IT

Kennedy Van der Laan has a particularly strong presence in the financial services, healthcare and retail sectors, and has notable expertise in IT outsourcing, technology projects, cyber security, and digital transformation. Judica Krikke heads the IT practice and has extensive experience in cloud sourcing, software licensing, and data protection, Patrick Wit takes the lead on IT outsourcing and ESG matters, and Reinoud Westerdijk has expertise in handling IT contracting, AI, tech cooperation, and IT public procurement. Joost Schmaal and Christoph Jeloschek are well-versed in IT-related litigation and arbitrations.

Practice head: Patrick de Wit, Judica Krikke, Reinoud Westerdijk, Joost Schmaal, Christoph Jeloschek. 

Leading partners

Patrick de Wit

Judica Krikke 

Reinoud Westerdijk

Next Generation Partners

Joost Schmaal

Other key lawyers

Veerle van Druenen

Testimonials 

• ‘They have the expertise to handle complex matters.’
• ‘The team has a combination of advisory and litigation skills. They are knowledgeable and self-confident.’
• ‘Patrick Wit is a market-leading IT specialist with rare technical IT knowledge. Christoph Jeloschek is an experienced and reliable all-around litigator.’
• ‘Joost Schmaal demonstrated strong leadership and took responsibility during a legal dispute. He handled the case prudently, efficiently, and with great attention to detail. Joost is intelligent, pragmatic and determined, making him a valuable asset in any challenging situation. Moreover, he is always open to meaningful discussions and provides thoughtful insights.’
• ‘Kennedy Van der Laan offers a unique combination of legal expertise and communication skills, and their attorneys are commercial and very often passionate about technology.’
• ‘Kennedy Van der Laan assisted in a complex IT-related litigation issue in a highly knowledgeable manner.'

Kennedy Van der Laan highly esteemed for its work in the technology sector, advising top global, domestic and municipal clients on outsourcing and procurement agreements, the launch of new platforms, opening new data centres and licensing contracts.

“We appreciate Kennedy Van der Laan's industry knowledge and deep practical experience. All of the team members have a great level of experience.”

“Kennedy Van der Laan has outstanding expertise and is best in class. All of the partners and associates are extremely knowledgeable.”

“Kennedy Van der Laan offers deep and extensive expertise in the field of IT law.”

Judica Krikke is a market-leading lawyer in the field of IT. She represents clients in technology sector disputes and in the negotiation of supply agreements and outsourcing contracts. She has experience in procurement tenders and advising on regulatory compliance. "Judica Krikke stands out in all aspects."

Patrick Wit  often advises on technology procurement mandates and IT outsourcing agreements, as well as assisting with the regulatory aspects of launching new technology platforms.

Reinoud Westerdijk assists top industry players from the technology sector with negotiating licensing agreements and regulatory advice. Additionally, he advises on data-related matters such as access requests and privacy issues. "Reinoud Westerdijk is an excellent IT lawyer."

Joost Schmaal assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters in the technology sector, representing clients in drafting IT contracts, as well as in disputes with suppliers regarding breaches of contract, failed system implementations and liability claims. Additionally, he advises on outsourcing of services and IT infrastructure, including cloud-based software delivery. "Joost Schmaal is very mature, experienced and a real pleasure to work with. He is also very responsive, knowledgeable and able to analyse matters in a very professional way."

Kennedy Van der Laan’s ‘top of the market’ team offers comprehensive services in the IT sector, addressing transactional, regulatory, commercial and contentious aspects. The group’s leadership comprises Patrick Wit, Reinoud Westerdijk, Joost Schmaal, Christoph Jeloschek and Judica Krikke. Wit focuses on IT outsourcing, tech projects, cyber security and digital transformation, particularly serving the financial services, healthcare and retail sectors. Westerdijk is an expert in IT contracting, including cloud solutions, cyber security and IT public procurement. Schmaal’s expertise lies in IT and BPO outsourcing, procurement and tech litigation, and represents insurance clients in IT-related litigation. Krikke, who joined in March 2023 from Stibbe, brings extensive experience in IT outsourcing, cloud sourcing, software licensing and data protection. Jeloschek is the lead for IT litigation and arbitration at the firm.

Practice heads: Patrick Wit; Reinoud Westerdijk; Joost Schmaal; Christoph Jeloschek; Judica Krikke.

