Rick Cornelissen

Advocaat | Partner

Languages

Dutch
English
German

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Rick specialises in competition litigation (private enforcement) with a specific focus on follow-on cartel damages claims. He also advises on and litigates contractual and other competition law disputes in civil proceedings, including disputes on access to distribution networks and the performance and termination of contracts.

In what are often complex cartel damages claims, Rick helps clients determine the right strategy. This frequently involves a combination of cross-border claims. He uses his legal and practical skills and expertise to create an overview for the client by fulfilling a coordinating role at the required central or pan-European level. Legal 500 has recoginised Rick as a Leading Individual in the field of Class Actions.

  • “One client mentioned that 'Rick is a clear, trustworthy choice for antitrust litigation matters in the Netherlands. He is very smart and has vast knowledge of the law and precedents, being able to develop the best strategy for the cases'.”
    Chambers Europe, Competition/ European Law (2024 Edition)
  • Leading Individual
    Legal 500, Class Actions (2024 Edition)
  • "A client mentions: ‘His dedication, understanding, proactive approach and warm personality make it a joy to work with Rick Cornelissen’."
    Legal 500, Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation (2024 Edition)
  • "One client highlights: ‘I consider Rick Cornelissen the best lawyer I have ever worked with. He is knowledgeable, responsive, very friendly and a great communicator'."
    Legal 500, EU and Competition (2023 Edition)
  • "One client said: 'Rick Cornelissen is simply the best and the only lawyer I could actually be friends with. He is smart and outstanding on a professional level, but – and just as important if not more – he is friendly and funny which make it a pleasure to work with him'."
    Legal 500, EU and Competition (2023 Edition)
  • “A client describes Rick Cornelissen as ‘simply an amazing lawyer with a great sense of humour and great character’ and also appreciates that he is ‘approachable, available and extremely knowledgeable’.”
    Legal 500, EU and Competition (2022 Edition)
  • “A client recommends Rick Cornelissen because he is ‘very client-oriented and provides appropriate measures when needed’.”
    Legal 500, EU and Competition (2022 Edition)
  • Recommended
    Legal 500, Dispute Resolution: Commercial litigation (2022 Edition)
  • Recommended
    Legal 500, Dispute Resolution: Commercial litigation (2021 Edition)

Rick also has extensive experience in advising on, negotiating and litigating many aspects relating to commercial contracts, particularly with regard to distribution, franchise, agency and e-commerce (with a focus on automotive and other high-end consumer goods).

Rick teaches at the Grotius Academy (competition and liability) and is a member of the Dutch Association for European Law, the Dutch Competition Law Association, the Dutch Distribution, Franchise and Agency Association and the Lex Mundi Antitrust Competition and Trade Practice Group. He regularly publishes on competition litigation and distribution law. In recent years, Rick has also been part of the working group responsible for the Dutch contribution to the FIDE report on competition litigation. 

Qualifications & Experience

  • EU Law, Public Economic Law and Economic Business Law (with merit) (Utrecht University)
  • Postgraduate programme on EU Competition Law (with merit) (King's College London)
  • Representing a major truck manufacturer in its defence strategy against multiple cartel damages mass claims.

  • Represented a South Korean listed electronics manufacturer in its defence against several cartel damages claims submitted by major CRT purchasers regarding the manufacture of television screens and computer monitors.