Houthoff Podcast

Having a clear view of developments in class actions, particularly in Europe, is key. Isabella Wijnberg, lead researcher of the Houthoff Class Action Survey, has an in-depth understanding of the field. She foresees greater market harmonisation and a rise in number of cases. In the final episode of the Class Action in Action podcast series, Isabella shares her compelling vision of what lies ahead. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST The world of class actions is undergoing rapid transformation. Legislative frameworks are evolving and collective litigation is gaining traction, placing more organisations at the centre of complex mass claims. In season two of the Houthoff podcast series Class Action in Action, defence lawyers from different jurisdictions once again share their insights and expectations for the near future. Together with Dave Cohen, they discuss emerging trends, their profession, and the landmark cases shaping the field.

In Italy, mass claims are relatively new. In recent years, the number of cases has grown significantly, with 35 new cases filed in 2025 alone. This development requires adjustments from both lawyers and their clients. Luca Ferrari from Milan is Head of the Finance & Financial Services Litigation Practice Area at the leading firm Chiomenti. He explains what these adjustments entail. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST The world of class actions is undergoing rapid transformation. Legislative frameworks are evolving and collective litigation is gaining traction, placing more organisations at the centre of complex mass claims. In season two of the Houthoff podcast series Class Action in Action, defence lawyers from different jurisdictions once again share their insights and expectations for the near future. Together with Dave Cohen, they discuss emerging trends, their profession, and the landmark cases shaping the field.

The European Representative Actions Directive has not yet been implemented in Spain. When and how this will happen remains to be seen. Once it does, it will have a significant impact on the work of Miguel Ángel Cepero, a lawyer in Madrid at the renowned firm Uría Menéndez. He hopes the system will not follow the American or Dutch model. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST In the ever-changing world of class actions, two things are certain: legislation is rapidly evolving and more organisations are facing mass claims. In season two of the Houthoff podcast series Class Action in Action, defence lawyers from different jurisdictions once again share their insights and expectations for the near future. Together with Dave Cohen, they discuss emerging trends, their profession, and the landmark cases shaping the field.

If there is one European jurisdiction where the mass claims landscape has undergone significant change in recent years, it is the Netherlands. These developments bring both opportunities and challenges. The key question is: how should organisations navigate this evolving landscape? In this episode, mass claims expert Albert Knigge reflects on the impact of these developments on day-to-day practice and shares insights from his experience in the Dutch market. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST The world of class actions is undergoing rapid transformation. Legislative frameworks are evolving and collective litigation is gaining traction, placing more organisations at the centre of complex mass claims. In season two of the Houthoff podcast series Class Action in Action, defence lawyers from different jurisdictions once again share their insights and expectations for the near future. Together with Dave Cohen, they discuss emerging trends, their profession, and the landmark cases shaping the field. ABOUT THE HOUTHOFF CLASS ACTION SURVEY Houthoff has been tracking the evolution of class actions for several years through its Class Action Survey, a 360‑degree analysis of trends across multiple jurisdictions. Since the first edition seven years ago, developed with leading international law firms, the survey has been updated to reflect changes in the class action landscape. This year, we have expanded the survey further, introducing a concise executive version and extending its scope to 16 jurisdictions and law firms.

Mass claims in Germany are picking up speed. Yet the system in Europe’s largest economy is still waiting for major reforms. Henner Schläfke, head of the class and mass action defence practice group at Germany’s leading law firm Noerr, sheds light on current developments and possible next steps. One thing is certain: small issues can lead to large-scale risks. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST The world of class actions is undergoing rapid transformation. Legislative frameworks are evolving and collective litigation is gaining traction, placing more organisations at the centre of complex mass claims. In season two of the Houthoff podcast series Class Action in Action, defence lawyers from different jurisdictions once again share their insights and expectations for the near future. Together with Dave Cohen, they discuss emerging trends, their profession, and the landmark cases shaping the field. ABOUT THE HOUTHOFF CLASS ACTION SURVEY Houthoff has been tracking the evolution of class actions for several years through its Class Action Survey, a 360‑degree analysis of trends across multiple jurisdictions. Since the first edition seven years ago, developed with leading international law firms, the survey has been updated to reflect changes in the class action landscape. This year, we have expanded the survey further, introducing a concise executive version and extending its scope to 16 jurisdictions and law firms.

