Department profile
Pels Rijcken

Litigation

Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands

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Pels Rijcken

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About

Provided by Pels Rijcken

Pels Rijcken has ample experience with proceedings at all Dutch and European judiciary bodies, as well as with arbitration proceedings under various Dutch and international arbitration rules (such as NAI, RvA, ICC, LCIA).

Our expertise covers all stages of state court proceedings (summary proceedings, proceedings at first and second instance and supreme court proceedings), arbitration proceedings and binding advice proceedings. This also includes class actions, cartel damage claims, attachments and enforcement disputes, quantum proceedings, disclosure proceedings and setting aside/enforcement of arbitral awards. The Litigation and Arbitration team also has an excellent track record in providing strategic legal advice and second opinions. Various team members also frequently act as legal expert in arbitration proceedings and in other proceedings.

Our Litigation and Arbitration team consists of attorneys who assist clients from both the private and public sector in a fast, efficient and dedicated manner. The team demonstrates its added value once again when effectively coordinating and structuring parallel (international) proceedings.

Pels Rijcken's clients include various (listed) corporates. Also on the firm's client list are the Dutch state, market regulators and local governments.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation - Netherlands

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Pels Rijcken has an outstanding reputation for advising clients from the public sector and for representing clients before the Supreme Court. The law firm has notable experience advising on high-profile environmental disputes and human rights cases. The team has defended clients in several major mass damages claims and class action proceedings. The lawyers in the team have particular expertise in disputes in areas including liability in bankruptcy proceedings, tax litigation, commercial suits and financial litigation.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Pels Rijcken acted for Braskem on damages claims brought by a group of Brazilian citizens before the Rotterdam District Court in relation to a geological event in Brazil.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Pels Rijcken has a solid, well-prepared and qualified team, with especially top-notch and brilliant partners who can think ahead and strategically for the client's interests.

    Litigation respondentEurope

  • Pels Rijcken's lawyers are excellent strategic thinkers who understand that litigation is not reactive. They think two steps ahead and are always attentive to details.

    Litigation respondentEurope

  • The lawyers really delve into the case, looking critically at preparations in order to then come to a sound final judgement.

    Litigation respondentEurope

  • Pels Rijcken stands out for its legal knowledge, competence, organised approach and approachable attitude. The team is also detail oriented, ensuring every issue is thoroughly analysed.

    Litigation respondentEurope

  • Pels Rijcken is cognisant of the client's concerns and strategic in navigating how best to serve the client's interests.

    Litigation respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Hans van Wijk
    Hans van Wijk

    Hans van Wijk

    Hans van Wijk is a highly esteemed Supreme Court litigator who represents financial sector clients and public entities in high-profile disputes. He has experience in a range of matters, including shareholder disputes, contractual litigation and bankruptcy disputes. Van Wijk also advises on multi-jurisdictional litigation, with a particular focus on clients based in the Dutch Caribbean.

    • Hans van Wijk combines the specifics of Supreme Court litigation with knowledge of company law. He is also very responsive and clear when he identifies a problem.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Hans van Wijk is a joy to work with and very knowledgeable. He eats, drinks and breathes the law. He is matched by only a few when it comes to Supreme Court litigation.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Hans van Wijk is a true authority in this area.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Hans van Wijk is a Supreme Court litigation specialist. He is a great legal mind and a good abstract thinker. I believe he is one of the best Supreme Court litigators in the Netherlands.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Hans van Wijk delivers sincere and thorough analysis.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Willem Heemskerk
    Willem Heemskerk

    Willem Heemskerk

    Willem Heemskerk is one of the leading lawyers in the Netherlands for mass damages claims and class action proceedings, predominantly acting for defendants in the automotive and financial sectors.

    • Willem Heemskerk is one of the very best in the business. He has a critical mind and thinks very fast.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Willem is a brilliant lawyer and a top-notch litigator with a sharp view of the big picture. He is also a keen strategist with a deep understanding and knowledge of Dutch law.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • He is very friendly and professional, and has a really pragmatic, hands-on approach.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Willem Heemskerk is very client focused, makes time to address all questions and provides strategic advice.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Willem Heemskerk is really one of the top litigators in the Netherlands. He is very experienced and familiar with Dutch litigation.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Sikke Kingma
    Sikke Kingma

    Sikke Kingma

    Sikke Kingma regularly appears before the Supreme Court to represent clients in shareholder disputes, cartel damages proceedings and contractual litigation. His expertise is sought out by insurance, retail and manufacturing companies, as well as government bodies.

    • Sikke Kingma is very responsive and has a lot of commercial awareness.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Sikke Kingma has great analytical style.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Wemmeke Wisman
    Wemmeke Wisman

    Wemmeke Wisman

    Wemmeke Wisman defends clients against allegations of fundamental rights violations and in environmental law disputes. She also frequently acts for clients on tax disputes and mass damages claims.

    • I highly admire Wemmeke Wisman for her knowledge, analytical skills and negotiation skills. She has a profoundly professional attitude and, at the same time, is easily approachable and accessible.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • I know Wemmeke Wisman is an excellent litigator with deep knowledge of and vast experience in Dutch procedural law.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Her strong commercial vision ensures that strategic decisions align with business objectives.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Wemmeke Wisman combines deep legal expertise with a creative, assertive approach, allowing her to navigate complex issues and high-pressure situations.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • She is both technically and strategically exceptionally strong, and also has an impressive appreciation and understanding of the issues at stake.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Peter van Kippersluis
    Peter van Kippersluis

    Peter van Kippersluis

    Peter van Kippersluis leverages his experience to navigate clients through complex class action proceedings, damages claims and contractual disputes. His client base comprises both private corporate entities and public bodies.

    • He is very responsive to us and provides very clear feedback.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Peter van Kippersluis is intelligent, friendly and sharp, and we value his knowledge and business acumen.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Peter van Kippersluis is very empathetic and client oriented. He is also a very sharp lawyer who is business minded and strategic.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Peter combines strong legal expertise with a calm, thoughtful approach, ensuring that complex matters are handled efficiently and effectively.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Peter van Kippersluis has shown himself to be an excellent litigator.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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  • Gijsbrecht Nieuwland
    Gijsbrecht Nieuwland

    Gijsbrecht Nieuwland

    Gijsbrecht Nieuwland is experienced in representing both public authorities and private corporate clients before the Supreme Court, often on cases with civil proceedings that run in parallel with criminal proceedings.

    • Gijsbrecht Nieuwland has a very sharp mind which distinguishes him from others.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • He is very knowledgeable and nice to work with.

      Litigation respondentEurope

    • Gijsbrecht Nieuwland is a very knowledgeable, hands-on and approachable lawyer.

      Litigation respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Pels Rijcken (6)

Netherlands

Members

Provided by Pels Rijcken

Pels Rijcken has rankings in the following guides

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