DOCK Legal Experts

DOCK Legal Experts is the close cooperation of two law firms: Van Harmelen Beijneveld van Houten and Jumelet Verhagen. In 2016, these two Rotterdam law firms have joined forces and work together closely to offer the best client service at compatible rates. DOCK Legal Experts is a medium-sized law firm. Based in the heart of downtown Rotterdam, we provide a range of litigation, dispute resolution and business law services to clients in shipping, transport and logistics and (international) trade throughout the Netherlands and abroad. Delivering value is of paramount importance to us. We approach each case from a pragmatic point of view, whether in litigation or out of court. We work with our clients to identify and define their goals and develop a litigation strategy that best meets those goals. We then draw upon our extensive resources to implement that strategy in a responsive and cost-effective manner. Our lawyers practice in various specialized legal subject areas, including shipping and trade, as well as business, real estate, insurance and liability. The Transport and International Trade Team focuses on all legal issues concerning international sea and land transport and logistics. This team specializes in:CollisionsCargo damageDisputes on ship building contractsCharter parties, ship's agency agreements, stevedoring damage and bill of lading conditionsShip arrestsLiability under the CMR-conventionCommercial contracts (franchising, distribution and agency)The wet practice is an international litigation and advisory practice. The focus of the wet practice is on assisting the carrier. For their clients the team handles all kinds of disputes in relation to contracts of carriage, charter disputes, cargo claims, personal injury, P&I claims in general, salvage and collision, ships arrest and arrest in general, shipbuilding contracts and disputes with suppliers, recovery, contract review and advisory work on general conditions and liability claims in general, the lawyers also advising the clients on these issues. The lawyers in this team are frequently asked by their clients to draft and negotiate relevant contracts. The Team can be contacted 24/7/365.The lawyers in this team act for, amongst others: Dutch and foreign ship owners, charterers, P&I Clubs, H&M and other liability underwriters, FD&D underwriters, shipbrokers, ship agents, freight forwarders, bunker suppliers, tug companies, stevedores, container lease companies, yards, trucking, air freight and physical distribution companies. They deal with both deep sea and inland navigation matters including yachting matters. All lawyers are admitted to the Rotterdam bar and have experience in litigating before all the courts of the Netherlands which includes the lifting of ship arrests or the arresting of ships and other assets. In addition, our work includes arbitration proceedings before the national and international arbitration institutes, including arbitrations under the TAMARA arbitration rules, LMAA terms and ICC Arbitration Rules. For their Dutch-based clients the lawyers can co-ordinate litigations in foreign jurisdictions. The Insurance & Liability Team has a wealth of experience in dealing with a wide range of cases. The lawyers in this Team assist and act for insurance companies as well as other parties in respect of claims based on e.g., transport damage, personal injury and liability for (professional) faults of, e.g., lawyers, managing directors, supervisory board members, real estate agents, valuators and insurance brokers. Our Business Team assists clients in all matters pertaining their business and advises on issues such as:Mergers and take-oversJoint venturesStart-upsCorporate litigationCommercial contractsBankruptcies and reorganizationInternational and national companies seek the expertise of our lawyers on a variety of issues. Wherever necessary, the team cooperates with the specialized lawyers of other practice groups, e.g. Employment and Real Estate. Our 24HR Emergency Response Service and our valuable worldwide network enables us to assist our clients anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.