Thomas specialises in international arbitration under the auspices of the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, DIAC, UNCITRAL, ICSID, UNUM and NAI. He also focuses on court litigation, including post-arbitration litigation in both the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean. He has extensive experience in complex disputes, often with multi-jurisdictional aspects, covering a broad range of issues arising from both commercial and corporate transactions. Because of his international law practice, Thomas has also worked at Houthoff’s New York and London offices.

In addition, Thomas is a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris and a member of the ICC Task Force on Addressing Issues of Corruption in International Arbitration. He is also actively involved in the IBA Arbitration Committee. Thomas was the Co-chair of the Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards Subcommittee and he is currently working on the Task Forces on Res Judicata and Privilege in International Arbitration. In addition, he is a member of Houthoff’s Supervisory Board.

  • Represented Petrobras Brasileiro in multiple actions in the Netherlands in the defence against the enforcement of an arbitral award, rendered in the United States under the AAA Rules.
  • Represented a large Dutch pension fund, Pension fund PGB, in high profile judicial proceedings against Booking.com, one of the largest travel companies in the world.
  • LL.M. Dutch Law (Utrecht University)
  • LL.M. International and European Law (Utrecht University)
  • Several modules (University of Pretoria)
  • Admitted to the Bar in the Netherlands in 2007

Expertises

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.
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.
Pension challenges
With our multidisciplinary approach, we combine in-depth pension expertise with broad legal knowledge – delivering future-proof solutions to the pension challenges of today and tomorrow.
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.
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.
Pension challenges
With our multidisciplinary approach, we combine in-depth pension expertise with broad legal knowledge – delivering future-proof solutions to the pension challenges of today and tomorrow.

Ranked in Band 2

Chambers Global & Europe

Arbitration (2025 Edition)

"Thomas Stouten is our go-to lawyer and has never let us down. He is razor sharp in hearings and pleadings, gives in-depth advice and remains ambitious."

Chambers Global & Europe

Arbitration (2025 Edition)

"Thomas Stouten is the go-to lawyer in the Netherlands for arbitration. He is a very bright mind with good strategic judgement. He is very client service oriented and pleasant to work with as well."

Chambers Global & Europe

Arbitration (2025 Edition)

"Thomas Stouten is very eager to win. He does not stop and is a true fighter."

Chambers Global & Europe

Arbitration (2025 Edition)

Next Generation Partner

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (2025 Edition)

"Thomas Stouten is the best arbitration lawyer in The Netherlands. He is razor sharp and always on top of his game. His continuous ambition to improve himself and to win matters really stands out. Alongside his outstanding knowledge he is also very socially gifted and great with clients."

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (2025 Edition)
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Upcoming
event

IBA Toronto Congres

IBA Toronto

2 November 2025 - 7 November 2025
Toronto

Publications

1 March 2025
1 March 2025
Civiel bewijsrecht voor de rechtspraktijk. Maklu-Uitgevers.
1 August 2022
1 August 2022
Pragmatism above all else: The translation requirement of the New York Convention from a Dutch perspective. Journal of International Arbitration 39.
3 June 2021
3 June 2021
Legal privilege issues: at the mercy of the arbitral tribunal. International Bar Association.
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