Dirk-Jan Duynstee heads the Litigation Department of Clifford Chance in Amsterdam. Dirk-Jan specialises in corporate and securities litigation, including directors' liability, governance issues, public take-over disputes, shareholder disputes and squeeze out proceeding. Dirk-Jan also has vast experience in banking and finance litigation.
Dirk-Jan often acts before the Enterprise Chamber and is a member of our global risk leadership team.
- Representing various board of directors and supervisory boards in bankruptcy situations
- Acting for financial institutions in proceedings relating to the duty of care issues and bankruptcy related matters
- Assisting in the defence against a claim for in excess of EUR800 million brought by a social housing association in relation to derivatives transactions it entered into with a major global bank
- Representing various shareholders in proceedings regarding private equity investments, disputes related to exits, information rights, (the meaning of) shareholders' agreements and directors' liability
- Representing various financial institutions and hedge funds in public offer situations, governance disputed and squeeze-out proceedings
- Advising private equity firms in relation to a disputes with fellow shareholders regarding an exit
News and client work
Contact details
- Clifford Chance, Amsterdam
- +31207119120
- Email me
- Speaks Dutch and English
Career & qualifications
- University of Utrecht (Law) 2000
- VNU/AC Nielsen, management/sales functions 2003
- Admitted as an advocaat in Netherlands 2003
- Joined Clifford Chance 2003
- Spigthoff 2006
- Partner at Spigt Litigators (formerly Spigthoff) 2010
- Grotius Academy (post academic Company & Liability) 2010
- Rejoined Clifford Chance as a Partner 2012
Professional bodies
- Dutch Association of Corporate Litigation
- Dutch Association of Securities Law
Awards and citations
- "We have found that Dirk-Jan Duynstee's calm approach and demeanour to be particularly reassuring for the senior stakeholders. We have relied on Dirk-Jan's advice in high stress scenarios and the team has always been very impressed."
The Legal 500 Netherlands – Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation, 2026 - "Dirk-Jan Duynstee has a strong personality, is a good strategic thinker, has excellent competence, is prudent and takes great care of the client."
The Legal 500 Netherlands – Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation, 2026 - "Dirk-Jan Duynstee provides excellent and timely advice on all cases we have briefed him on. We are very impressed by him."
Chambers European Guide – Litigation, 2026 - "He has extremely outstanding capabilities for handling very stressful situations and breaking them into very simple and plain marching orders."
Chambers European Guide – Litigation, 2026 - "We are impressed by Dirk-Jan's specialisation in high-stakes litigation and his dedication to cases. He showcases the ability to handle intricate legal challenges with precision and expertise."
Chambers European Guide – Litigation, 2026 - "He has been with us throughout the whole process. He has always been available, willing to explain and proactive with his work."
Chambers European Guide – Litigation, 2026 - "Dirk-Jan Duynstee is very clever, constructive and clear. He understands the stakeholders and handles them well."
Chambers European Guide – Litigation, 2026