About

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.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - Netherlands

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

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.

Work Highlights

  • 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.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Chris Nekeman
3
Chris Nekeman
Head of Employment
3
Band 3

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
4
Soo-Ja Schijf
4
Band 4

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
6
Ester Damen
6
Band 6

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.

Ranked Lawyers at
Kennedy Van der Laan

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Netherlands

Employment

Chris Nekeman
3
Chris Nekeman
Head of Employment
3
Band 3
Soo-Ja Schijf
4
Soo-Ja Schijf
4
Band 4
Ester Damen
6
Ester Damen
6
Band 6

Members

Provided by Kennedy Van der Laan

Chris Nekeman

Chris Nekeman

Head of Department

Ester Damen

Soo-ja Schijf

Clients

Provided by Kennedy Van der Laan

CGI

Martinair

Microsoft

Nike

Reed Business/Elsevier

Syngenta

UWV

Ziggo

Industries

Provided by Kennedy Van der Laan

Construction

Fashion

Finance

Health Care

Insurance

Media

Public Sector

Real Estate

Retail

Technology