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Willem Heemskerk
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Global 2026
Lawyers profile | Global 2026: Litigation, Arbitration
Willem Heemskerk
Ranked in 2 Practice Areas
1

Band 1

Litigation

Netherlands

2 Years Ranked

3

Band 3

Arbitration

Netherlands

2 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides
Europe 2026

About

Provided by Willem Heemskerk

Global

Practice Areas

Willem Heemskerk 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.

Career

Willem Heemskerk has been with Pels Rijcken since 1992. 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 Dispute Resolution in the Chambers Global and Europe Guide and in the 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 Global Guide

Litigation - Netherlands

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.

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Arbitration - Netherlands

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.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

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

Litigation respondent
Chambers Global Guide

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

Litigation respondent
Chambers Global 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.

Litigation respondent
Chambers Global Guide

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

Litigation respondent
Chambers Global Guide

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

Litigation respondent
Chambers Global Guide

He has a sharp eye for all details and is a very friendly person overall.

Arbitration respondent
Chambers Global Guide

He has an overview and gives strategic advice from his extensive experience as an arbitration lawyer.

Arbitration respondent
Chambers Global Guide

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

Arbitration respondent
Chambers Global Guide

Willem Heemskerk is a high-calibre lawyer.

Arbitration respondent
Chambers Global Guide

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