We are proud to be recognised in the latest edition of The Legal 500 EMEA. Wijn & Stael Advocaten is ranked across multiple practice areas: Restructuring & Insolvency (Tier 2), Commercial Litigation (Tier 3), Employment (Tier 4), and Environment and Planning (Tier 3). We also received a special mention for Industry Focus: Information Technology.

We greatly value the positive feedback received from our clients, which reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality legal services.

In addition, several of our colleagues have received individual rankings:

• Noor Zetteler is recognised as a Leading Partner in Restructuring and Insolvency. 
• Anne Mennens as a Leading Associate in Restructuring and Insolvency. 
• Yannick Geryszewski is recognised as a Next Generation Partner in the Netherlands, Industry Focus: Information Technology.

Below, you will find an overview of our rankings and a selection of client testimonials.

RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY
Counting corporates, financial institutions and court-appointed trustees among its key clients, Wijn & Stael Advocaten advises on a wide spectrum of domestic and cross-border restructuring and bankruptcy matters. Noor Zetteler focuses on financing, securities and insolvency issues, while Remco Vermaire‘s practice covers restructuring issues for businesses, directors and lenders. Thijs van Zanten, a seasoned litigator, has notable experience in insolvency-related liability disputes and Supreme Court-level procedural work. Robert van Faassen specialises in bankruptcy law and Anne Mennens brings financing expertise to restructuring and insolvency matters.

Leading partner: Noor Zetteler
Leading associate: Anne Mennens

Testimonials:

• ‘Good knowledge, good team.'
• ‘Professional, creative, customer is central. Integrity.’
• ‘Noor Zetteler is competent, open, in control of the process, easy and fast in making decisions, and a very nice person to work with.'
• ‘The team was excellent, as a client I really felt their support, especially in the very challenging times for our company.'
• 'Noor Zetteler: clear and direct communicator, aimed at reaching solutions.'
• 'Remco Vermaire: Sharp, calm, thinking steps ahead.'

DISPUTE RESOLUTION: COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Wijn & Stael Advocaten N.V. strengthened with the arrival of new practice co-head and commercial disputes expert Leonore Bruining from Hogan Lovells International LLP. The firm focuses its dispute resolution practice on handling restructuring and insolvency disputes as well as Supreme Court litigation. Fellow co-head Noor Zetteler handles litigation involving finance, securities and insolvency law. A further insolvency law expert, Thijs van Zanten heads up the Supreme Court litigation team. Also co-heading the team, Remco Vermaire is sought-after among financial institutions for representation in bankruptcy litigation.

Testimonials:

• ‘The team is diverse, works well together and is able to put things into perspective and set out a strategy. What stands out positively is the strength of communication, in which all stakeholders are frequently involved.’
• ‘Extensive expertise, distinctive communication and result-oriented. Special mention to Noor Zetteler.’
• ‘They are not only highly skilled litigators, but also trusted sparring partners who are proactive, creative and solution-driven. Their teamwork is seamless, and you can feel the synergy between partners and associates.’
• ‘The individuals I have worked with at Wijn & Stael stand out for their dedication, personal involvement, and clear communication style. They are accessible, responsive and always prepared to go the extra mile. What I value most is their ability to combine excellent technical skills with a genuine understanding of the client’s business context.’
• ‘Very good quality and direct attention and contact with the partner.’
• ‘Noor Zetteler is very sharp and straight to the point. Thijmen Hatt is a pleasure to work with and communicates proactively.’

EMPLOYMENT
Wijn & Stael Advocaten‘s employment practice is co-headed by Else Loes Pasma, who is known for her expertise in individual and collective dismissals, boardroom and senior executive disputes, restructuring, and misconduct investigations. Also co-leading the team, Leendert Kruidenier focuses on wrongful dismissal cases and employment disputes. The team is well-versed in navigating governance and employment litigation, corporate restructurings, co-determination issues and matters involving employment conditions and equal pay.

Testimonials:

• ‘The team is both capable and patient. They focus on finding solutions that align perfectly with the client’s risk appetite and preferences.’
• ‘Else Loes Pasma is empathetic and understanding. When talking to her you first feel like you are talking to an empathetic and listening individual. It is after that, that her legal expertise comes in.'
• ‘The team combines strong expertise in both corporate and labour law with a pragmatic, hands-on approach. They are highly responsive and provide clear, practical advice that is easy to apply in complex business situations.’
• ‘They are approachable, responsive, and always take the time to understand the business context behind our questions. They give clear, actionable advice rather than overly theoretical analysis.’
• ‘This practice is unique as it consists of a group of very strong and persistent lawyers with an incredible knowledge in their field and the companies they deal with, and with an exceptional human touch.’
• ‘I valued a lot that Maaike Faber always brought an empathic component in the discussions.’

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING
Wijn & Stael Advocaten advises public authorities, developers, and corporates on environmental, spatial planning, and public law mandates. The team is led by the ‘highly knowledgeable’ Shanna Derksen, who centres her practice on environmental compliance, permitting, nitrogen regulation, and zoning. Derksen is supported by the ‘great negotiator’ Simon de Graaff, who regularly litigates on zoning and enforcement matters. In October 2025, Anke Nijenhuis joined the team, bringing expertise in land use matters and administrative and environmental law issues.

Testimonials:

• ‘Their knowledge, reputation and flexibility. Always a quick response.'
• ‘The Wijn & Stael team is a well-oiled machine, comprised of specialists in numerous areas who are highly knowledgeable and well-versed in their field.’
• ‘Wijn & Stael is an excellent boutique firm with a solid reputation. Highly skilled lawyers who achieve fantastic results for their clients and are very approachable.’
• ‘Shanna Derksen is an expert in her field. Highly knowledgeable, approachable, down-to-earth, excellent communicator, and truly attuned to the client's needs.'
• 'Simon de Graaff has in-depth knowledge of environmental law.’
• ‘These lawyers are really very effective!’

More information about our listing can be found on The Legal 500 website.