Based in The Hague, Wemmeke Wisman, Marije Batting, Elisabeth Pietermaat jointly co-lead the team at Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV, which is known for handling the full spectrum of healthcare-related matters for the Dutch Government and healthcare providers. Wisman is a litigation expert who often acts in civil procedures concerning the fundamental right to medical treatment. Batting leads the public law practice at the firm, primarily handling issues relating to quality of care, with particular emphasis on the approval of medicines, in addition to pricing and reimbursement mandates, while Pietermaat is noted for her extensive regulatory expertise, with her primary area of focus being the financing of healthcare.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Pels Rijcken are extremely good in what they do, practical dispute resolution is a big part of their practice. Due to the climbing amount of disputes regarding the Covid-19 crisis I have seen the team evolve into smart attorneys focused on serving the interests of the State. This means navigating complex political interests and influences.’

  • ‘I work mostly with Paul Tanja. He excels in corporate litigation and litigation before the Supreme Court/Court of Appeal. I prefer working with him because he is sharp but practical. He has all details in clear vision, but yet focuses on the big picture. His skill in finding exactly the right tone and approach with every opponent is something that is rare in attorneys belong amongst the best in their field of expertise.’

  • ‘The healthcare team has an excellent knowledge of healthcare and its legal aspects. Like no other, the team is attentive to the public law playing field in which issues arise.’

  • ‘The team has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience of the healthcare and life science sectors. They are really willing to think practically and come up with targeted solution directions based on in-depth legal knowledge and experience.’

  • ‘Pels Rijcken’s team consists of excellent lawyers who are very skilled and pragmatic. As the state advocate, they perfectly know the working of a government and how to handle the political stakes.’

  • ‘Pels Rijcken is very well known for their years of expertise and experience in handling government matters. They have their direct way of communicating with their clients. Pels Rijcken’s lawyers are excellent litigators. They take you through every step of the process and make sure to offer you all the existing possibilities and discuss the pros and cons so we can evaluate the most suitable approach. I also find it very important and appreciate that they aren’t only great advisors and litigators, but they are also very good at teaching and giving different trainings within our company.’

  • ‘Marije Batting is very good at what she is doing. She is always up to date on legal developments and has the ability to think along and understand things not only in a strategic but also in a political way. Marije is very good at evaluating situations in a very critical/accurate manner. She is very approachable and always available. She always makes sure her clients receive the needed help and support and also provides the best outcomes possible.’

Key clients

  • Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit
  • IGJ
  • CZ
  • Menzis
  • VGZ
  • Zorgverzekeraars Nederland
  • Zorginstituut Nederland
  • The State of the Netherlands
  • Florence
  • CBG
  • Zilveren Kruis
  • Domus Magnus
  • Stichting Cordaan

Work highlights

  • Represented the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in proceedings commenced by several university hospitals with regards to the decision to keep only two children’s heart surgery centres in the Netherlands.
  • Advised the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in connection with the contract with Relief Goods Alliance for the sale of protective faces masks.
  • Represented CZ as well as VGZ and Menzis in civil proceedings regarding the reimbursement of the costs of healthcare for a non-contracted healthcare provider as well as in proceedings regarding patients’ free choice of medical practitioner.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Wemmeke Wisman, Marije Batting, Elisabeth Pietermaat

Other key lawyers

Jorrit van de Weide, Paul Tanja