Otto de Witt Wijnen

Attorney-at-law

Otto de Witt Wijnen is specialised in insolvency law and restructuring. In the insolvency practice, he has been involved in large-scale and much discussed bankruptcies. He has also acted many times as trustee in bankruptcy. Courtesy of his experience as trustee, Otto is in the unique position of being precisely the advocate to represent the interests of entrepreneurs, creditors and other interested parties in (threatened) insolvency situations.

Specialisation

Otto quickly analyses complex situations and set actions in motion, especially also to prevent the entry into (threatening) bankruptcy of enterprises from escalating. In this he is decisive, taking into due consideration the often diverse interests which can play a role. As a specialist in insolvencies, he also applies his expertise by acting as advisor and counsel for enterprises which are facing financial difficulties. Otto also knows the ins and outs of the Court Approval of a Private Composition (Prevention of Insolvency) Act (in Dutch: WHOA), which was introduced in 2021. On whether on the side of the debtor/entrepreneur or that of creditors, shareholders or other stakeholders.

Otto has a large international network of legal colleagues with proven track records in the bankruptcy practice and in other areas. He is therefore in the position to engage the right specialist in other countries in cross-border cases and to actively share knowledge of international law.

Work experience
  • 2019-present: attorney-at-law/partner at Legaltree
  • 2002-2018: partner at Kneppelhout & Korthals, Insolvency law, Restructuring
  • 1996-2018: attorney-at-law at Kneppelhout & Korthals, Insolvency law, Restructuring
Memberships & ancillary positions
  • Board member (treasurer) Excelsior4All, of the social foundation, maatschappelijke stichting SBV Excelsior (2011-present)
  • Insol International (2003-present)
  • Insolad (Dutch Association of Insolvency Lawyers) (2003-present)
  • Board Member/treasurer Netlaw (2006-2016)
  • Board member/treasurer Netlaw (2006-2016)
  • Member of the Board of Delegates of the Dutch Bar Association (2009-2013)
  • President Insolvency Law Commission AIJA (2005-2008)
  • National Vice-President AIJA (2008-2011)
  • Association Internationale des Jeunes Avocats, AIJA (2000-2015)
Education
  • Specialisation course WHOA Restructuring Expert, PAO Leiden University (2022)
  • Financing & Security, Grotius Academie (2013)
  • Financial Economy for Trustees in Bankruptcy, Erasmus Universiteit (2005)
  • Insolvency law, Grotius Academie/Insolad (2001)
  • Université de Rouen, France (1995)
  • Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (1995)
Books and publications
  • Guide pratique du recouvrement de créances, Dutch chapter, (2016)
  • De Doorstart, Praktische gids op weg naar een nieuwe toekomst, (Practical guide to a new future) Kneppelhout & Korthals (2014)
Specialisatie