Dirk van Heck

Dirk’s practice covers the whole range of commercial, business and property law. He also has particular experience of cross-border disputes and cases with an offshore aspect, as well as privacy and data protection law.

My work

Hyslop v 38/41 GHC Residents Company Limited [2018] EWHC 3893 (QB) [2018] 11 WLUK 45
(Civil procedure; landlord and tenant; case management; court fees; forfeiture; parallel proceedings;
relief from sanctions; service charges; stay of proceedings)

Fowler v Barron [2008] EWCA Civ 377 (CA) [2008] 4 WLUK 591 [2008] 2 FCR 1 [2008] 2 FLR 831
[2008] WTLR 819 (1008-09) 11 ITELR 198 [2008] Fam Law 636 (1008) 152(17) SJLB 31 [2008] NPC 51
(Real property; family law; beneficial interests; beneficial ownership; entitlement; intention;
unmarried couples)

About me

Having previously worked for a leading international law firm overseas, Dirk was well placed to gain
authorisation to conduct litigation when this became available to self-employed barristers in 2014.
He has done so, running cases from their inception to trial, ever since, whilst continuing to
undertake Direct Access work for litigants-in-person and accept instructions from solicitors.
As a trained mediation advocate, Dirk is as comfortable with alternative dispute resolution as he is
fighting cases through the courts.
In his spare time, Dirk is a keen supporter (and sometimes practitioner) of the performing arts, a
frequent traveller and an aspiring cook.

What my clients say

"My company recently had the privilege of being represented by Dirk in a county court action. He showed a great ability to cut through the issues and focus on the facts. Calm and eloquent, he quickly exposed the smokescreens and inconsistencies put up by the defence and resoundingly won us the day. I would have no hesitation recommending Dirk as an excellent commercial barrister and advocate." - Anthony Dallison, CEO, Fern Marketing Ltd.

"Dear Dirk, I just want to thank you for your assistance in our recent employment tribunal. We were all grateful for your professional yet charming manner throughout the proceedings. You made us feel as though you had a genuine interest in our case and calmly guided us through our first such tribunal, reducing the stress levels by some measure. We felt that you were a 'safe pair of hands', and the icing on the cake at the end of it all was that we won! I will not hesitate to recommend colleagues to you for advice and assistance..." - Colin Farmer FCA, Partner, Alliotts Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors.

"Dirk acted for me on a complicated trust of land case and successfully won the case for me due to his in depth knowledge and professional capability. He is also extremely personable and totally dedicated to his work." - Alison Middleton, homeowner.

Professional & academic

 

  • MA (Cambridge University) – First Class
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Law
  • Jules Thorn Scholar & Astbury Scholar of the Middle Temple
  • Completed the Keble College International Advanced Advocacy Course
  • Completed Bar Council Mediation Advocacy training
  • Called to the Bar of England & Wales
  • Called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (British Virgin Islands)
  • Public Direct Access qualified
  • Authorised to conduct litigation