bureau Brandeis

Number of partners: 9 (Amsterdam), 3 (Paris)

Number of lawyers: 43 (Amsterdam), 5 (Paris)

Languages: Dutch, English, French 

Firm Overview: 

bureau Brandeis is an independent boutique law firm specialising in complex litigation and regulatory enforcement. Bureau Brandeis is based in Amsterdam and Paris. Founded in 2013, the firm has grown rapidly and has seen its client base increase. The firm’s clients are national and international companies, listed entities, startups, as well as interest groups.

The firm:  

■ Handles high-profile cases, including landmark cases before the Dutch Supreme Court and the ECJ and (international) cartel damages cases

■ Focuses on litigation and other forms of dispute resolution, and chooses not to represent Dutch government bodies, big banks and accountancy firms

■ Works in close contact with many foreign law firms in cross border disputes and investigations

■ Represents clients in all stages of proceedings, before courts and tribunals

■ Prevents disputes with its diligent compliance work

■ Assists undertakings in investigations by and litigation against regulatory bodies like the Authority Consumers & Markets, the Netherlands Gaming Authority, the Dutch Data Protection Authority, the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets, French Competition Authority etc.

■ Is outspoken about matters of public interest and has a preference for the challenger

This gives bureau Brandeis a unique position in the Dutch market.

Main Areas of Practice:  

Class Actions: 

The firm has unique expertise and experience in this field. bureau Brandeis has a long track record as counsel to claim vehicles and assisting funders in class actions. More than any other firm, bureau Brandeis is involved as counsel to plaintiffs in proceedings under the WAMCA, the new Dutch regime for collective redress introduced in 2020. Currently, the firm is involved in several class actions, including in relation to the Diesel Fraud, the Truck Cartel and privacy violations. Key Clients: Truck Cartel Recovery Foundation, Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation, The Privacy Collective

Partners: Louis Berger, Frank Peters

Corporate & Commercial Litigation:  

bureau Brandeis handles corporate and insolvency law, board members’ liability, hedge funds and shareholders’ activism, commercial litigation, takeover disputes, internal business conflicts and compliance (i.a. corporate governance, commercial contracts).

Key Clients: Chevron Corporation, Bastion Hotels, Eminence Capital, Jana Partners, De Wolff Vereenigde Bedrijven, the bankruptcy trustees of Weyl Beef

Partners: Frank Peters, Louis Berger

Corporate Governance:  

The firm mostly assists directors, supervisory directors and shareholders of both listed and non-listed companies in disputes concerning corporate governance. Partners: Louis Berger, Frank Peters

(European) Competition Law:  

bureau Brandeis advises on all aspects of competition law. It also represents multinationals, SMEs and start-ups harmed by or suspected from antitrust infringements to exercise their rights before both the Dutch, French and the EU competition authorities and national and EU courts. bureau Brandeis also assists parties harmed by competition infringements in obtaining damages. bureau Brandeis is widely recognised for its expertise and track record in the field of regulatory and antitrust litigation.

Key Clients: Disney, Pathé, Prijsvrij, DB Barnsdale, Dutch Travel Retail United, Fapricela, EU Athletes, Bastion Hotels, Tix, AGU, Centraal Boekhuis, Dromenjager, Innsworth, Stichting Truck Cartel Recovery.

Partners: Bas Braeken, Hans Bousie, Marc Barennes, Sarah Subrémon

Data Protection & Telecom:  

The specialists at bureau Brandeis have many years of experience in complex compliance matters in the field of data protection and telecommunications, and as many in litigating in these areas.

Key Clients: Netflix, AMS-IX, KPN/XS4ALL, NUV, eBay, Sanoma, Pearson, Lottovate, 538/Talpa Radio, AT5/RTV NH

Partners: Vita Zwaan, Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Machteld Robichon

Financial Services Litigation: 

bureau Brandeis handles complex financial services litigation and other contentious regulatory matters. The team represents financial services companies and individual directors in investigations and enforcement measures of regulators such as DNB and AFM, and also provides risk management and compliance advice.

Partner: Simone Peek

Intellectual Property Law: 

Known for developing landmark case law and handling most landmark cases in the Netherlands in the field of digital copyright/IP litigation before the ECJ. The firm also has experience in reputation management, advertising law and trade name law.

Key Clients: Netflix, Springer, KPN, NUV, eBay, Sanoma, Unga, Pathé, Red Bull, Marqt

Partners: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Hans Bousie

Internet & Technology Law (Intermediary & Platform Law): 

The firm has been at the root of developments in Dutch legislation in this area of expertise. The firm was involved in the foundation of Skype, has been eBay’s regular Dutch attorney for years and assisted Netflix in the establishment of its European headquarters in Amsterdam.

Partner: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm

Gaming & Gambling Law:  

Proceedings before the Netherlands Gaming Authority and licence applications. Representation in enforcement procedures by the Dutch Gaming Authority, including the recent ruling of the Council of State that the prohibition to promote games of chance does not apply to payment services.

Key Clients: EGBA, Lottovate

Partner: Machteld Robichon

Media & Entertainment:  

bureau Brandeis supports producers and distributors of film, radio, television, music and books who are active in this dynamic market. Companies who are just entering the market can also count on bureau Brandeis’ pragmatic assistance. We also represent major e-commerce retailers and advise online game suppliers.

Key Clients: 538/Talpa Radio, public broadcasters, Pearson, Unga, Sony Music, Spinnin Records, VBK Publishers, Pathé, Dutch Film Works

Partners: Hans Bousie, Machteld Robichon

Shareholders’ Activism: 

The firm assists hedge funds and other minority shareholders in creating higher shareholder value in Dutch listed companies: in close consultation with its client, by demanding attention and creating support for relevant subjects in the media and if necessary by litigating before the Enterprise Division.

Partner: Frank Peters