Van Doorne's arbitration practice is jointly led by arbitration specialists Rogier Schellaars and Bas van Zelst, who are known for acting as lead counsel in key cases as well as working alongside international teams in cross-border matters. Schellaars and van Zelst regularly work together on the department's most complex arbitration mandates. The team is particularly noted for its expertise in investment treaty disputes and is also well versed in representing Dutch corporates in arbitration and enforcement proceedings. Also noted is Bas Keizers, who is experienced in handling setting aside proceedings and construction arbitration.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Rogier Schellaars and Bas van Zelst create a rather unique two-partner arbitration offering, which forms part of, and works in close conjunction with, a very large disputes resolution team. They joined practices 5 years ago, and have since built a standalone, high-energy, specialist arbitration practice that is now a key player in the Dutch market. ’
‘Rogier Schellaars and Bas van Zelst offer on-point legal advice. Very approachable and forward-thinking. They offer strategic advice that seeks to always be a step ahead of their opponents. ’
‘Highly qualified arbitration team, with profound knowledge and experience in international arbitration, including setting aside proceedings in the Netherlands. The team is composed of a diverse range of associates and partners, who each bring specific expertise and experience.’
‘Knowledge of the field, expertise and experience. The two partners I mostly worked with were Bas van Zelst and Rogier Schellaars. Both are excellent.’
‘Team lead Rogier Schellars is both common law and civil law schooled. This is really helpful in international dispute resolution; he appreciates our opponent’s approach and anticipates what to do. The two partners are both hands on and involved. They are creative with the law and practical options.’
‘I worked with Bas Keizers and Rogier Schellaars. They developed a clear and actionable strategy that worked to get us to where we needed to be for our business.’
‘I have been working with Van Doorne, and I can say that Rogier Schellaars, Bas van Zelst and Bas Keizers are very easy to work with, and they work well with international counsels and teams. The Van Doorne team is very methodical and systematic while at the same time tries to go the extra mile for the client.’
‘Rogier Schellaars and Bas van Zelst complement each other very well. Bas is a professor of Dispute Resolution & Arbitration at Maastricht University and has a very scholarly perspective while Rogier is more commercial and client focused. Bas Keizers was absolutely brilliant on his feet answering the judges' questions. He was one of the most impressive advocates.’

Key clients

Czech Republic
African Asset Finance Company
PanAmericana Television S.A.
San Miguel Holding Corporation
Geosolutions B.V.

Work highlights

Represented the African Asset Finance Company in an investment arbitration opposite the Republic of Ethiopia.
Represented the Czech Republic, acting alongside Wordstone, in a successful PCA case concerning its decision to cancel a licence to operate video lottery terminals as well as assisting with a setting-aside case.
Represented San Miguel Holding Corporation in relation to the enforcement of a €20m cost award rendered in SIAC proceedings.