De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek ‘delivers excellent, practical advice’ to insurers facing challenges in both the Netherlands and abroad, handling regulatory issues and disputes in addition to cross-border transactions and restructurings in the insurance sector. Leading the practice is ‘outstanding lawyer’ Dennis Horeman, made co-managing partner in April 2023, who acts for both insurers and insureds on matters of professional, D&O and product liability, in addition to fraud proceedings. Mariken van Loopik is the key partner for regulatory matters, including governance issues and structural transformations. The regulatory practice was strengthened by Mariska Enzerink's elevation to partner in January 2023. Eva Schram handles outsourcing arrangements and transactions in the insurance sector.
Insurance in Netherlands
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
Praxisleiter:
Dennis Horeman
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mariken van Loopik; Mariska Enzerink; Eva Schram
Referenzen
‘DBBW has an experienced insurance team with in-depth knowledge of the life insurance business and its products. As a result, the team efficiently delivers excellent, practical advice.’
‘Dennis Horeman is an outstanding lawyer. He is hands-on, readily available and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Highly dedicated, very well experienced, good industry knowledge, hands-on mentality.’
Kernmandanten
ENNIA
Athora Netherlands (SRLEV)
SRH
AkzoNobel
Conservatrix (and bankruptcy trustees)
NN Group N.V.
Koninklijke AholdDelhaize
AEGON N.V.
Athora Netherlands (Zwitserleven PPI)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Aegon on the combination of its Dutch operations with a.s.r.
- Acted for Aegon on the re-domiciliation of the seat of its listed top-holding company to Bermuda and the transfer of group supervision to the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
- Represented Ennia in proceedings against a group of former shareholders, management and supervisory board members.
Houthoff
Houthoff is a popular choice for insurers and their insureds facing class action suits, with the firm handling several such cases over the past year, including those tied to the alleged mis-selling of unit-linked insurance products. The practice also assists with regulatory matters, focusing on prudential insurance and business conduct, as well as the launches of new insurance products, while also providing transactional support. Berry van Wijk leads the team, with a regulatory practice that covers both life and non-life insurance products and issues tied to M&As. Huib Lebbing specialises in contentious insurance matters, with a particular focus on health and safety-related incidents. Former practice co-head Hans Londonck Sluijk co-founded his own firm, insurance boutique Londonck & Kos, in January 2023.
Praxisleiter:
Berry van Wijk
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Huib Lebbing; Lucas Dröge; Gijs Hamelijnck
Referenzen
‘Huib Lebbing is a great lawyer, who uses efficiently his legal knowledge, human skills and humour to get things done. For large claims with public exposure that also need case management, he is the go-to person in the Netherlands.’
‘Houthoff’s team focuses on the more complex cases. When dealing with such matters, the team not only has a clear added value legally, but also strategically. Attention is not only paid to substantiating the legal position, but also to achieving solutions.’
‘In their mutual cooperation, they draw up procedural documents, which impress with their completeness and good factual substantiation. In this process, all potentially relevant angles are analysed and weighed.’
Kernmandanten
AIG
a.s.r.
Achmea/Centraal Beheer
Allianz
Aon
Atradius Credit Insurance
AXA XL
CNA
De Goudse
Generali
HDI-Gerling
Lifetri
Marsh
MS Amlin
NN Group
Onderlinge ‘s Gragenhage
Soderberg & Partners
Swiss Re
The Ardonagh Group
Tokio Marine
Yarden
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for AIG and its insured Lincoln Electric BV in relation to litigation following allegedly unsafe working conditions in the latter’s Dutch steel cable welding factory.
- Represented Tate & Lyle and its insurer AXA XL in the aftermath of a global product recall concerning animal feed supplied to hundreds of businesses in the Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium.
- Advised Onderlinge ‘s-Gravenhage on the sale of its entire second pillar pension portfolio to Zwitserleven.
Kennedy Van der Laan
Kennedy Van der Laan advises on standalone insurance law and associated regulatory issues, covering both Dutch and European matters for a client roster that includes insurers, brokers and public bodies. The group handles a range of insurance products, with particular focus placed on casualty, property and engineering and financial lines coverage in addition to a growing class actions practice. The insurance side of the practice is headed by a team consisting of Erik van Orsouw, Chris van Dijk, Frits van der Woude, Peter van den Broek and Petra Oskam, with Jan Broekhuizen taking the lead on matters of insurance regulation. Marit van der Pool joined the firm’s partnership ranks in September 2023, with a defence and coverage practice centred around D&O and professional indemnity claims.
