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Mooie rankings en quotes voor Ploum in de Legal 500 2025

28 mrt '25

Auteur(s): Marijn van Tuijl, Jikke Biermasz, Maayke Maas-Cooymans, Natalie Vloemans, Rutger Ploum, Willem Leppink, Albert Wiggers, Jacob Henriquez en Daniël van Gerven

De prestigieuze Legal 500 heeft hun jaarlijkse rankings weer gepubliceerd. Wij zijn trots te kunnen melden dat Ploum ook in 2025 mooie rankings en fantastische quotes heeft mogen ontvangen. 

  • Industry focus: food: TIER 1
  • Transport: TIER 1
  • Environment and planning: TIER 2
  • Insurance: TIER 2
  • Construction: TIER 3
  • Employment: TIER 3
  • Intellectual Property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights: TIER 3 
  • Data privacy and data protection: TIER 4 
  • Energy: transactional: TIER 4
  • Dispute resolution: commercial litigation: TIER 5 
  • Commercial, corporate and M&A: TIER 6

De 'Leading partners' dit jaar zijn: Marijn van TuijlJikke BiermaszMaayke Maas-CooymansNatalie Vloemans, Rutger Ploum, Willem Leppink en Albert Wiggers.

De 'Next Generation Partners' dit jaar zijn: Marijn van TuijlJacob Henriquez en Daniël van Gerven.

Lees hieronder onze rankings of bekijk ons profiel op de website van de Legal 500.

Industry focus: Food: TIER 1

The food and product compliance practice at Ploum has an established track record in acting for domestic and international importers, producers, manufacturers, brands and traders in contentious matters. The team is well-versed in representing clients in cases involving allegations of fraud, as well as enforcement actions brought by regulatory authorities. Practice head Marijn van Tuijl excels in handling regulatory matters, as well as litigation relating to international trade of goods and manufacturing issues. IP work is another key area of instruction for the group, with Willem Leppink assisting with trade mark issues. Customs work forms a key pillar of Jikke Biermasz' practice.

Testimonials

  • ‘Ploum stands out due to their understanding of the latest legal developments. The team is highly responsive and pragmatic, consistently providing solutions that are tailored to our specific needs. What truly sets them apart is their ability to view our questions within the broader context of our company and the industry we operate in.’

  • ‘Experienced partners, outstanding team, deep knowledge of law.’

  • ‘Jikke Biermasz is a unique lawyer with outstanding experience.’

  • ‘The team has a great business sense next to a great legal sense, this is crucial when taking decisions and giving options on what possible route to take against other parties.'

  • ‘Plugged in to the industry in the region, very straightforward and easy going manner, good responsiveness and smart and commercial advice. ’

  • ‘Marijn van Tuijl is a sector specialist.’

  • ‘Excellent up to date and practical food legal knowledge.’

  • ‘Marijn van Tuijl and Jikke Biermasz know what’s relevant for the food safety authority and know very well how to trade globally.’

Work highlights

  • Advised four Dutch agricultural commodity trade associations on policy changes adopted by the Netherlands Food and Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

Leading partners

Marijn van Tuijl

Transport: TIER 1

Ploum, jointly led by Jikke BiermaszMarijn van Tuijl and Albert Wiggers, has an ‘exceptionally organised, efficient and responsive’ team. Biermasz has longstanding experience working with logistics and insurance work, and is an expert on customs law, regularly advising public and private authorities. The ’knowledgeable, professional and experienced’ van Tuijil works with companies and businesses in compliance matters and supply chain disputes, particularly those involving the transportation of raw materials or food. Wiggers is experienced in corporate M&A, supplementing his advice to major domestic and international entities. Jeroen Zandt specialises in transport litigation.

Testimonials

  • ‘Marijn van Tuijl is very knowledgeable, professional and experienced.’
  • ‘Jeroen Zandt is one of the most authentic and empathetic professionals.’
  • ‘Jikke Biermasz possesses a wealth of knowledge on customs and trade law and is calm under pressure.'
  • ‘Jikke Biermasz has a deep understanding of the sector, and it is always enjoyable to work with her.’
  • 'It has expertise in the marine cargo and insurance industries.'
  • ‘This practice has the ability to understand and solve any situation instantly.’
  • 'It has a specialised and focused team with dedicated lawyers.’
  • 'The team were exceptionally organised, efficient and responsive.’

