Michel Klijn

Advocaat | Partner

Contact

+31 10 217 25 43
+31 6 2221 0174

Languages

Dutch
English

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Michel’s work focuses on projects, PPP, construction law and procurement law, in contentious and non-contentious matters. He is actively involved in complex projects and an array of contract types, including EPC, D&C, DBM, DBFM(O), concessions and alliances. Michel advises various clients in the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors, on matters such as contracting, innovative procurement procedures, negotiations and litigation. Michel is also a civil engineer. Prior to joining Houthoff, he worked at a large Dutch construction company for several years. He also teaches at the Dutch Institute for Construction Law and regularly publishes on forms of collaboration in the construction industry, and procurement law.

  • "A client says: 'Michel is a strong lawyer with absolutely perfect knowledge of the construction market'."
    Chambers Europe, Real Estate: Construction (2023 Edition)
  • Leading Individual
    Legal 500, Construction (2023 Edition)
  • "One client mentions: 'Michel Klijn – outstanding. Hands-on experience, sharp. His education as a civil engineer and lawyer is very valuable in our conflicts with the contractors'."
    Legal 500, Construction (2023 Edition)
  • "A client highlights: ‘Personal commitment and open minded attitude. Michel Klijn had an extremely positive contribution. Being a civil engineer, he was able to understand the very relevant technical factors of our case'."
    Legal 500, Construction (2023 Edition)
  • “A client enthuses that Michel Klijn ‘really understands construction contracts in all aspects and to the highest level’ and adds that ‘his experience in litigation is also very useful when it comes to contract drafting’.”
    Chambers Europe, Real Estate: Construction (2022 Edition)
  • Leading Individual
    Legal 500, Construction (2022 Edition)
  • “Michel Klijn is very practical, down to earth and accessible.”
    Legal 500, Construction (2022 Edition)
  • “Michel Klijn is open about his considerations, which gives me, as a client, insight into opportunities and risks.”
    Legal 500, Construction (2022 Edition)
  • “A client describes Michel Klijn as ‘quick, precise and very responsive’.”
    Legal 500, Construction (2022 Edition)
  • “Clients highlight his architecture background, stating: ‘This gives him a good knowledge of the construction world, the practical side and the legal side.’”
    Chambers Europe, Real Estate: Construction (2021 Edition)
  • “Michel Klijn has much knowledge in the top of his head, so you get immediate answers.”
    Legal 500, Construction (2021 Edition)
  • “Most of the time I work with Michel Klijn. I can reach Michel almost any time, he even picks up the phone when he’s on holiday.”
    Legal 500, Construction (2021 Edition)
  • Recommended
    Legal 500, Project Finance and PFI (2021 Edition)
  • “Michel Klijn provides ‘sharp analysis’ and ‘always has an eye on the strategic line’.”
    Legal 500, Construction (2021 Edition)
  • Leading Individual
    Legal 500, Construction (2021 Edition)
  • “Michel Klijn is ‘sharp in his analysis and always available’ according to clients, while market sources comment he ‘is a strong lawyer with a bright mind.’”
    Chambers Europe, Real Estate: Construction (2020 Edition)
  • Recommended
    Legal 500, Real Estate (2020 Edition)
  • Recommended
    Legal 500, Project Finance and PFI (2020 Edition)
  • “Michel Klijn is highly skilled and really understands the legal position you are in and assists in a very positive manner.”
    Legal 500, Construction (2020 Edition)
  • “Michel Klijn – no nonsense and straight to the point, but with the needed in depth knowledge, ample experience and legal expertise. He’s not cutting corners, just driving fast towards the goal.”
    Legal 500, Construction (2020 Edition)

Qualifications & Experience

  • LL.M. Private Law (with merit) (Utrecht University)
  • M.Sc. Civil Engineering (University of Twente)

  • Advised Porthos Development C.V. on the transfer by TAQA to Porthos of a mining installation and related permits for the storage of CO2 in empty gas fields in the North Sea.
  • Houthoff advised Sligro Food Group N.V. with the proposed acquisition of the shares in Exploitatiemaatschappij Wheere B.V. by Sligro Food Group Nederland B.V. This will include the activities of Vroegop Ruhe & Co B.V., consisting of food wholesaler De Kweker, Vroegop AGF and freight company L.A.J. Duncker.