Van Traa Advocaten is noted for its record in transport-related insurance matters, with the firm advising on both the drafting of terms and conditions, and on disputes relating to both professional liability and personal injury in the transport and logistics sector. The team also takes instructions tied to the neighbouring area of international trade. Practice head Robert Pessers advises on claims arising out of transport accidents, with a particular focus on the aviation industry, covering professional and person injury liability matters, in addition to advising on construction all risks cases. Robert de Haan handles policy advisory work in relation to transport insurance, with Derk-Jan van der Kolk taking the lead on personal injury disputes. April 2023 saw professional liability and fraud specialist Marko Jongkind return to the firm from VanNiekerkCieremans B.V.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Very competent team, always quick, provided precise legal advice without unnecessary academic excursions.'

  • 'Fluent in Dutch, English and German, very experienced in shipping, transport and insurance matters, very practical approach to solving disputes.'

Key clients

  • AFC Ajax
  • Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
  • Malaysia Airlines (and its insurers)
  • Nationale Nederlanden
  • NedTrain
  • Dutch Ministry of Justice and Defence and the National Police
  • The Dutch public council for personal injury

Work highlights

  • Represented AFC Ajax in a dispute with its former player Zakaria Labyad, who claimed medical expenses damages following a training injury.
  • Advised multiple underwriters on navigating claims arising out of events cancelled due to the Dutch government's Covid-19 mitigation measures.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Robert Pessers

Other key lawyers

Robert de Haan, Derk-Jan van der Kolk, Marko Jongkind