Work highlights

  • Representing a consortium of buyers for 260 BMW cars which were purchased after being offloaded from a highway that caught fire. The manufacturer claims that the cars should be destroyed, despite the fact that the cars are considered safe and undamaged.  
  • Supported Customs Support Group in multiple due diligence projects relating to the acquisition of customs brokering/freight forwarding businesses throughout Europe. The firm supported the client's buy-and-build strategy.  
  • Continuously assisting the Customs Support Group in drawing up and negotiating framework agreements for services with large, internationally operating good owners and freight forwards.

Leading partners

Jikke Biermasz

Next Generation Partners

Marijn van Tuijl

Environment and planning: TIER 2

The 'exceptionally skilled' public and environmental law team at Ploum regularly assists a solid client base of international companies, authorities, governmental entities and industry representatives with a wide spectrum of matters. Maayke Maas-Cooymans is 'able to transform complicated technical and environmental issues into practical advice', especially in relation to climate and energy transition matters. Alexandra Danopoulos is very experienced in handling contentious and non-contentious environmental and administrative law matters. The duo co-head the practice.

Testimonials

  • ‘The people of this practice know what they're talking about and are fast in their responses.'

  • ‘Alexandra is very knowledgeable, and is keen on translating her insights into practical advice.’

  • ‘The team of Maayke Maas is exceptionally skilled in the administrative / environment / zoning & permitting legal areas. Maayke is very dedicated, practical and hands on.'

  • ‘The team has diverse expertise and a true hands on approach. It forms a tailor made composition based on the legal challenge it is called to solve and inspires confidence.’

  • ‘Alexandra Danopoulos really understands our business and cuts straight to the point. Her advice is practical and aligns with the goals of our projects. Alexandra has a knack for convincing our non-legal stakeholders with straight forward and accessible arguments.’

  • ‘Ploum has good knowledge of what is going on within the industry. As a result, the team can quickly and efficiently give good advice that fits seamlessly into the company's practice. ’

  • ‘Maayke Maas has a special ability to grasp the technical aspects involved in advising around environmental issues. She is able to transform complicated technical and environmental issues into practical advice that our company can rely on. An excellent sparring partner for management.'

Leading partners

Maayke Maas-Cooymans

Insurance: TIER 2

The practice at Ploum is renowned by clients for its ‘high level of insurance law expertise and in-depth sector knowledge’. The team is well-equipped to handle the array of contentious insurance issues across industry sectors, as it sits within the firm’s broader litigation offering. Head of insurance Natalie Vloemans has particular expertise in the petrochemical, HSE and construction industries wherein she advises on the breadth of coverage disputes and arbitrations. Maurice Verhoeven has strength acting on behalf on insurers in professional and D&O liability cases, and the ’thorough and enthusiastic’ Berry Pasztjerik is also a key contact.

Testimonials

  • ‘The team has an in-depth knowledge, is pragmatic and customer-focused.’

  • ‘Natalie Vloemans is smart and engaged.’

  • 'They are on top concerning major complex cases.'

  • 'Natalie Vloemans is the complete package; knowledge, sharp both in writing and verbally, and focused on timing.'

  • 'Natalie Vloemans and her team have a quite unique profile, combining a high level of insurance law expertise and in-depth insurance sector knowledge with a position as coverage counsel on the side of the insured parties, which makes them the go-to-lawyer for the big corporates in high-end coverage issues.'

  • 'Natalie Vloemans stands out in making things move towards a solution instead of making things more complicated, without losing an eye on the legal merits and on the needs of the people involved in the process (on both sides).'

  • 'Berry is thorough in his preparations and enthusiastic.'

Work highlights

  • Assisting No Risk in COVID-19 pandemic-related proceedings.

Leading partners

Natalie Vloemans

Construction: TIER 3

Ploum‘s construction practice is led by specialist Jacob Henriquez who is well-versed in construction law, having previously published several books on construction law and continues to publish articles on Dutch construction law. He assists clients with construction agreements, construction-related litigation, and claims. The team is also equipped to handle procurement law issues as well as construction projects.

Testimonials

  • ‘Excellent in-depth legal knowledge of construction law and current practices within the Netherlands. Flexibility and availability to support our demands.’