To opt in or to opt out, that is the question. After ten years of the opt-out system, the UK government has launched a consultation to review its future. Defence lawyer and specialist Alex Evans of London’s top firm Macfarlanes shares his perspective and explains which of the two he believes is the right approach. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST The world of class actions is undergoing rapid transformation. Legislative frameworks are evolving and collective litigation is gaining traction, placing more organisations at the centre of complex mass claims. In season two of the Houthoff podcast series Class Action in Action, defence lawyers from different jurisdictions once again share their insights and expectations for the near future. Together with Dave Cohen, they discuss emerging trends, their profession, and the landmark cases shaping the field. ABOUT THE HOUTHOFF CLASS ACTION SURVEY Houthoff has been tracking the evolution of class actions for several years through its Class Action Survey, a 360‑degree analysis of trends across multiple jurisdictions. Since the first edition seven years ago, developed with leading international law firms, the survey has been updated to reflect changes in the class action landscape. This year, we have expanded the survey further, introducing a concise executive version and extending its scope to 16 jurisdictions and law firms.

Although Portugal is a relatively small jurisdiction, it has become the European epicentre of class actions. Sofia Vaz Sampaio, head of the litigation and arbitration team at the top ranked Morais Leitão in Lisbon, is at the forefront of these developments. Has the number of cases peaked, or are there signs of stabilisation? ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST The world of class actions is undergoing rapid transformation. Legislative frameworks are evolving and collective litigation is gaining traction, placing more organisations at the centre of complex mass claims. In season two of the Houthoff podcast series Class Action in Action, defence lawyers from different jurisdictions once again share their insights and expectations for the near future. Together with Dave Cohen, they discuss emerging trends, their profession, and the landmark cases shaping the field. ABOUT THE HOUTHOFF CLASS ACTION SURVEY Houthoff has been tracking the evolution of class actions for several years through its Class Action Survey, a 360‑degree analysis of trends across multiple jurisdictions. Since the first edition seven years ago, developed with leading international law firms, the survey has been updated to reflect changes in the class action landscape. This year, we have expanded the survey further, introducing a concise executive version and extending its scope to 16 jurisdictions and law firms.

The world of class actions is undergoing rapid transformation. Legislative frameworks are evolving and collective litigation is gaining traction, placing more organisations at the centre of complex mass claims. In season two of the Houthoff podcast series Class Action in Action, defence lawyers from different jurisdictions once again share their insights and expectations for the near future. Together with Dave Cohen, they discuss emerging trends, their profession, and the landmark cases shaping the field. Roger Cooper is partner at the New York–based and esteemed law firm Cleary Gottlieb, where he leads the securities and M&A litigation practice. While class actions have a long-standing history in the United States, the field continues to evolve. The growing number of cases linked to developments in AI alone shows that this trend is only accelerating.

Deglobalisation has a very noticeable impact on M&A deals. The higher the world tension, the more checks governments carry out during the deal process. This dynamic can lead to extra complexity. Houthoff partner and M&A lawyer Philip van der Eijk knows very well how to handle it. He explains to Dave Cohen the current challenges in cross-border deals.

If the former General Counsel of Dutch semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia learned anything from being majorly hit by the impact of deglobalisation, it is: think like a Corporate Affairs Officer, invest in relationships before you need them, and implement scenario planning. Charles Smit, now Associate Partner at FGS Hague Corporate Affairs, shares his experiences with Dave Cohen and offers advice on how legal teams can adapt to the political climate.

Richard Willis is partner in the Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Investigations practice at Arthur Cox in Ireland. He discusses the emerging state of class actions in Ireland. Although third-party funding is still not permitted, there is a sense that this might change in the near future. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST In the ever-changing domain of class actions, two things are certain: legislation is rapidly evolving across Europe and beyond, and an increasing number of organisations are facing mass claims. In the Houthoff podcast series 'Class Action in Action', defence lawyers from various countries share their insights and expectations for the near future. From the US to Portugal, specialists agree that companies and governments must take action if they want to prepare for this type of lawsuit. But what can they anticipate? In the six-part podcast series Class Action in Action, the experts from around the world discuss their thoughts with Dave Cohen. For more information about the Houthoff Class Action Survey: www.houthoff.com/expertise/topics/class-actions

Henner Schlaefke is partner at the German firm Noerr, where he is a specialist in banking and capital markets law. He advocates for a new system for class actions in Germany, as the current system is far from ideal. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST In the ever-changing domain of class actions, two things are certain: legislation is rapidly evolving across Europe and beyond, and an increasing number of organisations are facing mass claims. In the Houthoff podcast series 'Class Action in Action', defence lawyers from various countries share their insights and expectations for the near future. From the US to Portugal, specialists agree that companies and governments must take action if they want to prepare for this type of lawsuit. But what can they anticipate? In the six-part podcast series Class Action in Action, the experts from around the world discuss their thoughts with Dave Cohen. For more information about the Houthoff Class Action Survey: www.houthoff.com/expertise/topics/class-actions