Praxisleiter:
Erik van Orsouw; Chris van Dijk; Frits van der Woude; Peter van den Broek; Petra Oskam; Jan Broekhuizen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Marit van der Pool
Referenzen
‘Strong insurance team.’
‘Erik van Orsouw is easygoing, quick and to the point. He has an informal approach and is intelligent. It was a pleasure to work with Marit van der Pool. She is skilled and intelligent and has in-depth knowledge.’
‘Having worked with various insurance firms in the Netherlands over the years, I rate KVDL as the best firm. KVDL has an excellent understanding of the products, the coverage issues and the market dynamics.’
Kernmandanten
AIG
Zurich
AXA XL
HDI
Hiscox
QBE
Markel
Dutch Association of Insurers
MediRisk
Rabobank
VGA
NautaDutilh
NautaDutilh acts for a spectrum of household names in the insurance sector from both the Netherlands and abroad, advising on regulatory matters and mergers in the insurance sector, and representing clients in high-stakes litigation, including mass claims concerning product and D&O liability, with a strong focus on matters in the energy and pharmaceutical markets. The team is led by Stijn Franken, a specialist in regulatory insurance law and product liability cases, and Sjoerd Meijer, the firm’s co-managing partner, who is engaged in mass claims concerning unit-linked insurance products. Roel Theissen advises insurers and banks on prudential supervision in relation to governance and transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Stijn Franken; Sjoerd Meijer
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Roel Theissen; Erik Poorthuis; Rema Tewarie
Referenzen
‘NautaDutilh is our go-to firm in the Netherlands. Great team and excellent legal advice.’
‘Stijn Franken is an excellent lawyer with a great deal of experience. He is extremely calm and considered.’
‘The team has specific knowledge as an added value, works well together, has excellent communication, and escalates in a timely fashion when needed.’
Kernmandanten
Allianz
Achmea
Aegon
AIG
AMLIN
ASR
Chubb
DSM
Dutch Association of Insurers
Eneco
GSK
HDI Gerling
Monuta
Nouryon
Sanofi
Shell
TPG
UK P&I Club
Vattenfall
Woningborg
Pon
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted a.s.r. on its EUR 4.9bn business combination with Aegon Nederland.
- Represented the former board members of Royal Imtech N.V. in their coverage dispute with insurers under various D&O insurance and POSI programmes.
- Advised Shell on the parliamentary inquiry into gas extraction in Groningen.
Van Doorne
As part of the firm’s dispute resolution practice, Van Doorne's ‘very knowledgeable team’ handles contentious D&O and product liability claims, is active on the W&I and financial lines fronts and is experiencing growth with its cyber claims practice. In addition, the team takes on disputes between insurers and brokers and assists insurers with the drafting of key policy terms. Annemieke Hendrikse heads the practice, specialising in D&O liability matters and is frequently mandated to act as monitoring counsel by insurers, who also consult her on policy conditions. Wieke van Eekhout represents insurers and insureds in cross-border civil liabilities disputes, acting for the former on coverage matters, while Saloua Tanouyat focuses on D&O and financial lines litigation. Willeke van Spanje left the firm in May 2023, having been appointed as a district court judge.
Praxisleiter:
Annemieke Hendrikse
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Wieke van Eekhout; Saloua Tanouyat
Referenzen
‘Annemieke Hendrikse is a very smart, friendly, experienced and sharp lawyer, who has an efficient network and the right set of human skills to get things done.’
‘The team has a broad variety of expertise and is excellent in determining strategies.’
‘A very knowledgeable team that provides expert legal advice in the field of insurance law.’
Kernmandanten
AGCS
AIG
Aon
AXA XL
Chubb
HDI Global
HDI Specialty
Nationale Nederlanden
One Underwriting
Transact Risk Partners LLP
Zurich
Tony Chocolonely
CMS
CMS' insurance practice handles a spectrum of multi-jurisdictional matters, working closely with the firm’s London office to tackle both advisory coverage and regulatory matters, as well as disputes concerning D&O, product and professional indemnity, with a growing focus on the burgeoning area of cyber liability. Leading the team are Bas Baks, who focuses on construction-based claims, D&O matters and financial lines coverage, and Leonard Böhmer, who represents Dutch and international clients in a broad variety of insurance-related litigation. Oskar van de Weijer is also sought after for his experience in D&O, W&I and professional indemnity claims.
Praxisleiter:
Leonard Böhmer; Bas Baks
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Oskar van de Weijer
Referenzen
‘Unique experience on complex transaction liability and tax claims in an insurance context.’
