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Litigation

Willem Smelt

Lawyer,

Partner

w.smelt@lexence.com
+31 20 573 6747
+31 6 5369 0447

Publications

Chambers 2026

"Willem Smelt is an excellent litigator who is very eager, highly responsive and understands what clients want. I can certainly recommend him."

About Willem

Willem Smelt is a corporate litigator with extensive experience in shareholder disputes, inquiry proceedings before the Enterprise Chamber, M&A‑related disputes, and directors’ and supervisory directors’ liability. Chambers Europe has recognised Willem as ‘Up and Coming’ in Litigation.

In addition, Willem handles a wide range of commercial disputes and litigates regularly, both before the civil courts and in arbitration proceedings.

Willem was admitted to the bar in 2012 and joined Lexence in 2023. He studied Dutch law at VU Amsterdam.

He is a member of the Dutch Association for Corporate Litigation and publishes regularly on topics related to corporate litigation.

International listings

Chambers (2026): "Willem Smelt is a very good lawyer and adviser who understands the complexity and dynamics very well."
Legal 500 (2025): "Willem Smelt is experienced and solution-oriented. He keeps track of the situation and navigates all parties through the pre-trial and trial phases. He is also proactive and very responsive in his communication. "
Legal 500 (2025): "Willem Smelt is an exceptional litigator who is very knowledgable, but at the same time very practical and a real deal maker when this is in the interest of his client."
Chambers (2024): "The Lexence team has creative, to-the-point and intelligent lawyers with lots of different expertise within the team. They provide high-quality service and maximum level of responsiveness in a very comprehensive way."
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