bureau Brandeis

Number of partners: 5 (Amsterdam), 3 (Paris)

Number of lawyers: 25 (Amsterdam), 10 (Paris)

Languages: Dutch, English, French

bureau Brandeis is an independent boutique law firm specialising in complex litigation and (regulatory and private) enforcement. The firm has a focus on dispute resolution in the field of civil, administrative and criminal law. bureau Brandeis is based in Amsterdam and Paris. Founded in 2013, the firm has grown rapidly and has seen its client base increase. The firm’s clients are national and international companies, listed entities, startups, as well as interest groups.

The firm:

■ Handles high-profile cases, including landmark cases before the Dutch Supreme Court and the ECJ and (international) cartel damages cases

■ Focuses on litigation and other forms of dispute resolution, and chooses not to represent Dutch government bodies

■ Works in close contact with many foreign law firms in cross border disputes and investigations

■ Represents clients in all stages of proceedings, before courts and tribunals

■ Prevents disputes with its diligent compliance work

■ Assists undertakings in investigations by and litigation against regulatory bodies like the Authority Consumers & Markets, the Netherlands Gaming Authority, the Dutch Data Protection Authority, the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets, French Competition Authority etc.

■ Is outspoken about matters of public interest and has a preference for the challenger. This gives bureau Brandeis a unique position in the Dutch market.

Class Actions:

The firm has unique expertise and experience in this field. bureau Brandeis has a long track record as counsel to claim vehicles and assisting funders in class actions. More than any other firm, bureau Brandeis is involved as counsel to plaintiffs in proceedings under the WAMCA, the new Dutch regime for collective redress introduced in 2020. Currently, the firm is involved in several class actions, including in relation to the diesel fraud, privacy violations and various cartels or abuse of dominance matters.

Key Clients: Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation, Stichting Massaschade & Consument, The Privacy Collective and BRS (UK). ,

Partners: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Wesley Vader and Bas Braeken

Corporate & Commercial Litigation:

bureau Brandeis handles corporate and commercial litigation, such as board members’ liability, hedge funds and shareholders’ activism, takeover disputes, business conflicts, compliance (i.a. corporate governance, commercial contracts) and insolvency matters

Key Clients: Bastion Hotels, bunq, West Coast Supply Group, Talpa, Netflix, Betsson, Prijsvrij and LG International

Partners: Wesley Vader, Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Simone Peek, Bas Braeken and Machteld Robinchon

Corporate Governance:

The firm mostly assists directors, supervisory directors and shareholders of both listed and non-listed companies in disputes concerning corporate governance.

Partners: Wesley Vader and Simone Peek

(European) Competition Law:

bureau Brandeis advises on all aspects of competition law. It also represents multinationals, SMEs and start-ups harmed by or suspected from antitrust infringements to exercise their rights before both the Dutch, French and the EU competition authorities and national and EU courts. bureau Brandeis also assists parties harmed by competition infringements in obtaining damages. bureau Brandeis is widely recognised for its expertise and track record in the field of regulatory and antitrust litigation.

Key Clients: Disney, Pathé, Prijsvrij, Dutch Travel Retail United, Fapricela, EU Athletes, Bastion Hotels, Tix, AGU, Centraal Boekhuis, Dromenjager, Innsworth,

Partners: Bas Braeken and Sarah Subrémon

Data Protection & Telecom:

The specialists at bureau Brandeis have many years of experience in complex compliance matters in the field of data protection and telecommunications, and as many in litigating in these areas. We are also regularly involved in proceedings concerning the installation of fiber optic networks.

Key Clients: Netflix, AMS-IX, KPN/XS4ALL, NUV, eBay, Sanoma, Pearson, Talpa Radio, Glasdraad.

Partners: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Machteld Robichon

Financial Services Litigation:

bureau Brandeis handles complex financial services litigation and other contentious regulatory matters. The team represents financial services companies and individual directors in investigations and enforcement measures of regulators such as DNB and AFM, and also provides risk management and compliance advice.

Partner: Simone Peek

Intellectual Property Law:

Known for developing landmark case law and handling most landmark cases in the Netherlands in the field of digital copyright/IP litigation before the ECJ. The firm also has experience in reputation management, advertising law and trade name law.

Key Clients: Netflix, KPN, NUV, eBay, Sanoma, Pathé

Partner: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm

Internet & Technology Law (Intermediary & Platform Law):

The firm has been at the root of developments in Dutch legislation in this area of expertise. The firm was involved in the foundation of Skype, has been eBay’s regular Dutch attorney for years and assisted Netflix in the establishment of its European headquarters in Amsterdam. We also support providers in case of enforcement procedures by the regulators.

Partner: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm

Gaming & Gambling Law:

Proceedings before the Netherlands Gaming Authority and licence applications. Representation in enforcement procedures by the Dutch Gaming Authority, including proceedings on fines resulting in the prevention or reduction of fines or orders subject to a penalty.

Key Clients: various operators of online gambling activities

Partner: Machteld Robichon

Media & Entertainment:

bureau Brandeis supports producers and distributors of film, radio, television, music and books who are active in this dynamic market. Companies who are just entering the market can also count on bureau Brandeis’ pragmatic assistance. We also represent major e-commerce retailers and advise online game suppliers.

Key Clients: Talpa Radio, public broadcasters, such as AT5, Pathé, Dutch Film Works

Partner: Machteld Robichon

Shareholders’ Disputes and Activism:

The firm assists hedge funds and other minority shareholders in creating higher shareholder value in Dutch listed companies: in close consultation with its client, by demanding attention and creating support for relevant subjects in the media and if necessary by litigating before the Enterprise Division.

Partner: Wesley Vader