Mooie rankings en quotes voor Ploum in de Legal 500 2024

Transport TIER 1

Ploum’s extensive range of services within the transport, logistics, and trade sectors encompasses corporate affairs and insurance, as well as civil, administrative, and criminal law. The Rotterdam-based team is under the joint leadership of Jikke Biermasz, who excels in both commercial advisory and litigation, specialising in anti-dumping, transport, customs, and trade-regulatory matters; Marijn van Tuijl, with expertise representing carriers, terminals, and forwarding agents, as well as warehousing companies and their insurers, particularly in compliance and supply chain disputes; and Albert Wiggers, skilled in managing transport and logistics sector M&A transactions. The bench was further strengthened in January 2023 with the addition of Jeroen Zandt, an experienced international trade and transport litigator and ‘expert in maritime law’, who joined from Codex Mulder Advocaten.

Next generation partners:

• Jikke Biermasz
• Marijn van Tuijl

Testimonials:

• 'Jeroen Zandt is very efficient, focused on detail, and is an expert in maritime law. He is an excellent negotiator, with a strong commercial sense.’
• ‘The uniqueness of the Ploum transport practice comes from its extensive knowledge and track record in the customs industry. We are not aware of another firm with the same in-depth and relevant knowledge.’
• ‘The team is very pragmatic and comes with solutions!’
• ‘The team is hands-on, has good knowledge about the transport market and works (cost) efficiently.’
• ‘Jikke Biermasz is knowledgeable, responsive and always looks for hands-on solutions. ’
• ‘Jikke Biermasz is a star customs lawyer in Rotterdam. A pugnacious litigator, a pragmitic advisor. Strongly recommended.’
• ‘Jikke Biermasz and Marijn van Tuijl are very competent, with strong expertise in custom law.’
• ‘With the arrival of Jeroen Zandt and his team, the transport law team at Ploum has grown, not only in numbers but specifically in the quality that they are able to provide. ’

Work highlights:

• Assisted longstanding client Matrans in the sale of Mainport Tankcontainer Services (MTC) to Boasso Global B.V, part of Quala. MTC is active in the repair, cleaning and storage of empty tank containers.
• Advised Customs Support Group on more than 10 acquisitions in 2022/2023 of customs brokering / freight forwarding businesses throughout Europe.
• Representing a Dutch freight forwarder and customs agent in cassation proceedings before the Dutch Supreme Court.

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Industry focus: food TIER 2

Ploum‘s food team is known for its experience and expertise in handling high profile litigation related to food. The practice is especially adept at representing clients facing enforcement actions by regulatory authorities and in fraud allegations. Common issues it handles includes microbiological safety, contaminants, and pesticide residues. On the compliance side, the team handles imports and manufacturing of food and animal feed, as well as regulatory compliance issues related to import or manufacturing of products. The practice is also able to assist with IP-related issues, recalls or withdrawals, and product liability. Practice head Marijn van Tuijl is an expert in advising and litigating on issues related to manufacturing and international trade of goods. Matters involving government supervision and enforcement affecting manufacture, import, carriage, and marketing of products are also key areas for van Tuijl. Willem Leppink assists with IP-related issues involving copyright, designs and marketing.

Leading individuals:

• Marijn van Tuijl

Testimonials:

• ‘What makes Ploum unique is its hands-on, pragmatic approach to legal practice. Ploum’s lawyers are highly skilled and reputable, and they are committed to working closely with us to understand our specific needs and goals. Ploum truly is a one stop shop for all our legal affairs to us.’
• ‘I highly recommend the Ploum partners and associates I have worked with. They are all extremely pragmatic, knowledgeable, and experienced lawyers who are committed to providing us with the best possible service. I have been particularly impressed with Ploum’s lawyers’ pragmatism.’
• ‘The Ploum team is well experienced, has a hands-on approach and is not in the least quite knowledgeable of the field of highly regulated law. The go-to lawyers if you are ever in need of specific legal advice for food and feed related matters.’
• ‘Marijn van Tuijl is a highly communicative and a seasoned professional.’
• ‘I have worked with different people at the firm but Marijn van Tuijl stands out in for his accessibility, quick turn around time & well versed in the specialities of food law, customs & supply chains.’
• ‘Great knowledge and coverage on intricacies of Dutch implementation of EU regulations. Straightforward, clear and commercial.’
• ‘Marijn Van Tuijl is thoughtful, proactive and a good communicator.’
• ‘Marijn van Tuijl is the leading food law individual in the Netherlands and great in food safety authority issues.’

