LAWYER PROFILE
Willem Heemskerk

Willem Heemskerk

Europe 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Pels Rijcken

Europe

Practice Areas

Willem Heemskerk has been with Pels Rijcken since 1992 and is one of the most experienced litigators in the Netherlands. He handles complex civil law disputes for mainly large national and international companies. His areas of expertise include liability, damage & insurance, professional liability, attachment, collection and enforcement, and media law. Willem acts as counsel both in adjudication as well as arbitral proceedings.

He is regarded as a leading expert in Dutch civil procedural law; he has many publications to his name, was the Vice President of the Dutch State Advisory Committee on procedural law, and regularly serves as expert in foreign proceedings. For many years, Willem is ranked in Band 1 for Litigation in the Chambers Global Guide and as Hall of Fame for Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation in The Legal 500 Guide. In late 2018, Willem was recognised as the “Best Litigator in the Netherlands” in an election organised by the VIA.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers European Guide

Litigation - Netherlands

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

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.

Arbitration - Netherlands

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Willem Heemskerk acts on arbitration proceedings before the ICC and NAI. He is experienced in handling setting aside proceedings, as well as disputes related to contractual agreements and environmental damages.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

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

    LitigationChambers European Guide
  • 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.

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

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

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

    LitigationChambers European Guide
  • We greatly appreciate his work, particularly his contribution to the development of the overall case strategy.

    ArbitrationChambers European Guide

Ranked Individuals at Pels Rijcken (18)

Netherlands

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership