5 Best Civil Litigation Lawyers in Amsterdam That’ll Step In When It Gets Tough
A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a friend who had just left her job, and she sounded honestly overwhelmed.
What she thought would be a clean and simple transition had turned into a string of unresolved questions about her contract and unpaid compensation.
She had already gone back and forth with HR a few times and even looked for quick answers online, but nothing really gave her the clarity she needed.
As we talked, it became clear she wasn’t just dealing with a misunderstanding anymore, but something that needed a proper legal structure to sort out. And that’s often where civil litigation lawyers in Amsterdam come in.
They deal with disputes that have moved beyond informal resolution, helping you untangle conflicts around contracts and claims that are no longer straightforward.
If you’re dealing with a situation that feels harder to resolve than expected, here are the experts in the city who can step in when things need clarity and structure.
How much does a consultation with a civil litigation lawyer cost in Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, a standard consultation can cost you around €150 to €350 per hour. Meanwhile, some civil litigation firms offer an initial chat for free just to understand your situation and assess where they can help you.
1. Sander van Someren Gréve, MAAK Advocaten
Address: Advocatenkantoor Amsterdam, Kraanspoor 34
Contact Details: +31 20 210 3138
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sander van Someren Gréve at MAAK Advocaten is the kind of civil litigation lawyer you turn to when a dispute has real commercial weight behind it.
His core focus sits in manufacturing-related litigation and arbitration, so if you’re dealing with supply agreements or complex operational contracts, he’s very much in familiar territory.
He also works on broader cross-border disputes, particularly German-Dutch business matters and ICC arbitration cases, which makes him a strong fit for international conflicts where multiple legal systems overlap.
In practice, though, what clients tend to appreciate is that Sander van Someren Gréve doesn’t let that complexity carry over how he communicates.
It’s great how he keeps discussions efficient without losing clarity, and even takes the time to sit down with you to unpack the key points properly.
Just keep in mind that he’s not heavily email-driven. Since he’s more focused on meetings and casework, email responses can take time. If you need to grab a document from him, a direct appointment usually works better.
They are always searching for new angles to get the best results
“Great law firm with a very accessible approach. I can highly recommend MAAK Advocaten for international contracts and (impending) trade disputes in the Netherlands. They are always searching for new angles to get the best results. Top firm!”
Robey de Jong, Google Review
MAAK Advocaten has many lawyers with international routes or training
“MAAK Advocaten has many lawyers with international routes or training. This makes the firm suitable when you, as a foreign party in the Netherlands, need advice. If you need help/advise about trade disputes, contracts or a company takeover i truly recommend this law firm!”
Sara Albisser, Google Review
2. Daan Swildens, Legal Advice Wanted
Address: Prinsengracht 741
Contact Details: +31 20 244 6200
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Daan Swildens of Legal Advice Wanted works across a wide range of civil litigation matters, with a strong focus on practical disputes for both entrepreneurs and private individuals.
His work often includes drafting and reviewing agreements to prevent issues later on, as well as stepping in when conflicts arise in areas like employment matters or contractor disagreements.
Clients consistently highlight how fast he responds, with most queries answered within 24 hours, which helps keep situations from dragging on.
And when it comes to his approach, it’s described as very personal. He clearly shows that he prioritises understanding the full context before giving advice, rather than offering rushed solutions.
Meanwhile, he works with fixed-price arrangements, and that makes costs predictable and accessible, especially for small business owners. In fact, he’s seen as one of the more affordable options in the city for this type of legal support.
The main downside is availability, as high client demand means they’re not always able to take on urgent or last-minute cases.
Very approachable and patient
“I had a great experience with Legal Advice Wanted. They have quickly picked up my case and arranged the call with a lawyer Stella Kakanis. She was not only knowledgeable but also very approachable and patient, making a stressful situation much easier.”
Michael Mikh, Google Review
Top-tier communication and customer care
“I can’t recommend this agency highly enough. They’re simply the best at what they do. Top-tier communication and customer care. They will handle your case with care.
If I ever need legal help again, I know exactly where to look.”
Madura Bashana, Google Review
3. Dylan Schreurs, Optimus Advocaten
Address: De Ruijterkade 107
Contact Details: +31 62 324 1299
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Dylan Schreurs of Optimus Advocaten handles civil litigation involving tenancy law, including disputes around rental agreements and related contractual conflicts.
His work also covers different court routes, such as main cases and asset seizure matters, depending on how fast or complex the situation is.
A defining part of his background is his time as senior legal counsel at the District Court of Amsterdam. What I like most about this is the insight it gives him into how cases are actually evaluated at the judicial level.
Having worked closely with judges and helped draft judgments means he understands what carries weight in real decision-making, not just theory.
In terms of process, clients usually note how much attention he gives to each matter. Patrons love how Dylan takes time to explain everything step by step, which makes even more technical procedures easier to follow and less overwhelming.
He’s also appreciated for staying involved beyond the main turning points of a case, continuing to offer guidance even after major developments are settled.
Just be ready for a premium fee level that sits above the city average.
I always felt supported and confident that my interests were being protected
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Dylan was professional, responsive, and truly cared about my case. Every step was explained clearly, and I always felt supported and confident that my interests were being protected. Thanks to him, everything is handled efficiently and with great results. I highly recommend Dylan to anyone looking for someone knowledgeable, trustworthy, and genuinely dedicated to their clients.”
Vivienne P., Google Review
I felt that he genuinely supported my situation
“I had a positive experience working with Dylan. He supported me through a legal case with charisma, discernment, and insight. He listened carefully to my grievances and articulated them logically and effectively in legal discussions. Throughout the process, I felt that he genuinely supported my situation and consistently carried this understanding into discussions. I appreciated his dedication, clarity, and ability to navigate the case with both empathy, rationale and sound legal reasoning. I would recommend him.”
Charlotte, Google Review
4. Chiraz Muradin
Address: Gustav Mahlerlaan 1212
Contact Details: +31 20 308 5924
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Chiraz Muradin began his career at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, one of the Netherlands’ leading firms, where he worked on commercial contracts and employment law.
That early foundation already placed him in a high-level environment, where precision and commercial thinking go hand in hand.
He later moved on to advising larger listed companies, which naturally led him into more complex corporate disputes. So if you’re looking for someone experienced in high-stakes corporate litigation, this is very much his space.
He also has a strong network of notaries and tax specialists, which is useful when cases overlap with structuring or financial questions. And it also reflects in how closely he stays connected with his clients.
Patrons even rave about how responsive he is, with many saying he’s available virtually day and night—yes, even outside his regular hours.
It’s worth noting, however, that his practice is more specialised in corporate litigation. With that, he might be less aligned with general or more straightforward civil matters.
He clearly explained all the ins and outs
“Chiraz was incredibly helpful during my severance negotiation. He made me feel supported, calm, and at peace throughout the whole process. He clearly explained all the ins and outs, which helped me understand my options and reach the best possible resolution in the shortest amount of time. I’m truly grateful for his guidance and highly recommend his services!”
Daniela Mera, Google Review
His communication was very informative and supportive
“Chiraz has been very quick to respond to my note and has provided his initial support during 30min phone call. In this call, he has shown great professionalism with clarifying questions and reviewing the situation very quickly thanks to his level of expertise. His communication was very informative and supportive & made me feel confident before having my conversation with the company. Highly recommended.”
Didem Duygulu, Google Review
5. Adem Çatbaş, Çatbaş Advocaten
Address: Herengracht 495
Contact Details: +31 64 120 4253
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you dealing with tenancy law or administrative law matters, Adem Çatbaş of Çatbaş Advocaten could be a strong fit, especially when housing disputes or public authority decisions start to get complicated.
He launched his own firm in 2024, focusing on more social legal cases. Some of his standout works since its inception include successful claims against platforms like Booking.com, which shows he’s comfortable taking on larger, well-resourced parties.
In terms of client experience, there’s a strong emphasis on keeping people on track with what’s going on. Clients like how well-informed they feel, with regular updates that allow things to remain transparent from start to finish.
He’s also a practical choice for international clients, speaking both Turkish and English fluently, which makes communication much smoother across different backgrounds.
Just a heads up, though: his responsiveness outside business hours can be limited, so he may not always be available for late-night reassurance.
Honest and knowledgeable about tenancy rights
“Quick response, more than enough information about my situation. Honest and knowledgeable about tenancy rights (landlord rights).”
Rudy Firth, Google Review
He keeps you well-informed and makes you feel like you’re not alone
“I’m incredibly grateful to Adem for the help I’ve received. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment are truly admirable. He keeps you well-informed and makes you feel like you’re not alone. He’s also just a very pleasant and friendly person to work with. I recommend him to everyone, especially if you’re looking for someone who truly stands for justice!”
Sou La, Google Review