Work highlights:

• Advised Gorillas on its acquisition by its competitor Getir for $1.2bn.
• Assisted Refresco Group with acquiring Avandis from Lucas Bols N.V. and De Kuyper Royal Distillers.
• Assisted IDH Farmfit Fund on the financing of KOA Switzerland AG and KOA Ghana Limited.

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Insurance TIER 2

Ploum acts for both insurers and insureds on a variety of coverage matters, with notable strength in issues centred on health and safety, environmental (HSE) and construction. Insurance practice head Natalie Vloemans' practice is built around advising policyholders on HSE claims and design and construction issues, while Maurice Verhoeven, who leads the firm’s corporate litigation team, specialises in professional and D&O liability disputes, primarily acting for insurers.

Leading individuals:

• Natalie Vloemans

Work highlights:

• Advised SAAone (VolkerWessels, Hochtief, Boskalis) in several insurance disputes.
• Acted for Koole Terminals in an insurance claim against several co-insurers following the shutdown of the Odfjell terminal in 2012.
• Assisted insurance broker No Risk on several claims against it tied to claims arising out of events cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Environment and planning TIER 2

'True joy to work with’ Alexandra Danopoulos, and ‘benchmark lawyer in the field’ Maayke Maas are at the helm of Ploum's Rotterdam-based planning and environment offering. Its client portfolio includes reputable names, from BP and Shell to Rotterdam Airport B.V. It assists said clients with a range of matters including those involving environmental and permitting aspects of new development projects of significant value, such as assisting Shell in obtaining a permit for Europe’s largest hydrogen plant. Brigitte Ebben is a key practitioner in the team who has a focus on environmental law and nature conservation issues, particularly those pertaining to nitrogen deposition.

Leading individuals:

• Maayke Maas-Cooymans

Testimonials:

• 'An approachable team with a good spread of expertise and down-to-earth style. They understand the business their clients are in and adapt accordingly. Good value for money too.’
• ‘Alexandra Danopoulos is knowledgeable, provides very useable advice and has a great sense of humour. A true joy to work with.’
• ‘The Ploum Rotterdam environment and energy team has a proven track-record and is respected through out our industry for their provision of hands-on support. Always quick, to the point and pragmatic, they are true experts who get the job done.’
• ‘Maayke Maas is the benchmark lawyer in the field. A great character with a deep understanding of the field of expertise and always available to help out.’
• ‘Short response times, excellent legal knowledge, efficient and effective work and good availability.’
• ‘The way Ploum operates is very hands-on in a positive way – the team feels like an extension of your own organisation. At the same time, they have the ability to zoom out and advice you as an external partner.’
• ‘Both Linda and Alexandra are skilled with the right knowledge. They are also easy to work with and able to transfer their knowledge to the client.’
• ‘Maayke Maas is top-notch when it comes to environmental law.’

Work highlights:

• Advising VTTI B.V. on the environmental and permitting aspects of the realisation of a new LNG-terminal.
• Advising EemsEnergy Terminal B.V. on the environmental and permitting aspects of the realisation of a new LNG-terminal.
• Assisting Shell on obtaining permits for the largest hydrogen plant in Europe.

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Energy: transactional TIER 3

‘Exceptionally good lawyer’ Stephan Sluijters, Jolande van Loon, who focuses on real estate-related work, and public law specialist Maayke Maas-Cooymans co-head the Rotterdam-based ‘diverse energy team’ at Ploum, which has significant experience handling an array of transactional matters. It assists its roster of clients with the sale, development and acquisitions of key energy projects, namely solar and heat-related, both in domestic and cross-border contexts.

Testimonials:

• ‘They think outside the box and offer more than just legal services. They listen to their clients’ needs and offer the required services to an excellent quality – they are very knowledgeable in this area.’
• ‘Stephan Sluijters is an exceptionally good lawyer, who completes an excellent quality of work and cares about his clients. He is highly regarded in the sector and knows the industry well. He has very good engagement and availability.’
• ‘Sound legal and solution-oriented advice is what you look for when selecting an external lawyer and Stephan and his team provide that every time.’
• ‘Ploum has a diverse energy team with experts from various departments that work seamlessly together.’
• ‘Stephan Sluijters remains a joy to work with; he is hands-on, down-to-earth and a smart advisor.’
• ‘Jolande van Loon manages her department smooth and professionally.’
• ‘Stephan routinely advises energy companies, both oil and gas as well as renewable companies, to get the best out of their business. He is very cooperative and has impressive knowledge and insights – he is a true professional and an outstanding client handler.’
• ‘Stephan Sluijters and Geert de Nijs have exceptional knowledge within the energy sector and understand their client’s needs.’

