netherlands, representing clients in disputes over the enforcement of arbitral awards, as well as disputes in the financial services, automotive and TMT sectors. His deep expertise is also leveraged in the handling of high-profile litigation related to public and environmental law.

    • Bart van der Wiel combines exceptional legal intellect with a collaborative and approachable working style. He consistently brings sharp analysis and clear judgement to complex matters.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Bart van der Wiel is an experienced and highly skilled litigator who combines deep legal expertise with a thoughtful and inquisitive approach.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Bart van der Wiel is an outstanding lawyer who loves his work and always goes the extra mile to achieve the best result for his clients.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • He has developed a strong ability to communicate effectively with top management and to gain their trust.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Bart van der Wiel has good knowledge of Supreme Court procedures.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Jan Willem de Groot
    Jan Willem de Groot

    Jan Willem de Groot

    Jan Willem de Groot has experience representing clients in a number of high-profile joint venture disputes and post-M&A litigation. He also assists with shareholder disputes and enforcement proceedings.

    • Jan Willem de Groot combines a sophisticated approach to complex cases with a great presence both inside and outside of court.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Jan Willem de Groot excels in understanding the various arguments in a matter and then articulating this in a statement or brief in a very compelling manner.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • His leadership, valuable contributions to the progress of the case and highly regarded solutions are so crucial for us.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Jan Willem de Groot is fantastic and a very strategic thinker. He understands the big picture and the commercial needs of the business very well.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Jan Willem de Groot is a sharp litigator.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • David Heems
    David Heems

    David Heems

    David Heems demonstrates particular prowess representing creditors and debtors in insolvency-related litigation. He also handles corporate and contractual disputes for Dutch and international clients, as well as mass damages claims.

    • David is very responsive and very involved in every detail of the matter, which allows him to clearly oversee our position in the matter.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • He keeps coming up with alternative steps and angles as the case progresses.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • David Heems is an excellent lawyer who goes the extra mile.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • We are impressed by his comprehensive expertise. He is able to deliver strategic solutions, even in the most stressful scenarios.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • David Heems is super responsive and commercial in finding solutions. He has the killer combo of being an excellent litigator and a transactional lawyer.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Laura van Gardingen
    Laura van Gardingen

    Laura van Gardingen

    Laura van Gardingen is noted for her expertise in representing clients before the Supreme Court, especially on cases with significant domestic impact and international reach. She boosts particular skill in climate litigation and M&A and shareholder disputes, as well as appeals for the setting aside or enforcement of arbitral awards.

    • Laura van Gardingen is a highly capable litigator with strong legal skills and a calm, thoughtful demeanour. She has a natural ability to put clients at ease, even in high-pressure situations.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Laura is an excellent Supreme Court litigator. She is very knowledgeable and, at the same time, business smart and a pleasure to work with.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Laura van Gardingen combines professionalism with empathy, which helps in building trust.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Marjolein Heuten
    Marjolein Heuten

    Marjolein Heuten

    Marjolein Heuten offers a specialised practice in corporate litigation, advising clients on shareholder, post-M&A and attachment disputes.

    • We could not have found a better partner to walk with us through a very complicated and unusual case. Her passion to ensure we resolved the situation favourably was unmatched.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Marjolein Heuten has a very keen eye on detail. She leaves no stone untouched in order to best argue the position of the client.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Her expertise, focus on details, hardworking habits and innovative way of thinking are priceless for us.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Marjolein Heuten is an always calm, reflective and very useful practitioner. She is unafraid of making decisions and giving bold advice.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Houthoff (6)

Netherlands

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