‘Digestible reports, engagement and responsiveness.’
‘Good collaboration within the legal team, I like the interaction between the Amsterdam and London teams.’
Kernmandanten
Tokio Marine
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty
AXA XL
Axis
Chubb
Digital Partners
Lemonade
Lloyds Insurance
MS Amlin
QBE
Dirkzwager legal & tax
Dirkzwager legal & tax represents Dutch and international insurers on a range of coverage matters, including product, construction and professional liability matters, in addition to taking on corporate and government liability matters. The practice is also sought out for ongoing insurance advisory support. The practice leadership group consists of Harry Kruitwagen, who handles matters of professional and employer liability; and legal, accountancy and construction liability specialist Joost Bindels. Cross-border insurance disputes are the domain of Wim Weterings, who focuses primarily on D&O litigation. Daan Baas departed the firm in December 2023.
Referenzen
‘They have a diversity in ages, knowledge and focus areas. Without a doubt, the best firm to work with.’
‘Harry Kruitwagen is always a pleasure to talk to about a case. Besides his sharp mind, it is always a pleasure to see how he solves cases and his honesty about the possibilities.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable about all aspects of insurance claims and strategy.’
Kernmandanten
Allianz Commercial
Amlin Insurance SE
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE
Allianz Benelux N.V.
Royal Sun Alliance
AIG Europe SA
Achmea Schadeverzekeringen
Zurich Insurance plc
HDI Gerling
QBE Insurance (Europe) Ltd
DUPI
Marsh
Willis
Aon
Bovemij
Ekelmans Advocaten - Insurance & Corporate
Ekelmans Advocaten - Insurance & Corporate ‘understands the commercial and practical aspects of the insurance industry like no other’, focusing on healthcare-related insurance matters as part of a broader general liability practice that also handles D&O, professional liability and insurance fraud matters. Jan Ekelmans manages a broad spectrum of claims, ranging from medical device recalls to life insurance and aviation issues, while Astrid van Noort focuses on personal injury and income protection disputes. Professional and corporate liability fall within the practice of Frank Schaaf, while Daan Spoormans handles both insurance and corporate litigation. Fleur van Kersbergen acts for clients and their insurers who are facing professional negligence suits. Former practice head Hanco Arnold departed the firm in September 2023.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jan Ekelmans; Astrid van Noort; Frank Schaaf; Daan Spoormans; Fleur van Kersbergen
Referenzen
‘Ekelmans team is a highly competitive firm with no match regarding corporate/insurance work. The team understands the commercial and practical aspects of the insurance industry like no other.’
‘Frank Schaaf has massive knowledge of the local and international industry, and his capacity for focusing in on the really important details makes him a valuable asset to his clients. Assisted by the magnificent associate Fleur van Kersberg, the work she delivers is pristine.’
‘Consistent quality and thorough approach to litigation, combined with an honourable style.’
Kernmandanten
ASR Schadeverzekeringen
ASR Zorgverzekeringen
Eno
Goudse Schadeverzekeringen
HDI
Nationale-Nederlanden
Verbond van Verzekeraars
De Vereende
Zilveren Kruis
Zorg & Zekerheid
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted as monitoring counsel and advised on a number of claims on directors’ and officers’ liability policies written by HDI.
- Assisted the Dutch Association of Insurers on the setup of a national health data register on disability insurance.
- Advised the Dutch Association of Insurers on the possibilities of detecting duplicate claims and claims fraud, including setting up a duplicate claim detector.
Loyens & Loeff
Loyens & Loeff distinguishes itself with its strong policyholder practice, with the team advising on both litigation tied to insurance and financial regulatory matters. On the insurance front, the group assists clients from the Netherlands and abroad with business and professional liability, D&O and W&I breaches. Leading the team is Merel van Asch, who is frequently instructed on coverage disputes and those tied to intermediary duties of care. Rens Markus advises corporates on D&O and W&I coverage disputes, in addition to product liability matters. Rutger Noordermeer specialises in claims against insurance brokers and intermediaries.
Praxisleiter:
Merel van Asch
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rens Markus; Rutger Noordermeer
Referenzen
‘The legal competence of the team is at a superb level, and the team understands the business and the needs of the client very well.’
‘Merel van Asch is intelligent, hands-on and does a good job.’
‘Experience in international insurance arbitration.’
Kernmandanten
Aon
Perkins Coie LLP
Zilveren Kruis
VVE ‘t Loon
Arriva
Burns Bowen Bair
One Underwriting
Baker Tilly N.V.