  • ‘Ploum's construction law team has a strong focus on construction-related matters including various forms of contracts (FIDIC, UAV, Bespoke) and dispute resolution through arbitration and litigation. The team is therefore highly experienced in construction law and consists of true specialists.’

  • ‘We have had a pleasant working relationship with Jacob Henriquez. He is professional, carefully listens to his client and advises properly. He understands the value of expert contributions and has the ability to get to the bottom of complex issues quickly.’

  • ‘Ploum's services stand out due to their in-depth sector expertise and a hands-on approach from senior partners. We as client have benefited from consistent, reliable, and valuable support, with the team focusing on both technical and commercial complexities. Their strength lies in providing tailored, proactive solutions.’

  • ‘Particular mention to Jacob Henriquez. He stands out for his exceptional commitment, reliability, and hands-on involvement throughout our project. His ability to deliver timely results, combined with sharp negotiation skills, made a significant impact. Jacob’s management of internal teams and resources was also highly efficient.’

  • ‘Jacob Henriquez prioritises contact with clients. He is driven and an expert in his field.’

  • ‘We work with Jacob Henriquez and Lisa Orvini. They both have more than enough experience and expertise. Jacob is an excellent sparring partner, knows our business and has an eye for the right strategy for solving legal matters with the other party. Lisa is a hard and accurate worker.’

  • ‘Jacob Henriquez has been supporting us for multiple years now and we couldn't wish ourselves a better construction lawyer. Jacob can explain implications of difficult negotiations very quickly in layman terms, always lays out various options/avenues for how we could approach a situation and works extremely quickly.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Gate terminal B.V. on various construction contracts related to the new LNG Storage Tank of 180,000 m3.
  • Assisted Aluchemie with various matters relating to the decommissioning of their entire production site in the Netherlands.
  • Advised Upfield on a construction and engineering agreement for a redevelopment project in the Netherlands.

Next Generation Partners

Jacob Henriquez

Employment: TIER 3

The employment and incentives team at Ploum is well versed in handling advisory, transactional and litigation matters for domestic companies and works councils. Rutger Ploum has a solid track record in representing large and medium-sized companies in a wide range of advisory work and contentious matters, and Simon Tan's workload includes advising executives on termination proceedings involving individuals, as well as collective labour disputes. Daniël van Gerven handles the co-determination aspects of cross-border M&A transactions. The trio co-head the practice.

Testimonials

  • ‘They have the best lawyers. Ploum is highly knowledgeable, highly responsive, able to make informed recommendations with a very clear process, takes the client step-by-step as needed.'

  • ‘At Ploum, the team members are always available, quick in response and very open minded in finding solutions. They are always brave.'

  • ‘Daniël van Gerven is very hands on, practical and has a goal oriented approach. Positive vibe, easy to get along with.'

  • ‘Great people, Daniël van Gerven is exceptional.'

  • ‘Daniël van Gerven is a great professional.’

  • ‘Ploum's employment practice is first and foremost very practical. ’

  • ‘I really appreciate and value the practical and pragmatic approach of Ploum's team, they are always available.’

Work highlights

  • Represented CleanLease in a dispute against FNV regarding industry-wide strikes.

Leading partners

Rutger Ploum

Next Generation Partners

Daniël van Gerven

Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights: TIER 3

The Rotterdam-based cohort at Ploum is well-placed to act for its varied client list in disputes up to Dutch Supreme Court level. Its caseload includes trade mark disputes against counterfeit product development, and assisting in cases of EU infringement where a brand has been used without consent. ‘Star in the advertising law arena’ Willem Leppink is at the team’s head alongside ’outstanding partner’ Sabin Tigu, who has a notable specialism in project driven IP litigation, particularly in relation to customs and parallel trade enforcement.

Testimonials

  • ‘Willem Leppink is the most likeable and measured IP lawyer in the Netherlands. A pleasure to work with and a star in the advertising law arena.’

  • ‘Willem Leppink is the star of the show.'

  • ‘Experts in their field but easy to work with. Collaborative and commercial in their approach and their advice. Excellent client service both in the legal advice they deliver and their service. Transparent and thorough.'

  • ‘Willem Leppink and Sabin Tigu are both outstanding partners. I would not hesitate to work with them and trust their judgment and strategic approach.’

  • ‘Paul Trapman and Willem Leppink deliver high-quality legal services. Quick to answer and explain clearly. They are committed to understanding the individual needs of each client. A wonderful team for IP matters in the Netherlands.’