Simon Day, partner at Macfarlanes in London, specialises in competition litigation and collective actions. He notes that starting a class action in the UK is relatively straightforward, but warns that the risk of abuse is a concern for the future. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST In the ever-changing domain of class actions, two things are certain: legislation is rapidly evolving across Europe and beyond, and an increasing number of organisations are facing mass claims. In the Houthoff podcast series 'Class Action in Action', defence lawyers from various countries share their insights and expectations for the near future. From the US to Portugal, specialists agree that companies and governments must take action if they want to prepare for this type of lawsuit. But what can they anticipate? In the six-part podcast series Class Action in Action, the experts from around the world discuss their thoughts with Dave Cohen. For more information about the Houthoff Class Action Survey: www.houthoff.com/expertise/topics/class-actions

Mariana Soares David is partner at the Portuguese law firm Morais Leitão and is part of their litigation and arbitration team. In just a few years, the number of class action cases in Portugal has grown at an unparalleled rate compared to other jurisdictions. Although the country is still adapting to this surge, it has become a formidable force in class action litigation. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST In the ever-changing domain of class actions, two things are certain: legislation is rapidly evolving across Europe and beyond, and an increasing number of organisations are facing mass claims. In the Houthoff podcast series 'Class Action in Action', defence lawyers from various countries share their insights and expectations for the near future. From the US to Portugal, specialists agree that companies and governments must take action if they want to prepare for this type of lawsuit. But what can they anticipate? In the six-part podcast series Class Action in Action, the experts from around the world discuss their thoughts with Dave Cohen. For more information about the Houthoff Class Action Survey: www.houthoff.com/expertise/topics/class-actions

Roger Cooper is partner at the New York-based law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, where he leads the securities and M&A litigation practice. He is passionate about working on class action cases but believes that the financial incentives to initiate such lawsuits in the US are somewhat excessive. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST In the ever-changing domain of class actions, two things are certain: legislation is rapidly evolving across Europe and beyond, and an increasing number of organisations are facing mass claims. In the Houthoff podcast series 'Class Action in Action', defence lawyers from various countries share their insights and expectations for the near future. From the US to Portugal, specialists agree that companies and governments must take action if they want to prepare for this type of lawsuit. But what can they anticipate? In the six-part podcast series Class Action in Action, the experts from around the world discuss their thoughts with Dave Cohen. For more information about the Houthoff Class Action Survey: www.houthoff.com/expertise/topics/class-actions

Isabella Wijnberg is lawyer and mediator at the Dutch law firm Houthoff. She led the Houthoff Class Action Survey, a major study on class actions across 12 countries that she also conducted in 2019. She predicts that the Netherlands could become the epicentre of class actions in Europe in the coming years. ABOUT CLASS ACTION IN ACTION PODCAST In the ever-changing domain of class actions, two things are certain: legislation is rapidly evolving across Europe and beyond, and an increasing number of organisations are facing mass claims. In the Houthoff podcast series 'Class Action in Action', defence lawyers from various countries share their insights and expectations for the near future. From the US to Portugal, specialists agree that companies and governments must take action if they want to prepare for this type of lawsuit. But what can they anticipate? In the six-part podcast series Class Action in Action, the experts from around the world discuss their thoughts with Dave Cohen. For more information about the Houthoff Class Action Survey: www.houthoff.com/expertise/topics/class-actions

Er zijn culturele verschillen tussen landen die van invloed zijn op een mediationtraject. Over het onderscheid tussen de Nederlandse stijl van business mediation en de Angelsaksische variant: Willy de Mooij. Ze was als bestuurder bij Vestia jarenlang (mede)verantwoordelijk voor het afwikkelen van het miljarden derivatenschandaal van de woningbouwcoöperatie. Bij het oplossen van de problemen met partijen uit tal van landen heeft mediation een belangrijke rol gespeeld.

Een succesvol fusie- of overnameproces vraagt veel van de onderhandelaars. De vaardigheden van een mediator kunnen -naast andere factoren- grote impact hebben op de uitkomst van een deal. Over welke technieken advocaten in hun voordeel kunnen inzetten: Richard Witvliet, M&A-advocaat en partner bij Houthoff en mediator.