Work highlights:

• Advised Eteck Energie Bedrijven B.V. on the acquisition of ReDo, which is set to boost Eteck’s business in the sustainable heating projects.
• Advised GroenLeven on the acquisition of Morrensolar, a major developer of carport solar projects.
• Advised ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund on the sale of MP Solar B.V., a portfolio company owning 18 solar Parks in Italy.

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Construction TIER 3

Ploum‘s construction practice was founded by Jacob Henriquez who excels in advising on construction matters such as issues during construction phases, construction contracts, tender procedures, and potentially arising disputes. The team is well-versed in international construction law issues and FIDIC-related contracting queries and disputes. A major focus is the renewable energy sector where it advises on agreements and procurement law. Tjinta Terlien  is a key team member on construction projects.

Next generation partners:

• Jacob Henriquez

Testimonials:

• 'Exceptional knowledge of FIDIC combined with an honest and independent point of view on legal disputes makes Ploum, and Jacob Henriquez in specific, an excellent law firm and lawyer. The responses where very quick and accurate. Besides an honest and independent point of view we also received proposals for reactions taking into account our interest even if this results in no further activity for the law firm.’
• ‘I have worked mostly with Jacob Henriquez and only indirect with his team. I valued extremely the availability and reliability of Jacob delivering what he promised, no matter how tight was the timeline. I have considered Jacob as part of my team and as contributor to the success factor of our project.’
• ‘Subject matter expertise is outstanding. Concise messaging in understandable legal (and non-legal) communication. Pleasant interaction and quick responses. Delivery of required productions was very quick, on time and accurate, despite high time pressure on delivery. Tjinta Terlien has proven to be exceptionally knowledgeable in the area of the DIDAM arrest, supplemented with her logic and rationale, making the right arguments. In addition understands the business impact and circumstances of projects perfectly.
• ‘The combination of an excellent knowledge of procurement law and construction law and current case law makes us very satisfied with the legal advice and products delivered by Tjinta Terlien. Tjinta works efficiently and is very flexible, so deadlines have been met. ’
• ‘The Construction practice of Ploum has the knowledge and knowhow to support in national and international construction contracts in the different stages of construction. From pre-tender to maintain issues, Ploum is able to support. What makes Ploum stand out from other firms is their pro-active approach and understanding what kind of support a company needs, depending on the case. ’
• ‘I mostly work with Jacob Henriquez. He’s a very proactive lawyer with outstanding knowledge of the law and the construction world. He supports me with national and international cases, which makes him versatile and I can use his support in very different cases. In case he isn’t able to support, then his team is a very good back up.’
• ‘The approachable people, practical directions and adequate predictions of potential outcomes, makes it working with Ploum very satisfying. The people at Ploum are easy going and friendly in contact, but spot on and sharp in disputes. The knowledge base of Ploum in Construction disputes is wide: they even spread the cases in learning sessions (book, readings) to inform clients about the potential situations and what to do. ’
• ‘Easy going, low entrance level in reaching out to Ploum. Jacob Henriquez is a very nice and knowledgeable person that remains calm in many different circumstances. His experience in resolving legal matters was very much appreciated in our dedicated case. Despite his experience and professionalism, Jacob remains empathic. Much appreciated that he shows his own feeling there as well. ’

Work highlights:

• Advised Gate Terminal B.V. on various major construction contracts relating to the design and build of a new large scale LNG Storage Tank of 180,000 cubic metres, which is part of Gate’s strategic plan to increase their terminal capabilities to 13,5 BCM (billion cubic metres of natural gas).
• Advised Dura Vermeer on several matters regarding the construction of the new ChemTech centre of OPCW (the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) in the Netherlands. Total deal value EUR 33,5 million.
• Assisted Aluchemie with the decommissioning of their entire production site in the Netherlands, one of the largest decommissioning works in the Netherlands at the moment.

