Arbeidsrecht

Kennedy Van der Laan is highly rated for the range of HR-related advice it can offer in addition to the handling of contentious cases, especially in the finance and tech sectors. Eva Knipschild, Chris Nekeman and Soo-Ja Schijf are the senior partners who oversee work for clients such as Unisys, VodafoneZiggo and Rabobank. It advises Microsoft on all its employment matters including co-governance issues relating to restructures and reorganisations.

Distinguished employment team with a strong footprint in sectors including consumer goods, technology and financial services. Has a distinguished reputation for its representation of both employers and works councils in the area of employee participation. Advises on ongoing employment law issues arising for major global clients. Assists with collective dismissals, the transfer of employees and privacy matters.

Sources say that the department "builds relationships and really invests in getting to know us as a client and how our business works," adding that their "personal approach" allows for "custom-made advice."

"They work with us as a team; they don't just give us advice, but rather we make a plan of attack together with the lawyers," says another interviewee, going on to note: "I know that the solutions they offer are really strong because they consider every option; I know they have taken everything into consideration."

Advised TSYS Managed Services on the restructuring of its Dutch workforce. The firm assisted with negotiations with the works council and the dismissal of employees.

Chris Nekeman maintains a particularly strong reputation with respect to co-determination rights. He is described by one client as a "really clever and practical" lawyer. Nekeman has a broad employment law practice that encompasses advisory and litigation mandates.

Eva Knipschild has a strong portfolio of global clients that includes leading fashion and retail companies. She regularly advises on reorganisation projects, dismissals and works council issues. Clients appreciate that she is "very efficient," while other market commentators note her skill in mediation.

Kennedy Van der Laan’s ‘very skilful, knowledgeable’ department is led jointly by Chris Nekeman and the ‘engaging’ Eva Knipschild, who is ‘reassuringly strong and clear’. Healthcare and technology are sector strengths of the team, which is also noted for its employee co-governance capabilities. Thijs Ridder is ‘a very helpful, effective’ senior associate; the ‘absolutely brilliant’ Soo-ja Schijf made associate partner in January 2017.

Chris Nekeman leads Kennedy Van der Laan’s team, which is praised for its ‘international focus’; clients include Microsoft and Nike. The practice is particularly adept in trade union negotiations, employee participation matters and outsourcing. Eva Knipschild is ‘extremely reliable, responsive and client-focused’.

Has a distinguished national reputation for its representation of clients in the area of employee participation on behalf of both employers and works councils. Other areas of strength include privacy and governance matters. Boasts particular sector expertise in the technology and healthcare sectors.

Clients praise the team’s coordination and expertise, stating: “They have good collaboration, are quick to respond and have an in-depth understanding.”

Interviewees also appreciate the firm’s supportive approach to client service: “The whole team is very flexible and eager to assist each other on matters which are not directly related to the expertise of the lawyer who is handling the case.”

Represented Turien & Co in negotiations with the trade union and works council following a reorganisation impacting 150 employees.

Acted for UWV on its employment law work including advising on a number of dismissals and amendments to internal policies.

Microsoft, Nike, Liberty Global, PepsiCo, Ziggo.

Eva Knipschild advances in the rankings following excellent feedback from sources. Peers remark that she is “very impressive” while clients highlight her keen “eye for timetable and political issues.” She recently assisted Martinair Holland with all of its employment and co-governance work, including dealings with works councils and trade unions, reorganisations and dismissals.

Clients describe Chris Nekeman as “quick to respond with good technical knowledge.” He is well known for assisting individuals, businesses and works councils with employment law litigation. A highlight was his representation of Rabobank in litigation regarding a number of dismissals.

Has a distinguished national reputation for its representation of clients in the area of employee participation on behalf of both employers and works councils. Other areas of strength include privacy and governance matters. Boasts particular expertise in the technology, financial services and healthcare sectors.

One client praises the team's collaborative approach, saying: "They ensure knowledge and experience is shared so that the overall experience is at a very high level."

Another client highlights the consistent quality of the service, saying: "If they have to substitute in a colleague, you almost get a clone of the original lawyer you were working with, with the same approach, commitment and response times: the service is truly equal across the board."

Advised Rabobank on a large TUPE-related outsourcing project as well as several dismissal cases.

Assisted Syngenta with restructuring matters, including executive dismissal proceedings and works council negotiations.

Eva Knipschild acts on collective bargaining agreements and works council matters for international clients including Nike and CGI. She is also recognised as a successful mediator. Clients praise her down-to-earth attitude and her ability to "get directly to the bottom of the case and understand and solve problems very quickly."

Chris Nekeman is highlighted by commentators for his expertise in co-determination and described as a lawyer who "knows everything about trade unions and works councils." Clients also appreciate his "practical approach." He handles all employment matters for Microsoft in the Netherlands, including day-to-day HR issues and restructuring matters.