Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV is a stand-out firm for data protection and privacy, with broad coverage including litigation and advising on technologies including artificial intelligence. The practice is known for its skills in advising clients within the public sector but also excels in advising private sector clients. As a result of this the team often advises on data exchange arrangements between entities governed by both private and public law. Gerrit-Jan Zwenne and Marte Van Graafeiland both co-lead the privacy and data protection team. ‘Top authority’ on data protection Zwenne has extensive experience in a number of data protection issues including AI, biometrics, blockchain, sensor data, and other upcoming technologies. Van Graafeiland is especially knowledgeable on public sector data privacy and protection issues, advising a range of ministries to local authorities and regulators.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This team has done outstanding work in the area, and does a lot to build communities among their clients such as data protection officers by organising expert meetings and knowledge events about the latest developments in the field.’
‘I've known Gerrit-Jan Zwenne for a long time as an academic and a lawyer. He has a can do mentality. His critical approach of supervisory authorities and his solid advice all make him stand out. He is extremely knowledgeable and competent as well as communicative.’
‘The uniqueness lies with Gerrit Jan-Zwenne. He is hands down the top authority on data privacy and data protection. True expertise shows if someone is able to explain it in a simple and effective way. No fuss no uncertainty, just practical advice and guidance with a business lens.’
‘Regarding Gerrit-Jan Zwenne: I appreciate not only his in-depth knowledge on privacy and data protection law, but also his practical approach and strategic thinking on very complex legal issues. In my view he is undisputed the most authoritative lawyer in the field. ’
‘Pels Rijcken has managed to build a top tier practice in data protection over the last couple of years that is particular know for its excellent knowledge and experience in the public sector.’
‘That's Gerrit-Jan Zwenne without a doubt who combines a strong knowledge about privacy regulation with the capability to take positions that really help his clients to change the game. Because of his knowledge and sharp observations, he is uniquely qualified to lead disputes with the supervisory authorities, if necessary in court.’
‘Jeroen Naves is always easily accessible, thinks along with us, and steps in when necessary to go the extra mile, such as sharing his knowledge in meetings.’
Key clients
- Data Privacy Stichting (DPS)
- Stichting Bescherming Privacybelangen (SBP)
- Stichting Consumers United in Court (CUIC)
- Surfshark Incogni
- Infomedics
- Ministry of Justice and Security
- Ministry of Economic Affairs
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Public Health
- Parliament (Tweede Kamer)
Work highlights
- Represented the Data Privacy Foundation (Data Privacy Stichting) in the first major Dutch class action case against Meta Inc. for multiple serious infringements of data protection law, which the team subsequently won.
- Represented the Environmental Protection Agency in summary proceedings started by Tata Steel in IJmuiden and subsequently won the case. The Agency had installed video cameras to monitor Tata Steel’s compliance with environment law. Tata Steel argued that such cameras disproportionally harmed its employees’ privacy and consequently their privacy rights were unlawfully violated.
- Advised Ministry of Education on Google Educational Services Product on its (mandatory) data protection impact assessments, performed by the privacy consultancy Privacy Company. It showed that these products and services were not fully compliant with the GDPR.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gerrit-Jan Zwenne, Marte Van Graafeiland, Meine Dijkstra, Jeroen Naves