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

Ploum coordinates multi-jurisdictional anti-counterfeiting and parallel import efforts for automotive, luxury goods, and food and beverage clients, while operating in close connection with the firm’s IT team to handle tech-related copyright and database rights matters. Jointly leading the team are Willem Leppink, an expert in trade mark and copyright infringement disputes, and Sabin Tigu, who handles domain name disputes and parallel import matters. Paul Trapman advises on privacy law and handles trade mark and copyright litigation.

Testimonials:

• ‘Ploum, as a truly Dutch law firm, has an excellent local network with outstanding market knowledge. The cooperation with their Rotterdam office is excellent, with exceptionally fast and expert handling of cases.’
• ‘Our contacts have been the extremely renowned Willem Leppink and his outstanding younger partner Sabin Tigu. We greatly appreciate this collaboration, especially their enormous commitment, their goal to always achieve more than their competitors, their enormous experience and the passion with which they practice.’
• ‘Willem Leppink and Sabin Tigu are a fantastic team. All round good performers and really nice to deal with.’
• ‘Great people to work with. Innovative and commercial in their approach. They look at the bigger picture and are laser-focused on what the client wants to achieve.’
• ‘Willem Leppink has extensive experience in handling a variety of IP cases. He is very knowledgeable about the law, quick-thinking and has good communication skills.’
• ‘They pay attention to the client, taking into account the needs of the organisation. They give good, solid advice.’

Work highlights:

• Coordinated Western Digital’s pan-EU anti-counterfeiting and parallel trade efforts.
• Acted for Coty in proceedings against parallel trade, counterfeiting and other unauthorised uses of its trade marks.
• Represented NOAH Clothing in litigation against former tennis player Yannick Noah in a dispute across several EU jurisdictions.

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Data privacy and data protection TIER 4 

Ploum is sought-out by clients for its expertise in e-health data protection matters, regularly advising and assisting life sciences and health care companies with a slew of data and cybersecurity issues. The team is also adept at advising on marketing and e-commerce sectors, including issues relating to processing employee data and international data transfers. The privacy team is co-headed by Dennis Zieren and Dorine ten Brink who are well-versed in issues that span IT and data privacy including contracts and data transfers. Nina Witt is also noted for her knowledge on privacy in the health care sector.

Testimonials:

• ‘Each team member has his or her own expertise. So combined that makes a great team.’
• ‘They are familiar with our company and the way we work combined with up to date and in depth knowledge of the privacy laws & legislation.’

Work highlights:

• Assisted CleanLease B.V. with further mapping the data processing activities of its entities in the Netherlands and Belgium. The privacy team has updated and drafted various documents, such as the register of processing activities and several data protection policies, in order to ensure GDPR compliance.
• Assisted BovenMaas Prenataal B.V. with how to handle patient files to be kept for years, in case a care institution would ever be dissolved.
• Advised Portbase B.V. on several privacy matters, e.g., with regard to the use of a new data platform in which multiple parties (providers and users) are able to share and view data.

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Employment TIER 4

The Rotterdam-based employment and incentives practice at Ploum excels in co-determination matters, restructurings, collective dismissals, and issues involving works councils. The firm brought in Daniël van Gerven from De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek in January 2023 to serve as practice co-head, adding to the strength of the firm’s remuneration, incentives, and internal investigations offering. Managing partner and co-head Rutger Ploum is known for his skills in conflicts between enterprises, unions, and works councils, while co-head Simon Tan handles private client cases involving executives.

Leading individuals:

• Rutger Ploum

Next generations partners:

• Daniël van Gerven

Testimonials:

