Medezeggenschap

Kennedy Van der Laan takes a sector-focused approach to its employment practice, specialising in the technology, financial, and healthcare sectors, aiding employers and international clients with a slew of employment issues. The firm frequently advises on hybrid working arrangements and diversity and inclusion compliance, and is known for its expertise in co-governance law as well as restructuring and reorganisation projects. Chris Nekeman, Soo-Ja Schijf, and Ester Damen lead the practice together. Nekeman is a specialist in employee participation law, Schijf largely represents multinational companies in reorganisations and dismissals, and Damen acts for both employers and works councils, as well as being the go-to for assisting clients in unethical behaviour matters.

Practice heads: Chris Nekeman; Soo-Ja Schijf; Ester Damen

Leading individuals

Soo-Ja Schijf

Testimonials

• ‘The team always go out of their way to assist our ever-changing business. Due to the relationship which we have built over the years, thy understand our ways of working as well as our quirks so when we do have any issues which we require guidance on, they are up to speed immediately.’
• ‘Soo-Ja Schijf’s instincts are always to protect the company but also provide caution on the impact on the employee so we can ensure that we are doing the right thing and minimising risk.’
• ‘They are proactive, knowledgeable, approachable, good communicators and deliver as promised. They show outstanding levels of integrity and achieve an excellent balance between the personal and business aspects and perspective. They are involved and committed, creative and solutions oriented, and are not afraid to provide bold advice and take legal action. It is a pleasure to work with them.’
• ‘Ester Damen is knowledgeable, dedicated, engaged and committed.’
• ‘Great approach and leadership through the entire legal process. Always supportive and available.’
• ‘They are readily available, and they know our business and industry very well. Their advice is always focused on being ahead of things. They are proactive in involving team members with other areas of expertise.’
• ‘The employment team is dynamic, collaborative and really human.’
• ‘Soo-Ja Schijf is just brilliant. She is super bright, well connected and very commercial. She seeks out opportunities to collaborate for the benefit of her clients.'

Kennedy Van der Laan has a strong focus on sectors including technology, financial services and healthcare, and has specific experience in employee governance, advising and representing employers and work councils. The firm is also active in restructurings and reorganisations, as well as employment-related data protection matters and #MeToo issues. The practice is led by Chris Nekeman, who specialises in employee participation and legal proceedings for works councils and employers, Soo-Ja Schijf, who primarily represents multinationals with European operations, and Ester Damen, who has expertise in employee participation and data protection in employment relationships.

Practice heads: Chris Nekeman; Soo-Ja Schijf; Ester Damen

Testimonials

• Great partnership, always ready to assist, exceptionally professional and very accessible, with multicultural expertise. Very appropriate communication, critical thinking and ownership of the matter.’
• ‘Kennedy suit our company very well as they are used to working with big clients. They are professional, while keeping a practical, down-to-earth approach.’
• ‘We work mostly with Soo-ja Schijf. She is used to working for big international companies and helped us a lot in some complex legal matters.’
• ‘Very responsive, and clear and concise in their advice to cut through some of the more complex aspects of Dutch labour law.’
• ‘Ester Damen is calm and assured, with good commercial sense underpinned by strong technical skills.’
• ‘Good quality. Down-to-earth approach. Practical and quick advice that will help you to proceed.’
• ‘Chris Nekeman is a great sparring partner.’
• ‘Ester Damen is a true business partner to the client’s company and I have great trust in her abilities and intentions for our company. I trust her implicitly.’