YCH Holding Cooperatief U.A.
Covington & Burling
Achmea
VGZ/Univé
Aegon N.V.
BNP Paribas Cardif
AXA
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented a Fortune 500 technology company as policyholder regarding a coverage claim under its Dutch law property damage and business interruption insurance.
- Acted for a financial institution as policyholder in arbitration proceedings regarding a EUR 250m coverage claim under a professional liability insurance policy.
- Represented a multinational automotive company as policyholder in arbitration proceedings regarding a $20m coverage claim under a Dutch law D&O liability insurance policy with a total insured amount of EUR 280m in connection with a class action that took place in the United States.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright takes a ‘proactive and dynamic approach’ to a broad range of insurance matters, working in close proximity to the firm’s London office to tackle cross-border D&O, W&I and professional liability coverage disputes, in addition to matters of suspected fraud. On the non-contentious side, the team assists with regulatory compliance and such transactions as M&As and joint ventures. Leading the practice is ‘key name for insurance parties’ Jan Duyvensz, a litigator who represents insurers, brokers and corporate clients on D&O and W&I matters, including claims arising out of private equity transactions. Regulatory queries are handled by Floortje Nagelkerke, who also handles the drafting of critical documentation.
Praxisleiter:
Jan Duyvensz
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Floortje Nagelkerke
Referenzen
‘A knowledgeable team that can be relied upon to resolve legal matters in a proactive and dynamic approach. Trustworthy and attuned to the requirements of the London insurance market.’
‘Clear and pragmatic advice, practical solutions and commercial mindset. Global coverage is a big plus.’
‘Jan Duyvensz is a key name for insurance parties; his clear and pragmatic advice stands out.’
Kernmandanten
AIG
Allianz
Allied World Assurance Company
Amlin
AmTrust
Brit Insurance
BNP Paribas
Chubb
Generali
Riverstone
Riskpoint
RSA
Tokio Marine Kiln
XL Catlin
Enstar Group
APC Holland
Accelerant
Dutch Aviation Pool
CNA Hardy
Aspen
Noord-Nederlandse Assurantiemakelaars B.V.
Ploum
Ploum acts for both insurers and insureds on a variety of coverage matters, with notable strength in issues centred on health and safety, environmental (HSE) and construction. Insurance practice head Natalie Vloemans' practice is built around advising policyholders on HSE claims and design and construction issues, while Maurice Verhoeven, who leads the firm’s corporate litigation team, specialises in professional and D&O liability disputes, primarily acting for insurers.
Praxisleiter:
Natalie Vloemans; Maurice Verhoeven
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Nicole de Boer; Berry Pasztjerik
Kernmandanten
VolkerWessels
SAAone (VolkerWessels, Hochtief, Boskalis)
QBE UK
Ballast Nedam
BAAK Blankenburg BV
Boskalis
TBI
Allianz
NKM/Reel
Inalfa
AIG
HDI Global Specialty
AXA France
Xenics
KBC
SJR
Deloitte
Swiss Re
Renewi/ATM
Waal Bouw
Equans
Bergbanket
Media Markt
No Risk B.V.
Accell
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised SAAone (VolkerWessels, Hochtief, Boskalis) in several insurance disputes.
- Acted for Koole Terminals in an insurance claim against several co-insurers following the shutdown of the Odfjell terminal in 2012.
- Assisted insurance broker No Risk on several claims against it tied to claims arising out of events cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Van Traa Advocaten
Van Traa Advocaten is noted for its record in transport-related insurance matters, with the firm advising on both the drafting of terms and conditions, and on disputes relating to both professional liability and personal injury in the transport and logistics sector. The team also takes instructions tied to the neighbouring area of international trade. Practice head Robert Pessers advises on claims arising out of transport accidents, with a particular focus on the aviation industry, covering professional and person injury liability matters, in addition to advising on construction all risks cases. Robert de Haan handles policy advisory work in relation to transport insurance, with Derk-Jan van der Kolk taking the lead on personal injury disputes. April 2023 saw professional liability and fraud specialist Marko Jongkind return to the firm from VanNiekerkCieremans B.V.
Praxisleiter:
Robert Pessers
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Robert de Haan; Derk-Jan van der Kolk; Marko Jongkind
Referenzen
‘Very competent team, always quick, provided precise legal advice without unnecessary academic excursions.’
‘Fluent in Dutch, English and German, very experienced in shipping, transport and insurance matters, very practical approach to solving disputes.’
