Joris Willems
Expertise
He often acts as a trusted advisor at boardroom level for (international) technology, media and financial services companies, including on topics such as AI strategy and AI governance.
Joris has extensive experience in complex multi-jurisdictional transactions and has previously worked in Hong Kong, Shanghai and London. He quickly adapts to different (business) cultures and their specific ways of doing business.
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Work highlights
- Advised SoftBank Vision Fund 2 on various investments in technology companies, including AI companies, such as its Series C investment in Dutch scale-up SendCloud.
- Advised beIN Media Group as global lead outside counsel on the rollout of a new global streaming platform (TOD), including the use of AI-powered tools.
- Advised Prosus on the global launch of its proprietary GenAI tool, Toqan and the adoption by amongst others its subsidiaries iFood, StackOverflow and JustEatTakeaway.
- Advised a variety of leading financial institutions — including ABN Amro, Rabobank, ING Bank and Knab — on strategic technology-related matters.
- Advised high-profile clients such as ABN Amro Bank, beIN Media Group, nexos.ai, Prosus, Rabobank and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on AI, technology and (big) data matters.
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What others say
- "Joris Willems stands out with his excellent pro-active counselling, understanding of the business and broad perspective on new developments." The Legal 500, 2026
- "Joris Willems stands out with his in-depth legal knowledge, while Danique Knibbeler provides excellent GDPR advice." The Legal 500, 2026
- "Joris Willems is brilliant and a huge asset." The Legal 500, 2025
- "Joris Willems is extremely seasoned and knowledgeable. He understands what drives legal departments in our industry." The Legal 500, 2025
- "Joris Willems is a great lawyer and person to work with. He is very down-to-earth and interested in his clients." Chambers Europe, 2025
- "Joris Willems is a pleasure to work with and provides invaluable advice." Chambers Europe, 2025
- Joris is a Leading Individual in both Information Technology and Telecom (Legal 500), and is named a Thomson Reuters’ Stand-out Lawyer.
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Ancillary functions
- Chair of the Dutch Association for AI and Robotics Law (NVAIR) (www.nvair.nl), and a frequent and sought-after speaker on AI-related topics.
- Joris was among the first group of 500 people worldwide to successfully pass the AIPP AI Governance certification exam in April 2024 (www.aipp.org).
- Joris is a regular speaker at international events such as LegalGeek Europe 2026 and IAPP AIGG Europe 2025.
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Qualifications
Joris graduated from the University of Amsterdam with a master’s degree in Dutch law. He studied at University of Columbia School of Law in New York as part of an exchange student program. Joris holds a post-graduate degree in Information technology law from the Grotius Academy.
He joined NautaDutilh in 2021 as a partner and head of the Technology Group. Before joining NautaDutilh, Joris was a partner for many years at a global law firm where he held numerous global leadership positions.