Leading Individuals

Judica Krikke
Patrick Wit

Next Generation Partners

Joost Schmaal

Other key lawyers

Astrid Sixma
Veerle van Druenen

Testimonials

• ‘Most likely the best IT team in the Netherlands and beyond, KVdL’s IT practice stands out in all aspects. Exceptionally good at contracting, litigating and providing legal and regulatory advice.'
• ‘Patrick Wit has an excellent understanding of the IT industry and is, without any doubt, the go-to person for this industry. He easily understands complex matters, is pro-active and very clear in his recommendations to solve legal matters in a pragmatic way.’
• ‘This team is top of the market and consists of nice, able and eager people. Their scope is broad in services and knowledge.’
• ‘The team’s strength is its ability to adapt to the client’s needs.’
• ‘The KVdL team always provides best-in-class, pragmatic and business-oriented solutions. One aspect that sets the team truly apart is their ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.’
• ‘Joost Schmaal has a high knowledge of IT, and is able to quickly understand issues or risks and effectively solve or mitigate them.’
• ‘Joost Schmaal has great experience, technical ability and commercial acumen in dealing with all aspects of IT/IP disputes. I would highly recommend Joost: he is a very hands-on, pragmatic lawyer and very knowledgeable.’
• ‘Astrid Sixma is uber smart, very fast, extremely knowledgeable on the full IT landscape (and beyond) and – also important – great fun to work with.’

Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The law firm handles a number of high-profile media disputes relating to the publication of misinformation, defamation claims and advertising litigation. The team is also highly esteemed for its work in the technology sector, advising on outsourcing and procurement agreements, the launch of new platforms, opening new data centres and licensing contracts. Kennedy Van der Laan also represents clients in telecommunications matters, including disputes on regulations and strategic frequency auctions. It also acts on data privacy matters, advising clients on the use of biometric data and data sharing agreements, as well as representing clients regarding alleged breaches of GDPR.

"Kennedy Van der Laan can quickly familiarise itself with complex and extensive files thanks to its available team."

"I like that the lawyers are quick to understand our approach to risk; their expertise goes without saying, and for me what they do goes even further than being pragmatic."

"Kennedy van der Laan is particularly strong because it has a deep knowledge of IT in combination with its extensive litigation experience."

"The team are always on time, proactive and responsive."

Joost Schmaal assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters in the technology sector, representing clients in drafting IT contracts, as well as in disputes with suppliers. Additionally, he advises on outsourcing of services and IT infrastructure, including cloud-based software delivery. "Joost has great experience, technical ability and commercial acumen in dealing with all aspects of IT disputes; I would highly recommend him as he is very hands-on." "He asks the right questions, has spot-on, sufficient knowledge of market practice and also gives you the support as a strategic partner."

Judica Krikke is a market-leading lawyer in the field of IT. She represents clients in technology sector disputes and in the negotiation of supply agreements and outsourcing contracts. She has experience in procurement tenders and advising on regulatory compliance. "Judica is really an expert in complex software agreements; she adds a lot of value for us, is very business-oriented, and happy to jump on calls with internal stakeholders." "Judica is hands-on and practical, which is much appreciated."

Patrick Wit often advises on technology procurement mandates and IT outsourcing agreements, as well as assisting with the regulatory aspects of launching new technology platforms.

Reinoud Westerdijk assists clients from the technology sector with negotiating licensing agreements and regulatory advice. Additionally, he advises on data-related matters such as access requests.

Joran Spauwen is well regarded in the field of media and communications. He advises clients on contentious matters such as anti-piracy action, media regulations and defamation. He also assists with matters relating to freedom of information.

With the arrival of Judica Krikke, former head of Stibbe‘s IT department, in March 2023, Kennedy Van der Laan continues to be a go-to for clients seeking advice on major projects. Krikke not only brings expertise on IT procurement processes and ERP contracting but also represents clients in disputes concerning failed IT implementations. Patrick Wit works on tech projects, IT contracting, cybersecurity and digital transformations. Reinoud Westerdijk specialises in IT contractual joint ventures and public procurements and acts for high-tech suppliers and service providers. Christoph Jeloschek acts for large Dutch and international companies on cross-border litigations and complex IT disputes concerning failed IT projects. Joost Schmaal assists with emerging technologies such as smart contracts and AI. Senior associates Astrid Sixma and Veerle van Dreunen provide outstanding support and lead on large-scale transactions involving the integration of technology in transport projects.

