Eversheds Sutherland welcomes lateral partner hire Berend Zwart in the Netherlands

Berend joins the global law firm’s Amsterdam office, strengthening the firm’s real estate capability across Benelux. 

With almost 20 years’ experience as a transactional real estate lawyer, Berend brings a notable knowledge in complex transactions, project development, and leasing. He also regularly acts in disputes and arbitrations within these areas. 

Having joined the firm from Osborne Clarke, Berend previously played a leading role in a number of significant real estate projects in the Netherlands including the development, construction and acquisition of the World Trade Centres in Amsterdam and Utrecht and the Markthal in Rotterdam. 

Thera Adam van Straaten, Senior Office Partner the Netherlands, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

“Aside from Berend bringing with him a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge of the Dutch real estate market, we are delighted to be welcoming another professional, enthusiastic and collaborative partner into our Dutch partner group. At a time when the Dutch legal market is incredibly dense and highly competitive, his addition to our team will be hugely instrumental in helping to increase our visibility, expand our offering across the Netherlands, as well as the wider international real estate market.”

James Trafford, Partner and Co-Head of Global Real Estate and Planning, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Berend to our team. His wide experience and track record will significantly enhance our real estate operations in the Netherlands. He will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to our firm and clients. We look forward to working with him and deepening our real estate offering across Europe.”

Berend Zwart, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

"I’m excited to be joining such a strong, dynamic and diverse team at Eversheds Sutherland. I’m eager to bring my experience and knowledge of the Dutch real estate market to this new role and work with the team to help expand our offerings and maximise client service. With Eversheds Sutherland’s leading practice in – among others – the energy and renewables sector and its strong integrated spatial planning and notarial teams, I strongly believe that we can make a difference for our clients and distinguish ourselves from our competitors.”

Eversheds Sutherland also recently appointed Stefan Corbanie as Benelux Managing Partner to support the ongoing collaboration between the firm’s Netherlands, Brussels and Luxembourg offices. This follows a period of growth and investment including partner hires in Benelux with anti-trust partner Marjolein De Backer in Brussels, funds partner Claudia Hoffmann in Luxembourg and litigation and dispute management partner Marie-Helene Berghuijs in the Netherlands.

Stefan Corbanie, Benelux Managing Partner, commented:

“The strength of the economy in the region continues to grow and I look forward to closer alignment on client engagement and building market share. Our clients are increasingly seeking advice to help them navigate complex cross-border matters across the Benelux region. Its real estate market continues to offer a great deal of notable opportunity. Berend’s particular skill set and legal acumen will enable us to further capitalise on that as well as enhance our wider offering to clients.”

The Eversheds Sutherland Real Estate team were recently recognised at The Lawyer Awards 2024, where they were awarded ‘Real Estate Team of the Year’ for their work with global banking giant HSBC on moving its HQ from Canary Wharf to St Paul's in the City of London.