Kernmandanten
AFC Ajax
Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
Malaysia Airlines (and its insurers)
Nationale Nederlanden
NedTrain
Dutch Ministry of Justice and Defence and the National Police
The Dutch public council for personal injury
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented AFC Ajax in a dispute with its former player Zakaria Labyad, who claimed medical expenses damages following a training injury.
- Advised multiple underwriters on navigating claims arising out of events cancelled due to the Dutch government’s Covid-19 mitigation measures.
Bird & Bird
Both insurers and policyholders come to Bird & Bird for representation in a variety of insurance disputes, including D&O, property and general liability coverage issues. The team is well versed in handling matters before both courts, including mass claims, and arbitration hearings. Leading the team is Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa, who handles a wide range of insurance disputes, covering D&O, professional indemnity and construction all risks matters, in addition to building up a cyber insurance practice.
Praxisleiter:
Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Marieke van den Heuvel
Referenzen
‘Excellent team. They dealt impressively with a topic that is innovative – insurance coverage for damages caused by the Covid-19 epidemic. We also received excellent advice from them on the procedural questions involved in a cross-border procedure.’
‘Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa is an impressive lawyer. Led a team that dealt optimally with an innovative issue, namely insurance coverage for damages caused by the Covid-19 epidemic. We also received excellent advice on the procedural questions involved in a cross-border matter.’
Kernmandanten
Ducor Petrochemicals
Bazan Oil Group
VolkerWessels
Alroy Group
Visser & Smit Hanab
Yelo
Bouwcombinatie Valley Amsterdam vof
Boele & Van Eesteren
GroenLeven
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising on coverage disputes in the Netherlands and London insurance markets for errors in construction pertaining to the new Amare concert hall in The Hague and a new business centre in Amsterdam.
- Represente T-Mobile in matters pertaining to recovery of cable damages that led to disruptions to essential telecommunication services in the Netherlands and caused millions of euros in damages.
- Represented one of the former supervisory board members in the Fairstar/Dockwise D&O case.
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten acts for insurers in both national and multi-jurisdictional disputes via courts, arbitrations or alternative dispute resolution measures, tackling hull, property, goods-in-transit and heavy machinery coverage issues. The team is led by ‘true insurance professional’ Jacco van de Meent, who represents insurers in a range of coverage disputes and fraud cases, marine cargo expert Carlijn ten Bruggencate and Joeri Cox, whose practice encompasses insurance and liability law. Sheralyn Heideman, who tackles heavy equipment and construction coverage matters, joined from Van Traa Advocaten in September 2023.
Praxisleiter:
Jacco van de Meent; Carlijn ten Bruggencate; Joeri Cox
Referenzen
‘Jacco van de Meent is a true insurance professional with broad experience, knowledge, sharpness and ,on top of that, a package of very useful human skills. He knows the insurance industry in the Netherlands and has an impressive network. Jacco is down to earth, very easygoing and very approachable.’
Kernmandanten
MS Amlin
Liberty
XL Catlin
ASR
Nationale-Nederlanden
Avéro Achmea
Aon
HDI
AIG
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP handles cross-border reinsurance transactions, advising both insurers and reinsurers on such deals and associated regulatory matters, as well as on restructurings of insurance portfolios. The group is led by the trio of Victor de Vlaam, whose practice encompasses reinsurance transactions and collateral structures, litigation practice head Manon Cordewener and Robert Masman, who handles the collateral and netting arrangements tied to reinsurance deals.
Praxisleiter:
Victor de Vlaam; Manon Cordewener; Robert Masman
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Janelle de Ruiter
Referenzen
‘The team demonstrated a high level of professional excellence, and consistently delivered well drafted legal opinions, which were always market-ready and feasible. Our collaboration with them was always very good.’
‘Victor de Vlaam is very reliable and very risk-aware. Victor provides very quick analyses of complex matters and promptly delivers reliable estimations.’
Kernmandanten
Nationale Nederlanden
SI Insurance (Europe)
General Reinsurance
Nordben Life/Monument Re Group
SCOR
Reinsurance Group of America
Resolution Life
Leidsche Verzekering Maatschappij
MediRisk
Sompo International
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised NN Group and NN Life on three transactions to transfer the full longevity risk associated with approx. EUR 13.5bn of pension liabilities in the Netherlands with reinsurers Canada Life, Munich Re and Swiss Re.
- Assisted NN Group on a longevity reinsurance transaction involving approximately EUR 4bn of underlying reserves, with Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated.
- Advised Swiss Re Group on Dutch law aspects of several reinsurance transactions.