Eversheds Sutherland expands Netherlands litigation practice

Eversheds Sutherland has today announced a boost to its Netherlands team with the appointment of litigation specialist Marie-Hélène Berghuijs. Marie-Hélène, who has a broad background in corporate and commercial litigation, will be joining current litigation lead partner Yuri Wehrmeijer in Amsterdam, in the new year, to significantly develop the Dutch office’s disputes capability.

Marie-Hélène brings with her particular expertise in specialist areas such as energy litigation, insolvency and arbitration, which perfectly complement the existing abilities of the current seven-strong team at a time of client growth.

Having trained at Stibbe in complex international civil disputes, corporate litigation, contract law and property law, she went on to be a founder member of her own boutique litigation firm, TOON Advocaten, so is also well-placed to support on developing the practice.

The hire of Marie-Hélène is a clear demonstration of strategic investment in both the firm’s Netherlands practice and the litigation team. Both the office and practice have grown over the last four years to the extent they are able to offer clients the complete range of capabilities of a full-service global firm. Bringing on a second litigation partner is a key aspect of ensuring this growth can continue.

Thera Adam van Straaten, Senior Office Partner Netherlands, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

“I am delighted to welcome Marie-Hélène to our team. She brings with her both a breadth of litigation experience and a wide range of skills – at a time when we are looking to drive growth in our offering in the Netherlands. It’s also an exciting time for our team, particularly with our Amsterdam office’s forthcoming move to the Tower Ten at the WTC in the new year. Adding Marie-Hélène’s capabilities will strengthen our Dutch office more broadly.”

Helen Thomas, European Managing Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

“Marie-Hélène joins us at a time when we are seeing ever-more complex issues facing our clients, which require a deep understanding from our lawyers to help them navigate and find solutions. We have made a number of strategic hires in Europe this year, demonstrating our ambitious growth plans and our commitment to the investment that can make them a reality.”

Marie-Hélène Berghuijs commented:

“I am very excited to be joining Eversheds Sutherland at such a time of growth and expansion. This offers a unique opportunity to help further develop a litigation practice within a leading international firm known for the exceptional quality of its work. Alongside the capable existing team, I am looking forward to the opportunities to use my experience to help broaden our client work, in particular around the growing demand for international arbitration and energy litigation.”