Cem van Kollenburg has been working at Wijn & Stael since 2026. He is a member of the Corporate Litigation and Commercial Litigation practises and specialises in corporate and commercial disputes. His work includes shareholder disputes, inquiry proceedings, directors’ liability and disputes arising from takeovers. By thoroughly analysing each case and keeping the interests underlying the dispute in mind, he helps to devise strategic solutions for clients.

Driven and results-oriented
Cem is enterprising, disciplined and sets high standards for himself. He is keen to take responsibility, sets concrete goals and is constantly looking for ways to further improve outcomes. This approach not only characterises his work as a lawyer, but also formed the basis of his previous commercial career. “I first try to gain a clear understanding of what a client actually wants to achieve. There is often a lot at stake. That is why I take different perspectives into account, without losing sight of the commercial interests. I then work thoroughly and strategically towards the best possible solution.”

His motivation to become a solicitor stemmed from a personal experience. He saw first-hand just how much difference a good solicitor can make to someone in need of legal assistance. That impact remains a key driving force in his work. He strives to ensure that, looking back, clients can see that his commitment has genuinely contributed to the best possible outcome.

Entrepreneurship and corporate law
Even whilst still a student, Cem developed a keen interest in company law and the law of legal persons. His experience as an entrepreneur further strengthened that interest. He finds the combination of commercial considerations and legal issues within businesses particularly fascinating. For this reason, he specialised as much as possible in corporate law during his studies, including through work placements at corporate law practices and dissertations on corporate law topics.

Shortly before joining Wijn & Stael, his first academic article was published in the Journal of Company Law, Legal Entities and Corporate Governance (TvOB). In addition, he gained over three years’ commercial experience in sales, both within commercial organisations and through his own business.

Honorary positions & memberships

• Member of the Corporate Litigation Association
• Member of Jong NAI (Netherlands Arbitration Institute)
• Member of the VJP (Association of Young Litigation Lawyers)

Education

• Master’s in Corporate Law, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2026, cum laude)
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam (2025)