Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Kennedy Van der Laan
Kennedy Van der Laan’s Labour & Employment team is one of the biggest teams of the Netherlands, representing high profile clients, such as the Dutch Association of Judges and various multination listed companies, such as Nike and Microsoft. The Labour & Employment team is specialized in all aspects of employment law and co-governance law. They are experienced legal advisers and capable litigators.
The team assists HR departments with their on-going employment questions, such as day-to-day HR issues, drafting agreements, restrictive covenants, handbooks and HR policies, creating a flexible workforce, finding solutions for labour conflicts and assist with individual and collective dismissals.
They also deal with and advise on a strategic level on the employment law consequences of all forms of corporate transactions, (international) mergers, acquisitions, outsourcing and business restructurings. They are experienced in offering a total solution for the development and integration of a harmonized employment conditions policy that takes all HR disciplines into account. This also involves discussions and negotiations with the (European) works council and trade unions.
Provided by Chambers
Kennedy Van der Laan offers a distinguished employment team with experience acting for big-name clients in sectors such as transport, technology and banking. The law firm has a distinguished reputation for its work advising employers on TUPE, workforce reorganisations and post-transactional harmonisation. It also represents clients in employment litigation, including in cases relating to diversity and inclusion issues.
Provided by Chambers
Kennedy Van der Laan advised GKN Fokker on the restructuring of several of its business units, which has involved a collective dismissal process, works council proceedings and a voluntary departure scheme.
Provided by Chambers
Due to its vast experience, the team at Kennedy Van der Laan has an eye for detail. The lawyers are good sparring partners.
Kennedy Van der Laan stands out for its personal touch and broader strategic view and advice, which are not restricted to the legal components.
Kennedy Van der Laan provides advice beyond the strict legal matters, it also advises on strategy. The law firm has the right people to handle any question.
The employment law department is quick to respond to complex questions, while keeping its advice practical and easy to understand.
Kennedy Van der Laan is our go-to law firm for employment matters. No matter what specialist question I throw at the team, Kennedy Van der Laan has a specialist in that matter ready to answer it.
Provided by Chambers
Chris Nekeman advises companies on negotiations with works councils, as well as disputes with executive employees and post-M&A restructuring. His wider practice sees him provide guidance on the transfer of undertaking procedures.
Chris Nekeman is very nice to work with. He is quick, has in-depth knowledge and is able to be practical.
Chris Nekeman is an expert in both legal content and business knowledge.
Soo-Ja Schijf has a broad international client base that includes major names from sectors as diverse as banking and medical technology. Her experience encompasses matters relating to non-compete clauses and instances of sexual harassment. She also offers skill working on TUPE matters, hybrid working arrangements and redundancies.
Soo-Ja Schijf is an excellent adviser. She is well equipped to advise on legal complexities with a personal approach, as is required for sensitive employment cases.
Soo-Ja Schijf is an available and practical lawyer.
Ester Damen assists with global restructuring and reorganisation matters. She also advises on inappropriate behaviour and trade union dealings.
If I have a difficult situation, I can give her a call and bounce ideas off her. She does not make problems bigger and is very good at strategising.
Ester Damen is easily accessible and knowledgeable.
Ester Damen provides clear and sound advice.
We are incredibly happy with Ester Damen. She is knowledgeable, personable and always thinks along with us.
Head of Employment
Employment
Employment
Provided by Kennedy Van der Laan
Soo-ja Schijf
Ester Damen
Ester Damen
View profile of Ester DamenSoo-Ja Schijf
View profile of Soo-Ja Schijf
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