  • ‘Willem Leppink is an experienced and dedicated lawyer. He always gets the job done and is easy to work with. We would recommend him without hesitation.’

  • ‘Willem Leppink has a very broad knowledge and is able to address complex issues at short notice and provide clear and pragmatic guidance. Sabin Tigu is well-versed in trade mark matters; he is able to see the bigger picture and take into account all aspects in litigation matters.’

  • ‘The team is very talented and provides business oriented legal advice. They also know our industry very well.’

Work highlights

  • Organising and coordinating for Western Digital its pan EU battle against counterfeits and parallel trade in its products on all European online marketplaces.
  • Representing Coty in its dispute regarding parallel trade, counterfeit and other unauthorised use of Coty’s trade marks.
  • Assisting LVMH with its day-to-day customs enforcement against counterfeit Perfumes & Cosmetic products.

Leading partners

Willem Leppink

Data privacy and data protection: TIER 4

Ploum‘s data privacy and protection team is led by data experts Dennis ZierenDorine ten Brink and Matthijs Gardien out of Rotterdam. The team is often mandated by healthcare, marketing and e-commerce clients to assist them with international data transfers, GDPR compliance and processing employee data. Cyber incidents are also a part of the team’s capabilities.

Testimonials

  • ‘There's a lot of expertise in different fields. Complex matters are generally answered quickly and professionally and availability for consultation is exceptionally good.’

  • ‘The team is notable for its speed of thinking along and acting. It takes into account our interests and the latest developments in data privacy and data protection.’

  • ‘Dennis Zieren and his team are very dedicated and willing to help and support in all matters.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Portbase B.V. on several privacy matters, such as drafting an updated privacy and cookie statement and advising on new Dutch and EU legislation, such as the Data Act.
  • Assisted CACI B.V. with multiple Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) processes, providing comprehensive support to ensure legal compliance.
  • Advised Maersk on the collection of diversity data from employees, safety and security measures in the workplace, and whistleblowing policies.

Energy: TIER 4

The energy team at Ploum specialises in handling investments, M&A and joint ventures involving renewable energy, energy infrastructure, and heat and electricity projects. The workload also includes mandates involving energy transition matters. Stephan Sluijters is 'very committed and strong in all aspects of energy related matters'; he co-heads the practice with real estate specialist Jolande van Loon and environmental law expert Maayke Maas-Cooymans.

Testimonials

  • ‘Advice is practical and insightful. ’

  • ‘In-depth knowledge of the entire energy space - wind, solar BESS, hybrid and grid - which is necessary to oversee the entire spectrum of risks and liabilities. Ability to connect the dots in the industry which aids their clients.’

  • ‘Great team. The client service is always high, as is the quality of the advice. The firm is very strong with regards to all energy related matters. Client driven and very easy to work with.’

  • ‘Always fully at our disposal with the strength of the whole office. Giving practical advice and are really interested in the long term partnership.’

  • ‘Stephan Sluijters: always keen to deliver quality work fast. On the ball at all times. Focused and easy to work with. Very committed and strong in all aspects of energy related matters. Great to have Stephan on your side. Also excellent in board room advising.’

  • ‘Maayke Maas has a very broad knowledge base and brings practical experience with regulators.’

Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation: TIER 5

Ploum's dispute resolution practice is based in Rotterdam and is led by Maurice Verhoeven, who excels in shareholder disputes and professional liability cases. The team is well versed in contractual, corporate, insurance and insolvency disputes. It also has experience handling cartel follow-on damage litigation, as well as construction and real estate disputes.

Testimonials

  • ‘This practice feels like a people's practice. Very approachable and open. Feel extremely dedicated and on your side. The team are open to suggestions and other points of view. Overall very pleasant to deal with.’

  • ‘The team is approachable, open, straight to the point and truly caring, which makes it stand out.’

  • ‘The team is able to handle big cases with possible severe impact on the business case of a multinational. The close and harmonious cooperation was a very pleasant experience.’

  • ‘Natalie Vloemans has the broad view and is a good communicator. Nicole de Boer is knowledgeable and a hard worker. Brigitte Ebben is knowledgeable and likes dialogues to develop arguments and thoughts.’

  • ‘They take the extra step always. They also think about social context.’

  • ‘The team are fast, eager to learn, with a high level of professional knowledge.’

