David Heems

Attorney-at-law | Partner
David Heems

David is an experienced litigator and restructuring specialist with a strong international practice, advising clients on high value disputes across the commercial, finance and insolvency spectrum. He is regularly instructed in complex matters involving directors’ liability, financial reporting, corporate governance and contentious restructuring issues. His work often has a cross border dimension, and he has acted for stakeholders in major multinational restructurings and insolvency proceedings.

David combines deep courtroom experience with strong restructuring expertise, enabling him to guide clients through disputes arising from financial distress, governance conflicts and multijurisdictional enforcement.

He is also closely engaged in the development of international insolvency practice. David serves on the Insolvency Committee of the International Bar Association and is a regular lecturer and author on cross border insolvency, litigation strategy and commercial dispute resolution. He is the co author of a leading commentary on the actio pauliana.

  • Represented NatWest Markets in a WHOA restructuring process involving a financial services provider, including advising on UK court proceedings concerning guarantees and swap agreements.
  • Representing the Fujifilm Group in litigation following the restructuring of its Dutch operations, involving complex aspects of US, UK, and Japanese law.
  • Advised the ad hoc group of secured lenders to Tupperware Brands Corporation in connection with the Chapter 11 case of Tupperware Brands and its subsidiaries filed in Wilmington, Delaware. Houthoff advised the ad hoc group, among other things, in connection with the Dutch law aspects of the acquisition and of global rights to the Tupperware brand, intellectual property and operations in key markets pursuant to a sale authorized under section 363 by the Delaware Bankruptcy Court.
  • LL.M. Dutch Law (cum laude) (Radboud University Nijmegen)
  • Admitted to the Bar in the Netherlands in 2009

Expertise

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.
Restructuring & Insolvency
Periods of financial distress demand fast, informed decisions. Whether facing operational setbacks, liquidity issues or broader market pressures, companies need clear legal guidance to protect value and manage risk.
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance provides the framework for effective management and supervision within companies. It regulates the allocation of responsibilities among the management board, the supervisory board and other stakeholders. Management board and supervisory board members bear significant obligations in that regard and face personal liability risks in cases of mismanagement or inadequate supervision.
ESG & Sustainability
Behind the daily headlines on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues hide complex challenges such as permitting, subsidies, funding and reporting obligations. These matters affect the expectations and demands of all corporate stakeholders.

Up and Coming

Chambers Global & Europe

Litigation (2025 Edition)

"David Heems has a unique combination of technical skills, extensive legal knowledge and commercial awareness. He is approachable, remains calm under stress and is fun to work with."

Chambers Global & Europe

Litigation (2025 Edition)

"David Heems is a great communicator with a high level of awareness. Our level of trust in him is high."

Chambers Global & Europe

Litigation (2025 Edition)

Up and Coming

Chambers Europe

Restructuring/Insolvency (2025 Edition)

"We have complete confidence that any case is in excellent hands with David Heems. His dedication to his clients makes him an excellent choice."

Chambers Europe

Restructuring/Insolvency (2025 Edition)

"David Heems' expertise is truly impressive. His strategic thinking and deep understanding of international law always stand out."

Chambers Europe

Restructuring/Insolvency (2025 Edition)

Recommended

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation (2025 Edition)

"A more than excellent level of industry knowledge and experience. Strategy, communication, process management and personal attention stand out from David Heems and Nadir Koudsi in particular."

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation (2025 Edition)

Next Generation Partner

Legal 500

Restructuring and Insolvency (2025 Edition)
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Publications

31 October 2024
31 October 2024
Aansprakelijkheidsrisico’s bij onbehoorlijke taakvervulling RvC. F. Peters, Reputatiemanagement voor commissarissen en toezichthouders. Boom 2024.
29 October 2024
29 October 2024
Aansprakelijkheidsrisico’s bij onbehoorlijke taakvervulling RvC. Reputatiemanagement voor commissarissen en toezichthouders. Boom.
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