Our rankings
We are regularly reviewed by clients and fellow lawyers both domestically and abroad. This keeps us on our toes and it is something we are proud of. In some cases, fellow lawyers even become clients.
Clients provide us with feedback and reviews directly or through one of the various authoritative organisations that perform such surveys and analyse the capabilities of law firms and their lawyers across the world. These organisations, such as Legal500, Who is Who Legal, Best Lawyers and Chambers, also base their assessments on feedback and reviews they receive from fellow lawyers in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world.
The Van Traa team distinguishes itself from other law firms through integrity, expertise and commitment to the case for which they are appointed and the lawyers are strategic thinkers who really take ownership of cases, and they don't let go until they win. (Legal500)
What the team is known for (Chambers 2025)
Van Traa maintains its position as one of the leading shipping law firms in the Netherlands. The team has notable experience in damages claims and liability mandates, including spillages and damage to undersea cables. The firm is particularly popular with clients from the logistics sector, advising on litigation regarding the contamination of goods during transport. Team members also have experience in matters such as the use of autonomous vehicles, damage to aircraft, and recourse and recovery proceedings. The team additionally advises on coverage disputes relating to product and professional liability, as well as environmental damage. It has further experience in PDBI and CAR policy matters and personal injury claims.
Also Van Traa is the reliable partner for (inter-)national insurers and brokers when confronted with complex coverage disputes and multiple liability issues following a high-impact event. Van Traa is very strong in the construction and transport (marine, aviation and rail) industry. The experience and capabilities to deal efficiently with the multi-faceted aspects and consequences of complex insurance and liability questions, are undisputed.
Van Traa is known for its involvement in all high impact events that occurred in the Netherlands or are related to the Netherlands, such as natural disasters, collisions, crash accidents resulting in inter alia corporate and personal liability insurance questions, professional indemnity and other contractual and tort law issues.
Work highlights: Van Traa Advocaten advised insurers on insurance and liability issues resulting from a tank falling from a trailer during road carriage.
"Van Traa Advocaten distinguishes itself from other law firms through its practical approach and its ability to provide concise advice on complex matters."
"The strategy is discussed and implemented in a calm, deliberate and convincing manner by Van Traa Advocaten."
Another client states that: "Van Traa Advocaten takes care of and anticipates possible unexpected developments in a case."
Leading individuals
Robert Pessers advises clients from the aviation sector on collisions and claims for damages to hulls and engines. He also advises on matters arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and assists clients with legislation designed to protect endangered species. He also acts for clients on coverage disputes involving product recalls, business interruption and property damage. Clients state that: "Robert Pessers is an exceptionally skilled lawyer who is able to advise and litigate on complex liability issues. He exudes reliability and quality and is very pleasant to work with", "Robert Pessers brings complicated cases to a resolution in a calm way. He is very convincing and asks the right questions" and is the go-to aviation claims lawyer in the Netherlands."
Robert de Haan represents insurers in a range of mandates, including liability issues, construction all risk policies and business interruption claims. He often acts on matters relating to the transport and construction sectors. "Robert de Haan has a very good level of knowledge and works together with his clients in a pleasant way."
Jolien Kruit advises clients on liability and damages claims, including for oil spills and damage to underwater cables. She also assists clients with general average claims and disputes over the contamination of goods. Clients about Jolien Kruit: "Jolien Kruit is extremely efficient and has fantastic attention to detail."
Marc Van Maanen represents clients in liability disputes and litigation concerning the contamination of transported goods. A client appreciates Marc van Maanen for "his practical approach. He has a huge knowledge of our business."
Vincent Pool assists clients with contentious matters, including representing them in recourse proceedings and recovery disputes. He also advises clients on distribution agreements. "Vincent Pool is a trusted adviser who is always available, has great industry knowledge and delivers very good results."
Leendert van Hee is particularly active in matters in the logistics sector, including obtaining permits. Clients find Leendert van Hee "an excellent lawyer who is solution oriented."
Derk-Jan van der Kolk is well placed to advise clients on personal injury and maritime liability claims. A client finds "Derk-Jan van der Kolk a very skilled lawyer."
Insurance
The group at Van Traa Advocaten assists its portfolio of well-known clients on complex liability issues in both domestic and cross-jurisdictional contexts, including those involving fatal PI, company damage caused by infrastructural issues and natural disasters, and matters regarding professional liability claims. Robert de Haan is a transport and insurance specialist whose workload includes advising on matters relating to Covid-19-related travel cancellations. Derk-Jan van der Kolk has expertise in PI and loss of dependency cases caused by fires and environmental events. Marko Jongkind is a noteworthy name in the team, which is helmed by Robert Pessers.
Transport
Leendert van Hee leads the Van Traa Advocaten team, which has strength in all areas of transport. The Rotterdam-based practice is a key point of call for major airlines, container carriers and logistics entities. Van Hee is a maritime law specialist, praised for his ability to "always find a practical solution to a problem." Vincent Pool focuses on land transport, assisting major rail and road operators in both contentious and non-contentious mandates. Robert Pessers is a key name for work in the aviation and insurance sectors. Jolien Kruit focuses on conflicts in the shipping industry, and is experienced in both litigation and ADR. Nol van Hal works for shipping underwriters and other major offshore entities and is praised for being "a sharp-minded lawyer with a practical approach."
Industry focus: Food
Van Traa Advocaten has established strength in advising matters across the whole food supply chain. Key areas of instruction include food safety issues, marketing, product recalls and enforcement matters. The group is equally strong in assisting with transport, logistics and international trade work involving the food sector. Silvia Gawronski leads the team, and is widely known for her expertise in EU organic food law. She often represents domestic and international companies and government entities in regulatory and enforcement matters in the food and beverages arena. Marc van Maanen has an excellent reputation for assisting with international trade and commodities matters.
Dispute resolution: Arbitration
Van Traa Advocaten's arbitration practice is jointly led by Marc van Maanen and Steven Oude Alink from Rotterdam, and represents clients in cross-border arbitration. The firm is known for its sector-focused approach, advising on issues involving international trade, trade finance, transport and insurance. Van Maanen is an expert in food law, while Oude Alink excels in cases involving international commodity trade, distribution, agency and aviation. Both advise logistics service providers, banks, insurers and trading houses on disputes. Personal injury-related arbitration is handled by Derk-Jan van der Kolk.
Read more about testimonials and key clients.
Who's Who Legal 2021:
The 2021 edition of WWL (Who’s Who Legal) Transport contains 8 mentions of lawyers with Van Traa Advocaten across three different practice areas.
Nominees have been selected based on comprehensive, independent survey work with both counsel and practioners worldwide. Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.
Clients are impressed by the firm's dependable service, describing the team as "very reliable." Further sources add that the team "act quickly and efficiently and in their clients' best interests."
The 2018 edition of the ‘Best Lawyers in the Netherlands’ contains nine mentions of lawyers with Van Traa Advocaten across six different practice areas.
Lawyers can only be mentioned in this ranking by being nominated by clients or by other lawyers.
The following lawyers with Van Traa come (highly) recommended:
Transportation Law
Trade Law & Litigation:
