AKD‘s ’remarkable, talented‘ team frequently assists healthcare providers with contractual issues and strategic alliances in addition to representing clients in proceedings against health insurers and government authorities. The group also advises a number of pharma, medtech, and biotech companies on matters concerning inducements and product advertising. The ’sharp, genuine‘ Joris Rijken co-heads the practice from Amsterdam, primarily acting for healthcare providers in matters concerning contracts with the Dutch Healthcare Authority and care procurement. Working out of the Eindhoven office, co-head Barbara Mutsaers is praised by clients for her ’very keen eye‘ and is particularly skilled in advising on clinical trials, R&D agreements, and disputes against administrative fines.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The practice consists of remarkable, talented people who can be considered as an extension of your own organisation. They go the extra mile in times of need, and in times of opportunity. Together as a team they combine sector knowledge, legal knowhow and personal competence.’
‘I specifically work with Barbara Mutsaers, she has a very keen eye and is able to unravel complex issues and propose possible solutions. She feels very responsible and is taken into account the company's interests.’
‘Barbara Mutsaers has been our legal aid on various matters and has done an exceptional job. She has been the thought leader and strategist around our legal position and has clear understanding of the commercial impact. She doesn't need much explanation, digests a lot of info rapidly and produces a view/position instantly on the case. ’
‘It is a diverse team with knowledge and skills. There is a cooperation and a team/joint effort. Together we seek an optimum. There is a mutual respect so the impact together is outstanding. We have the ideas, they have the solution and together we get results.’
‘Joris Rijken is sharp, genuine and very communicative. He is able to translate our issues in legal arguments. If the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Joris is leading lawyer in the Netherlands. Cool, calm and collected.
‘Barbara Mutsaers has high knowledge on the restrictions we have with regard to pharma rules and regulations within the Netherlands. Within her advice she will always consider our business perspective and provides us a clear recommendation.’
‘Breadth and depth of legal expertise. Specialised team dedicated to the healthcare sector. Able to support complex legal cases but also to scale up and down quickly to assist specific requests. Builds strong relationships with client and thus becomes trusted advisor, at executive and board level. ’

Key clients

Stichting Zuyderland Medisch Centrum
Prinses Máxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie B.V.
Dutch Association for General Practitioners
Dutch Association for Care for People with a Handicap
Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care
VGZ
Erasmus Medical Center
University Medical Center Utrecht
Salland Zorgverzekeraar
Maasziekenhuis Pantein B.V.
Reinier Haga Groep
Aevitae B.V.
Carante Groep
Almende B.V.
OLVG Lab B.V.
Merz Pharma Benelux B.V.
Alliance Healthcare Nederland B.V.
Vaxxinova International B.V.
Basic Pharma Holding B.V.
Kyowa Kirin Pharma B.V.
Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam
ISA Pharmaceuticals
Integris Health
Biomet 3i Netherlands B.V.
Zimmer Dental Inc.
Hestia Cardiovascular Service Center B.V.
Eurocom Healthcare Technology B.V.
Aevitae B.V.
Stichting Zuyderland Medisch Centrum

Work highlights

Assisted University Medical Center Utrecht with an appeal procedure against the decision by the Ministry of Health to concentrate operations on children with congenital heart diseases in two other academic hospitals.
Advised Stichting Reinier Haga Groep on a demerger.
Advised the Dutch Association of General Practitioners on its participation in an agreement between the Ministry of Health and a number of associations of medical professionals and healthcare providers on the future of Dutch healthcare.