• ‘Rutger Ploum is an outstanding leader, a connector, a mentor, a mediator, and a good listener, and has a practical mindset with a lot of knowledge. A great person to work with. He is living the core values of the firm in every thing he does. He built the team and every individual is living the core values of the company. You see that, you feel that.’
• ‘The employment law team has multiple specialisms that can be deployed as needed. There is no question that cannot be answered. Moreover, they never get in each other’s way, but all have knowledge of the case.’
• ‘Excellent people who are on the ball and very professional. A pleasure to work with. Definitely a firm that will become more and more important, specifically in the field of employment law.’
• ‘Daniël van Gerven is an excellent lawyer. His combination of experience in practice and as a university lecturer makes him a true expert. Client handling is extremely professional and good.’
• ‘The Ploum team is always very professional, responsive, accessible and able to accommodate the different needs that we have as an ever-changing organisation.’
• ‘Daniël van Gerven stands out in terms of its in-depth knowledge of the employment landscape in the Netherlands, its availability and engagement. He is an excellent lawyer and great person to work with – a real asset to the Ploum team.’
• ‘Ploum has an excellent team that is always professional, available and able to work across different areas of employment law. They are real specialists, who are focused, on the ball and always there when you need them.’
• ‘Simon Tan is a real veteran and trusted boardroom advisor. A very affable and humble man, who is widely respected in the market. Easy to deal with, approachable and provides excellent insights and advice. Able to break down complex issues very effectively. Great commitment to his clients.’

Work highlights:

• Advised on the intended closedown of the Aluchemie plant and the reorganisation resulting in a downsizing of 220 employees.
• Advised APM Terminals Maasvlakte II on the investment in a new terminal and the related employment transitions.
• Advised Unilever on several large-scale reorganisations.

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Dispute resolution: commercial litigation TIER 5

Ploum mainly acts for clients in insurance, contractual, product liability, and insolvency-related disputes. Health and safety issues are also a focus of the firm, which combines expertise from multiple practice areas such as criminal, insurance, and real estate to assist on these matters. Practice head Maurice Verhoeven is engaged by clients for cases related to professional and D&O liability, as well as shareholder disputes. Insurance specialist Natalie Vloemans handles all related contentious matters. Michel Jacobs and Dorine ten Brink are also noted.

Testimonials:

• ‘Very hands-on approach with a wide range of expertise.’
• ‘Well informed, business like, fast when needed but always precise.’
• ‘In-depth legal knowledge, great skillset and a very good understanding of the business of the client and the very complex environment in which the client is operating. They don’t leave a stone unturned and their case preparation is excellent.’
• ‘Individuals are very pleasant to work with and very knowledgeable.’
• ‘Collaboration with the partner in the team, very quick response times and good business understanding, which is being translated into excellent contract drafting.’
• ‘Everyone can read laws and jurisprudence, but true involvement and empathy are the keys to good cooperation and legal services. As a lawyer, you should really care for the problem of your client that needs to be solved. The people of Ploum had that kind of involvement.’
• ‘Dedicated and responsive.’

Work highlights:

• Acting for No Risk in several cases related to Covid-19, successfully completing one case with two proceedings pending at the Court of Appeal.
• Representing Chemours and DuPont in C8 and GenX exposure claims brought against the clients following similar US litigation.

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Commercial, corporate and M&A TIER 6

Under the leadership of Albert Wiggers, Ploum‘s commercial, corporate and M&A practice has a solid track record in acting for a client base of prominent entities in sales and acquisition mandates, including assisting with negotiations, contractual issues and due diligence. Wiggers regularly represents domestic and international clients in the corporate space. Jeroen Terstegge has left the firm.

Leading individuals:

• Albert Wiggers

Testimonials:

• ‘The Ploum team put forward very clear and robust legal advice in all the cases they handle for us. There is great partner involvement and they always go the extra mile in putting clients’ arguments forward. Ploum can manage complex commercial, corporate and M&A-related work.’
• ‘Stephan’s expertise spans corporate, M&A and energy-related matters. He is lauded in particular for his commercial and deal-making capabilities and is very good at managing clients’ interests. He is also responsive on-the-ball, and a really pragmatic, commercial and impressive operator.’
• ‘A very knowledgeable team – hands-on and pragmatic.’
• ‘Stephan Sluijters and Geert de Nijs are highly recommended. Both listen to the client and try to get the deal done without overcomplicating things but with a keen eye on the important aspects of the matter. The availability of both partners is excellent.’
• ‘A hands-on team who are pleasant to work with.’
• ‘They are responsive, accurate and simply meet expectations.’
• ‘Arjen vd Belt is a notary who cares for clients and understands which details are important.’
• ‘Tom Ensink is meticulous and keeps his cool in negotiations.’

Work highlights:

• Acted as Dutch counsel to Gorillas in the sale to Getir.
• Assisted European urban real estate specialist Redevco with the acquisition of LIFE Europe.
• Assisted Vopak with the sale of maritime services provider Vopak Agencies and a 50% stake in Dijze to Willemsen Port Services.