For over twenty years, this large and reputable legal publishing house publishes the leading directories of the legal profession. In their process they select firms based on three steps: submissions put forward by law firms upon request of the publisher; client interviews seeking feedback and lawyer interviews providing peer reviews, both administered by seasoned and objective researchers; and, finally, database research. As a result, law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in Bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best.

 

According to Chambers & Partners Dutch Caribbean law firms Spigt Dutch Caribbean and VanEps Kunneman are the leading go-to firms in our jurisdiction. These two firms have the desired Band 1 firms status, like last year. 

 

On Spigt Dutch Caribbean Chambers says that this firm maintains its position at the forefront of the market in Curaçao, and its tax and corporate litigation teams are regarded as amongst the best in the country. The firm is a popular choice for international law firms seeking local counsel, and also handles high-profile commercial matters for domestic clients. 

 

On VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne it is noted that the firm offers superb expertise in banking and finance and corporate matters, and is "clearly deserving of its reputation as one of the island's top firms." Its client roster includes a number of high-profile organisations, including household names in the hospitality, finance and utilities sectors. The team is supported by offices across the Dutch Caribbean including Aruba, Bonaire and Sint Maarten. Clients value the firm's high-quality service, reporting that they receive "a quick response that's always accurate."

 

Four out of eleven recommended individual lawyers on Curacao are partners of VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne.

 

 

FIRMS (in alfabetical order):

 

General Business Law: Curaçao

 

Band 1

Spigt Dutch Caribbean

VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne

 

Band 2

HBN Law

 

Band 3 

SMS Attorneys-at-Law

Soliana Bonapart & Aardenburg

STvB (formerly Smeets Thesseling van Bokhorst)

 

 

Band 2 is formed by HBN Law. 

This firm is described as a "well-established firm is highly regarded for its broad range of services and regional presence, with offices in Aruba, Bonaire and Sint Maarten. The team is active in the public and financial sectors on a number of major transactions and disputes, and also acts on a variety of project development and financing mandates."

 

Band 3 contains SMS Attorneys at Law, Soliana Bonapart & Aardenburg and STvB .

 

On SMS Attorneys at Law it is said that firm acts for a broad range of clients in commercial litigation, banking, construction, estate planning and tax. The team's experience also includes administrative, labour and offshore matters. Its diverse client base features local and international names, including a few major Dutch companies, from a range of sectors.

 

Soliana Bonapart & Aardenburg is praised for the various areas of expertise it offers, and advises clients on corporate, commercial and construction matters as well as acting on disputes. The firm has a strong domestic practice, and also attracts a number of international clients from Latin America and Europe.

 

On STvB the publisher writes that this firm specialises in international transactions, particularly for investment companies, holding companies and other Curaçao-listed entities. The team has experience with a broad range of financial organisations, and also acts for high net worth individuals.

 

 

Chambers & Partners also annually ranks individuals. This year sixteen lawyers receive this honorable praise, of which eleven are on Curacao. Six of this elite group of lawyers come from Band 1 firmsVanEps Kunneman VanDoorne and Spigt Dutch Caribbean, with the first having four recommendations and the latter two. All other firms have one named lawyer.

 

See below a full overview of recommended individuals:

 

Recommended individuals (in alfabetical order):

 

General Business Law: Curaçao

 

Band 1

Eric de Vries (HBN Law)

Karel Frielink (Spigt Dutch Caribbean)

Frank B M Kunneman (VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne)

J M Randolph van Eps (VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne)

Martijn Welten (Spigt Dutch Caribbean)

 

Band 2

Focco W Lunsingh Scheurleer (VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne)

Mirto Murray (Small Murray Scheper (SMS) Attorneys-at-Law)

Willem Van Bokhorst (STvB (formerly Smeets Thesseling van Bokhorst))

 

Band 3

Thomas Aardenburg (Soliana Bonapart & Aardenburg)

Quincy Carrega (Asjes & Carrega)

Michiel Gorsira (VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne)

 

(.Source is Chambers and Partners webpage)

 

All comments on recommended individuals:

 

Eric de Vries (HBN Law) is said to be a lawyer who enjoys an impressive reputation for his work in banking, corporate issues and telecoms. He is described by peers as an "intelligent, creative lawyer" and is praised for his skills as a litigator.

 

 

Karel Frielink (Spigt Dutch Caribbean) is described as "a "great corporate attorney" lauded for his technical knowledge and experience of the local market. He is highly regarded for his work in funds and securities as well as his broader commercial practice". 

 

Martijn Welten (Spigt Dutch Caribbean) Martijn Welten is a "very fine attorney and a strong litigator" who receives a range of plaudits from market sources, including praise for his "practical approach."

 

"Experienced transactional lawyer" Focco Lunsingh Scheurleer (VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne) is well known for his expertise in the banking and finance sector, and his client base features a number of international and regional financial institutions. 

 

Mirto Murray (SMS Attorneys at Law) is described as "Well-respected" and  receives praise for his high level of client service and his wide-ranging knowledge of the local market.

Quincy Carrega (Asjes & Carrega) is praised for his strength in litigation, and also advises on a range of M&A and banking and finance matters.

 

Thomas Aardenburg (Soliana Bonapart & Aardenburg) is active in the corporate and financial sectors, advising on high-profile projects and joint ventures. His client roster includes trust companies, hoteliers, trading companies and financial institutions.

 

 

For last year’s publication, please click here.

 

13 March 2014