Otto de Witt Wijnen

Attorney-at-law

Otto de Witt Wijnen specialises in insolvency law and restructuring. In more than 25 years in insolvency, he has been involved in many large-scale and high-profile bankruptcies. He has often taken on the role of receiver himself. With his experience as receiver, Otto is uniquely positioned to represent the interests of entrepreneurs, creditors and other interested parties in (impending) insolvency situations.

Specialisations

Otto analyses complex situations quickly and initiates actions designed to prevent a worse outcome for companies on the verge of bankruptcy. In this he is decisive, gives due consideration the often divergent interests which can play a role. As an insolvency specialist, he also applies his expertise to guide companies facing financial difficulties. Otto also knows the ins and outs of the Court Approval of a Private Composition (Prevention of Insolvency) Act (WHOA), which was introduced in 2021, not only on the side of the debtor/entrepreneur, but also on that of creditors, shareholders or other stakeholders. Otto has a large international network of legal colleagues with proven track records in bankruptcy practice and other areas. In international cases, he is therefore able to engage the right specialists in other countries and to actively share his knowledge of international law.

Work experience

  • Attorney-at-law/partner at Legaltree, 2019-present
  • Partner at Kneppelhout & Korthals, Insolvency law, Restructuring, 2002-2018
  • Attorney-at-law at Kneppelhout & Korthals, Insolvency law, Restructuring, 1996-2018

Memberships & ancillary positions

  • Board member (treasurer) Excelsior4All – Community foundation SBV Excelsior, 2011-2021
  • Member – Legalmondo, 2018-present
  • Member – Insol International, 2003-present
  • Member – Insolad (Dutch Association of Insolvency Lawyers), 2003-present
  • Board Member/treasurer – Netlaw, 2006-2016
  • Member of the Board of Delegates – The Netherlands Bar (NOvA), 2009-2013
  • President Insolvency Law Commission – AIJA, 2005-2008
  • National Vice-President – Association Internationale des Jeunes Avocats (AIJA), 2008-2011
  • Member – Association Internationale des Jeunes Avocats (AIJA), 2000-2015

Education

  • PAO Leiden University – postgraduate specialisation WHOA restructuring expert, 2022
  • Grotius Academy – postgraduate specialisation Financing & Securities, 2013
  • Erasmus University Rotterdam – Financial Economy for Trustees in Bankruptcy, 2005
  • Grotius Academy/Insolad – Insolvency law, 2001
  • Université de Rouen, France, 1995
  • Univerisity of Groningen, 1995

Books and publications

  • Guide pratique du recouvrement de créances, Dutch chapter, (2016)
  • De Doorstart, Praktische gids op weg naar een nieuwe toekomst, (The relaunch, a practical guide to a new future) Kneppelhout & Korthals (2014)

Specialisatie