Litigation

Business disputes can have a major impact on your organisation's reputation, continuity and financial position. Conflicts are becoming increasingly common due to growing regulation and social pressure. Shareholder disputes, contractual conflicts, directors' liability and collective actions invariably call for a well thought-out strategy and a thorough understanding of the sector.
Litigation

Focus on results: settlement or litigation

Listed companies, multinationals, financial institutions, and public and semi-public institutions call on us for expert support in all kinds of disputes. Whether acting in urgent proceedings or prolonged strategic conflicts, we combine a pragmatic procedural strategy with our extensive knowledge of corporate law and civil procedural law.

Our litigation specialists litigate before all civil instances, including the Enterprise Chamber, the Supreme Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union. We also act in national and international arbitration and mediation proceedings. Where negotiation offers opportunities, we strive for optimum settlement conditions. If court proceedings are unavoidable, we will adopt a firm approach and prepare the case meticulously.

Dutch frontrunner and international acclaim

With top listings in legal guides such as Chambers Global & Europe and Legal 500 and a proven track record in high-profile cases, our team is a frontrunner in the Netherlands and abroad.

From climate and EU cases to corporate and tax matters, our lawyers combine litigation experience with in-depth sector and legal knowledge. This integrated client approach enables us to operate effectively in complex legal and commercial issues.

Through our membership with Lex Mundi, the largest international network of independent law firms, we provide seamless support in cross-border proceedings. International strategies are carefully coordinated and executed in collaboration with the best local partners, ensuring your interests are optimally promoted worldwide.

Arbitration
Arbitration offers a bespoke way to resolve conflict, particularly when it comes to cross-border disputes. Parties are increasingly choosing arbitration, as it gives them the freedom to appoint specialised arbitrators and determine the place of arbitration and procedural rules themselves.
Supreme Court Litigation
Some cases are so complex or fundamental that they have to be taken to the Supreme Court. Supreme Court proceedings are conducted by specialist lawyers, known in the Netherlands as ‘cassation lawyers’.
Class Actions
Companies, financial institutions and governmental bodies increasingly find themselves confronted with mass claims in the Netherlands, often initiated by well-funded claim vehicles. Over the past decade, the Dutch jurisdiction has emerged as a popular hub for such claims.
Corporate Litigation
Corporate disputes often strike at the heart of an organisation – whether involving shareholders, directors, governance structures or M&A-related conflicts. These matters demand not only deep legal expertise, but a sharp understanding of corporate dynamics and reputational stakes.
Competition Litigation / Private Enforcement
Damages claims resulting from violations of EU and national competition law play an increasingly prominent role in the context of company liability.
Climate Litigation
The Netherlands is a front-runner in climate change civil litigation. Companies should be aware that there have been important developments in this field that are globally relevant.
EU Litigation
Companies operating in the EU can be confronted with complex issues of EU law such as free movement rules, EU anti-fraud law, State aid, product regulations, sanctions and trade regulations. Overcoming these issues can involve complex interactions with EU institutions and the EU Courts.
Tax Litigation
Sometimes, disputes about taxes arise. These disputes are usually with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, but they can also be between companies and institutions.
Mediation
Business conflicts are inevitable and nothing new. However, they are becoming more commonplace in the wake of developments in society, as an increasingly diverse group of stakeholders exerts pressure in the boardroom and society is growing more juridified. To resolve these conflicts, parties increasingly explore alternative methods.

Recent
work

Secured a win for various aviation industry parties, including 18 airlines, in challenging the Dutch State's proposed downsizing measures for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, suddenly reducing the maximum number of flights from 500,000 to 460,000 in the next year. The Supreme Court ruled that the Dutch State must complete the 'balanced approach procedure' under the EU Noise Regulation before implementing such measures, overturning a previous decision by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal.

Represented Ola Cabs before the Amsterdam Court of Appeal in the case of three London app drivers invoking their data protection rights to get personal data and information from Ola Cabs regarding automated decision-making.

Advised and acted for Huntsman, successfully defending against claims brought by Ducor Petrochemicals in (appeal) proceedings before the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (College van Beroep voor het bedrijfsleven) regarding regulatory issues relating to Huntsman's closed distribution system for electricity.

Secured a win for various aviation industry parties, including 18 airlines, in challenging the Dutch State's proposed downsizing measures for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, suddenly reducing the maximum number of flights from 500,000 to 460,000 in the next year. The Supreme Court ruled that the Dutch State must complete the 'balanced approach procedure' under the EU Noise Regulation before implementing such measures, overturning a previous decision by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal.

Represented Ola Cabs before the Amsterdam Court of Appeal in the case of three London app drivers invoking their data protection rights to get personal data and information from Ola Cabs regarding automated decision-making.

Advised and acted for Huntsman, successfully defending against claims brought by Ducor Petrochemicals in (appeal) proceedings before the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (College van Beroep voor het bedrijfsleven) regarding regulatory issues relating to Huntsman's closed distribution system for electricity.

Ranked in Band 1

Chambers Global & Europe

Litigation (2025 Edition)

"The whole Houthoff team has great talent in handling complex and sophisticated matters and the ability to explain the matters to all parties involved."

Chambers Global & Europe

Litigation (2025 Edition)

"The team is always alert and ready to answer our questions and to address our needs. It delivers the highest quality of legal services."

Chambers Global & Europe

Litigation (2025 Edition)

Ranked in Tier 1

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Litigation (2025 Edition)

"The Houthoff team is our go-to team for litigation in the Netherlands, especially Supreme Court litigation. The team has profound knowledge of the real estate sector and always keeps an eye on the practical and commercial interests at hand."

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Litigation (2025 Edition)
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Publications

5 May 2024
5 May 2024
Kan een bank gehouden zijn om betaalopdrachten te weigeren bij een vermoeden van fraude. Tijdschrift van Financieel Recht.
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