  • ‘It is a great team, always available and good experts who are solution oriented.’

  • 'Experts who are solution oriented and decisive.’

Work highlights

  • Assisted Nationale Energie Vergelijker with a multimillion commercial dispute with Total Energies Power & Gas Nederland and Total Holdings Nederland regarding an agency agreement.
  • Represented Chemours and DuPont in defending the companies against C8 and GenX exposure claims following similar US litigation.
  • Represented TUI in a case where an environmental organisation (Reclame Fossielvrij) seeks to ban an advertisement by TUI.

Commercial, corporate and M&A: TIER 6

Ploum‘s practice, which is well known for its energy sector specialism, has abilities assisting its clientele on the range of corporate and M&A matters. The team is co-led by Tom Ensink and ’solutions-focused independent thinker’ Albert WiggersStephan Sluijters is considered a ‘highly experienced and excellent lawyer’ by clients and Nick Hessels has notable joint venture and M&A expertise.

Testimonials

  • ‘Stephan Sluijters is always readily available no matter what the time of day or week. He is ahead of things to ensure he gets it right first time. A team player who allows the counterparty room to shine if that doesn’t impact the legal reality. Great at getting deals over the line on time.’

  • ‘Ploum is providing excellent service.'

  • 'The firm you go to for navigating all kinds of commercial, corporate and M&A related work. Very client-driven. At all levels in the firm the team is focused on delivering added value to the client.’

  • ‘Stephan Sluijters is highly experienced and an excellent lawyer. Able to provide excellent and thorough opinions. He is able to understand and deal with very complex matters. Great to have him on board for all commercial, corporate and M&A-related work.’

  • ‘Broad firm, rendering almost all kinds of legal services. The firm can handle complex projects for a broad range of clients. Rates are fair - the quality of Ploum is similar to that of many larger, well-known firms.'

  • ‘Friendly, very qualified and flexible.’

  • ‘The team offers consistent quality work, is very experienced, practical, no-nonsense, and has a solutions-focussed approach, full service.’

  • ‘Albert Wiggers is very experienced, an independent thinker and pleasant communicator. He is solutions-focused and efficient.’

Leading partners

Albert Wiggers

Contact

Advocaat, Partner

Marijn van Tuijl

Expertises:  Voedsel- en Warenpraktijk, Douanerecht, Transportrecht, Food, Transport en Logistiek, Haven en Douane, Douane en Internationale Handel, Handhaving en sancties, Internationale Sancties en Exportcontrole , E-commerce,

Advocaat, Partner

Jikke Biermasz

Expertises:  Douanerecht, Transportrecht, Verzekerings- en Aansprakelijkheidsrecht, Voedsel- en Warenpraktijk, Haven en Douane, Food, Transport en Logistiek, Douane en Internationale Handel, Internationale Sancties en Exportcontrole , E-commerce,

Advocaat, Partner

Maayke Maas-Cooymans

Expertises:  Bestuursrecht, Omgevingsrecht, Energierecht, Milieurecht , Energie, Handhaving en sancties, BRZO,

Advocaat, Partner

Natalie Vloemans

Expertises:  Verzekerings- en Aansprakelijkheidsrecht, Bestuurders- en Beroepsaansprakelijkheid, Litigation, Arbitrage, Commerciële contracten, Bedrijven in moeilijkheden,

Advocaat, Partner

Rutger Ploum

Expertises:  Arbeidsrecht, Medezeggenschapsrecht, Food, China desk, German Desk, Bedrijven in moeilijkheden,

Advocaat, Partner

Willem Leppink

Expertises:  Intellectuele Eigendom, Europees recht, Merk- en Modelregistratie, Marketing en Reclame, Technologie, Media en Telecom, Food, E-commerce,

Advocaat, Partner

Albert Wiggers

Expertises:  Ondernemingsrecht, Fusies en Overnames, Energie, Transport en Logistiek, Food, Bedrijven in moeilijkheden,

Advocaat, Partner

Jacob Henriquez

Expertises:  Bouwrecht, Vastgoedrecht, Litigation, Arbitrage, Bouw en Infrastructuur, Energie, Vastgoed, Logistiek Vastgoed,

Advocaat, Partner

Daniël van Gerven

Expertises:  Arbeidsrecht, Medezeggenschapsrecht, Finance, Interne onderzoeken,

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