Zakelijke geschillen zijn van alle tijden. Deze oplossen via mediation was er nog niet altijd. Hoe mediation z'n intrede deed op de corporate werkvloer: Peter Bouwes Bavinck, voormalig Head of Legal bij ING en Nationale-Nederlanden.

De bestuurskamer is uiteraard niet gevrijwaard van onderlinge spanningen. Hoe conflicten daar ontstaan en worden opgelost, met behoud van de goede relatie door mediationvaardigheden: Marry de Gaay Fortman, trusted boardroom advisor, Houthoffadvocaat en commissaris bij verschillende grote organisaties. Ze is zeer ervaren in conflictmanagement op C-level en is bestuurslid van Mundi Mediatores, een internationaal netwerk van mediators.

Hoe professioneel iemand ook is, emoties spelen altijd een belangrijke rol in de dynamiek tussen mensen. Zeker als er een zakelijk conflict is, is het van groot belang om te begrijpen welke invloed emoties hebben op ons denken. Over de impact van emoties in conflicten: George Smits, docent aan de Tilburg University, psycholoog en mediator.

Advocaten wordt steeds vaker gevraagd om mediation-vaardigheden in te zetten. Over wat mediation advocacy is en hoe het een strategische aanvulling kan zijn: corporate litigator Isabella Wijnberg, advocaat bij Houthoff, gespecialiseerd in massaschadeclaims en IMI Certified Mediator. Binnen Houthoff is ze verantwoordelijk voor mediation-trainingen.

De Houthoff-podcast is terug. In See you in Mediation gaat Dave Cohen in gesprek met Houthoff-advocaten, mediators, een psycholoog en bestuurders over hoe business mediation werkt en welke vaardigheden nodig zijn om zakelijke geschillen succesvol op te lossen. Vanaf 20 maart om de week een nieuwe aflevering op Spotify en Apple Podcasts. Volg de podcast en mis geen aflevering!

• Muziek: Coppelia • Componist: Léo Delibes • Orkest: Het Balletorkest • Dirigent: Koen Kessels In het Decoratelier van Nationale Opera & Ballet ruik je het houtzaagsel en zie je de verfspatten op de vloer. Het grootste theaterproductiehuis van Nederland maakt alles zelf door teams van vakspecialisten. Het zijn mensen die normaal niet in de schijnwerpers staan. Luister naar een rekwisiteur, productievoorbereider en een kostuumbeheerder, over hoe zij te werk gaan en wat hun uitdagingen zijn.

In het Decoratelier van Nationale Opera & Ballet ruik je het houtzaagsel en zie je de verfspatten op de vloer. Het grootste theaterproductiehuis van Nederland maakt alles zelf door teams van vakspecialisten. Het zijn mensen die normaal niet in de schijnwerpers staan. Luister naar een rekwisiteur, productievoorbereider en een kostuumbeheerder, over hoe zij te werk gaan en wat hun uitdagingen zijn.

• Muziek: Giulio Cesare • Componist: Georg Friedrich Händel • Orkest: Freiburger Barockorchester • Hallische Händel-Ausgabe © Bärenreiter-Verlag Kassel · Basel · London · New York · Praha • Dirigent: Réne Jacobs In het Decoratelier van Nationale Opera & Ballet ruik je het houtzaagsel en zie je de verfspatten op de vloer. Het grootste theaterproductiehuis van Nederland maakt alles zelf door teams van vakspecialisten. Het zijn mensen die normaal niet in de schijnwerpers staan. Luister naar een rekwisiteur, productievoorbereider en een kostuumbeheerder, over hoe zij te werk gaan en wat hun uitdagingen zijn.

Gedreven door passie, ambitie en vakmanschap zijn Nationale Opera & Ballet (NO&B) en Houthoff hechte partners geworden. De samenwerkring heeft tot grote succes geleid en is uitgegroeid tot een pas de deux waarin kennis onderling wordt uitgewisseld. Met Edward de Bock, managing partner van Houthoff en Stijn Schoonderwoerd, algemeen directeur van NO&B maak ik -Dave Cohen- de balans op na vijf jaar partnership.

"26 landen, 23 kantoren, 9 maanden tijd"

Marleen Goossens over de Eurogrit-affaire uit 2017. Hoe raakt zij als advocaat betrokken bij een crisissituatie in de Rotterdamse haven? Marleen vertelt over het ontstaan van deze zaak, haar rol als beginnend advocaat en hoe zij dit heeft ervaren.

