Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Wijn & Stael
Overview
Our department is best known for its expertise in complex commercial litigation, with a particular focus on financial services disputes, insolvency-related litigation, collective actions, arbitration proceedings and high-value corporate conflicts. We regularly act for banks, financial institutions and corporate clients in proceedings involving significant financial exposure and complex legal issues, often before the Dutch Supreme Court and other appellate courts.
Cross-border matters
The team coordinates cross-border litigation and enforcement, including parallel proceedings and arbitral awards.
Track record
Recent work includes leading cases before the Dutch Supreme Court for Rabobank and ABN AMRO, and multi-jurisdictional litigation for the bankruptcy trustees of Conservatrix N.V. (EUR 215m+).
Team
The practice is led by Thijs van Zanten (Band 2 and Noor Zetteler), supported by a team of 13 lawyers, including Marlieke ten Brink and Lauret van den Reek, who are admitted to the Supreme Court bar. The team is recognised for handling complex disputes, particularly directors’ and accountants’ liability cases.
Provided by Chambers
Wijn & Stael handles a range of contentious matters, including acting for clients on commercial disputes. The law firm is also well regarded for assisting clients with insolvency proceedings, as well as the associated liability issues. Team members have notable experience in Supreme Court mandates.
Provided by Chambers
Wijn & Stael represented the bankruptcy trustees of Conservatrix against Trier Holding before the Supreme Court in relation to the setting aside of an arbitral award.
Provided by Chambers
Wijn & Stael has very thorough knowledge and a practical understanding of Dutch law. What really sets the team apart is its attention to detail and the fact it cares about the outcome.
The whole Wijn & Stael team performs to a high level and is very experienced.
The Wijn & Stael team offers excellent communication, and is hands on and amazingly responsive.
The team is very experienced, can assess the possibilities well and is very quick to act when it matters.
The lawyers are easy to work with and professional.
Provided by Chambers
Thijs van Zanten represents clients before the Supreme Court, often acting for bondholders or insolvency administrators. He also advises clients on public law disputes and cases relating to the Dutch Scheme of Arrangement.
Thijs van Zanten keeps working until the piece is perfect, is willing to reconsider previously held positions and understands the implications of legal proceedings, offering advice accordingly.
Bart-Adriaan de Ruijter regularly advises clients on cross-border commercial disputes and damages claims, with additional expertise in enforcement proceedings.
Bart-Adriaan is always accessible, highly responsive and acts as a true sparring partner throughout the deal process.
Bart-Adriaan is always available, razor sharp in his advice and exceptionally tenacious. His dedication consistently leads to outstanding results.
Bart-Adriaan de Ruijter is a team player and strong negotiator.
He has the ability to think outside of the box and come up with innovative strategies.
What truly sets Bart-Adriaan apart from his peers is his rare combination of legal sharpness, strategic thinking and calm, practical leadership. He does not just advise, he guides.
Litigation
Supreme Court Litigation
Provided by Wijn & Stael
Bart-Adriaan de Ruijter
View profile of Bart-Adriaan de RuijterThijs van Zanten
View profile of Thijs van Zanten
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