He is recognised for his pragmatic, commercially focused approach and specialises in complex commercial disputes, contentious corporate insolvency, and cross-border litigation. Willem advises a broad range of clients, from multinational corporations to SMEs and start-ups, across sectors including energy, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and technology.
His work frequently involves high-value disputes relating to commercial contracts, shareholder and director issues, IT and technology matters, and breaches of restrictive covenants. Willem also has extensive international asset recovery experience, having acted for the Trustee in Bankruptcy of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC and the estate of Bernard L. Madoff in ongoing US and global proceedings.
In addition to litigation, Willem advises on arbitration, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Clients value his clarity, calmness, and ability to manage disputes with minimal disruption to their business.
Recent experience includes:
- Representing a US multinational oilfield services company in a contract dispute concerning deep-water hydrocarbon manufacturing off East Africa.
- Successfully defending a British luxury car manufacturer in a multi-party High Court financing dispute involving a limited-edition DB4 GT.
- Advising the same automotive client on a material-breach IT procurement dispute.
- Acting for a national security company in mediation regarding a subcontractor’s breach of restrictive covenants.
- Representing an Infratech start-up in a dispute over strategic advisory and corporate finance fees.
- Advising a media communications firm on a threatened injunction relating to restrictive covenants.
- Representing a corporate entity in winding-up proceedings against a management services provider in the boutique hotel sector.
- Acting for trustees in relation to a breach of contract and enforcement of a contractual guarantee.
Outside of work, Willem is an avid sports enthusiast and outdoor lover. He enjoys playing cricket, serving as President of the Antelopians CC, along with golf and hiking throughout the UK countryside with his wife.