Door de gevolgen van de coronacrisis is het voor veel bedrijven onontkoombaar: de reorganisatie. Zeker nu de ontslagboete uit de NOW-regeling is geschrapt, is het wachten op grote reorganisatierondes. Arbeidsrecht advocaten Jet Stolk en Laila Berrich leggen in de Houthoff Podcast uit wat de belangrijkste basisstappen zijn die leiden tot een goed en wenselijk proces voor alle betrokken partijen.

In aflevering 3: Jan Willem de Groot over dé beroemdste zaak uit 2017 – Elliott versus AkzoNobel. Jan Willem vertelt hoe deze zaak tot stand is gekomen, hoe hij de aandeelhouder Elliott Advisors heeft bijgestaan en wat het voor hem interessant maakt om als Litigation advocaat te werken.

Bij Tata Steel wordt hard gewerkt aan forse CO2-reducties en de coronacrisis versnelt dat proces. In 2050 moet de staalproducent klimaatneutraal zijn. In de tussentijd is staal hard nodig voor de energietransitie. Annemarie Manger, Director Sustainability & HSEQ bij Tata, legt in de podcast Catch-2020 uit hoe belangrijk staal is voor de energietransitie en hoe staal duurzaam geproduceerd wordt.

Hoe komen we duurzamer uit de coronacrisis? Aan ambities geen gebrek, maar de praktijk kan weerbarstig zijn. Marloes Brans, advocaat partner en Head of Climate Change bij Houthoff deelt in de podcast Catch-2020 haar visie op de unieke positie van Nederland in de klimaattransitie.

Hoe ziet de wereld er over een paar jaar uit? Die vraag lijkt nu moeilijker te beantwoorden dan ooit. In de podcastserie Catch-2020 gaat Houthoff toch op zoek naar het antwoord. Onze eigen specialisten en top businessleaders delen hun visie over de verwachte bedrijfseconomische veranderingen binnen hun markten en gaan in op welke lessen de coronacrisis ons leren. In aflevering 4: Jeroen Lokerse over de werkplek van de toekomst.

Hoe ziet de wereld er over een paar jaar uit? Die vraag lijkt nu moeilijker te beantwoorden dan ooit. In de podcastserie Catch-2020 gaat Houthoff toch op zoek naar het antwoord. Onze eigen specialisten en top businessleaders delen hun visie over de verwachte bedrijfseconomische veranderingen binnen hun markten en gaan in op welke lessen de coronacrisis ons leren. In aflevering 3: Edward de Bock over de veranderende relatie tussen werkgever en werknemer door de coronacrisis.

In aflevering 2: Mattijs Heijerman over de eerste 3D pilot van het kadaster. Mattijs vertelt vol trots over dit innovatieve project, de rol van een notaris en waar hij zijn plezier uithaalt in zijn werk.

Hoe ziet de wereld er over een paar jaar uit? Die vraag lijkt nu moeilijker te beantwoorden dan ooit. In de podcastserie Catch-2020 gaat Houthoff op zoek naar het antwoord. Onze eigen specialisten en top businessleaders delen hun visie over de verwachte bedrijfseconomische veranderingen binnen hun markten en gaan in op welke lessen de coronacrisis ons leren. In aflevering 2: Inge Huijbrechts over hoe de hotelbranche veilig blijft en versneld innoveert.

Hoe ziet de wereld er over een paar jaar uit? Die vraag lijkt nu moeilijker te beantwoorden dan ooit. In de podcastserie Catch-2020 gaat Houthoff toch op zoek naar het antwoord. Onze eigen specialisten en top businessleaders delen hun visie over de verwachte bedrijfseconomische veranderingen binnen hun markten en gaan in op welke lessen de coronacrisis ons leren. In aflevering één Huib Lebbing over risico's en veiligheid op de (thuis)werkplek.

In de eerste Recruitment Podcast vertelt Philip van der Eijk over een van zijn meest indrukwekkendste zaken: Project Leopard. Hoe komt zo'n zaak binnen bij Houthoff, wat is de rol van een M&A advocaat hierin en waarom krijgt Philip hier zoveel energie van?

Om het nieuwe pensioenakkoord succesvol in te voeren, moet nog een paar flinke hordes genomen worden. Roland de Greef, pensioenrecht advocaat bij Houthoff, voorziet de komende jaren mogelijk een juridische strijd. In de Houthoff Podcast over het pensioenakkoord bespreekt Roland hoe deze juridische strijd mogelijk te voorkomen is.