Practice heads: Patrick Wit; Reinoud Westerdijk; Joost Schmaal; Christoph Jeloschek

Leading Individuals

Judica Krikke
Patrick Wit

Next Generation Partners

Joost Schmaal

Other key lawyers

Astrid Sixma
Veerle Van Druenen

Testimonials

• ‘Super-fast and quick thinkers; are able to make a relatively simple overview on complex contracts and deviations.’
• ‘Joost Schmaal is always enthusiastic and able to deliver.’
• ‘Impressive market presence – leading practice.’
• ‘Patrick Wit is very confident, convincing and result oriented.’

Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The law firm handles a number of high-profile media disputes relating to the publication of misinformation, defamation claims and advertising litigation. The team is also highly esteemed for its work in the technology sector, advising on outsourcing and procurement agreements, the launch of new platforms, opening new data centres and licensing contracts. Kennedy Van der Laan also represents clients in contentious matters, including disputes with suppliers. It also acts on data privacy matters, advising clients on the use of biometric data and data sharing agreements, as well as representing clients regarding alleged breaches of GDPR.

One interviewee reports that Kennedy Van der Laan "holds its own in the Dutch scene, and its lawyers are always quite innovative."

A client reports that the team "has a strong capacity" and highlights the "great quality of advice."

A client appreciates Judica Krikke for her ability to "understand and interpret our questions and wishes." She represents clients in technology sector disputes and in the negotiation of supply agreements and outsourcing contracts. She has experience in procurement tenders and advising on regulatory compliance.

Joost Schmaal assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters in the technology sector, representing clients in drafting IT contracts, as well as in disputes with suppliers. Additionally, he advises on outsourcing of services and IT infrastructure, including cloud-based software delivery.

Patrick Wit often advises on technology procurement mandates and IT outsourcing agreements, as well as assisting with the regulatory aspects of launching new technology platforms.

Reinoud Westerdijk assists clients from the technology sector with negotiating licensing agreements and opening new data centres. Additionally, he advises on data-related matters such as access requests.

The depth of Kennedy Van der Laan‘s sector expertise is confirmed by clients who report that ‘they speak our language‘. The large size of the practice, including a substantial team of associates with technical backgrounds. allows it to scale up to take on large projects and regularly post secondees to key clients. The team is also at the forefront of rolling out legal tech initiatives for its clients, for example the ‘customised alliance’ – knowledge sharing between attorneys and in-house counsels across various jurisdictions. The lead partners provide a comprehensive range of expertise: Patrick Wit heads IT and IT outsourcing; Reinoud Westerdijk as the key contact for IT licensing, cloud sourcing and procurement; Joost Schmaal the main name for IT outsourcing and emerging technologies, and Christoph Jeloschek as the specialist in IT litigation and arbitration. The group's expertise includes large-scale outsourcing, assistance with matters involving cutting edge areas such as AI and green IT, and related areas such as cybercrime and competition issues.

Practice head(s): Patrick Wit; Reinoud Westerdijk; Joost Schmaal; Christoph Jeloschek

Other key lawyers: Astrid Sixma

Leading Individuals

Patrick Wit

Next Generation Partners

Joost Schmaal

Testimonials

• ‘They seem to have enough people in their team to also pick up last-minute and bigger projects.’
• ‘Joost Schmaal is very easy to work with, super smart and will get it done.’
• ‘They speak our language, are pragmatic, but sharp if needed. Always available, when you need them. They have a strong background in IT, which is very helpful in understanding our business.’

Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The IT team is highly esteemed for its work in the technology sector, advising on outsourcing and procurement agreements, the launch of new platforms, opening new data centres and licensing contracts.

One interviewee reports that Kennedy Van der Laan "holds its own in the Dutch scene, and its lawyers are always quite innovative."

A client reports that the team "has a strong capacity" and highlights the "great quality of advice."

Joost Schmaal assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters in the technology sector, representing clients in drafting IT contracts, as well as in disputes with suppliers.

According to one commentator, Patrick Wit is "a real IT specialist who is very capable at handling high-stakes cases." He often advises on technology procurement mandates and IT outsourcing agreements, as well as assisting with the regulatory aspects of launching new technology platforms.

Reinoud Westerdijk assists clients from the technology sector with negotiating licensing agreements and with opening new data centres. A client reports that he is "a terrific all-round commercial and contracting lawyer with decades of industry knowledge."