Amsterdam, 2024
Since our inception in 2015, our clients (including corporate law firms) continually say that we add value when advising them on their oftentimes delicate mandates. Examples of what we do are: executive dismissals, (other) issues arising out of mergers and acquisitions, works council consultation on all statutory topics, collective redundancies and all other employment law topics (whether or not) connected to strategic business restructurings (including negotiations with trade unions and/or works councils on social plans) as well as issues relating to restrictive covenants.
You can view this international recognition and our ranking as a leading law firm in the published editions of major and independent global legal directories Chambers Europe and The Legal 500 Series EMEA.
In addition, our lawyers Martijn van Broeckhuijsen and Maarten Vestering are named ‘highly recommended and leading lawyers’ in the Chambers and Partners guide featuring the best lawyers and law firms across Europe.
This is what clients say about us (sources quoted date from 2019 through to 2024):
“Shearwaters is always very responsive. Shearwaters is there to help and listen, and give the clients confidence on how to proceed.”
“Shearwaters offers the right mix of legal expertise and business acumen, combined with a solid understanding of the people factor in complex employment matters.”
“I found the partners at Shearwaters to be extremely responsive. It makes the client feel that they have full accountability of the outcome of the case and will provide whatever service they can to ensure a positive outcome.”
“The lawyers have a deep understanding of labour law and are able to communicate difficult topics in an understandable way.”
“The team is regarded as ‘business-oriented’ and ‘knowledgeable on key topics’.”
“Martijn van Broeckhuijsen’s vast experience means that he can predict how counterparties will respond, which makes him very good at strategising for a case.”
“A bold presence, exceptional knowledge, and great to work with. Able to adapt quite easily; you can put him in different situations and he is comfortable.”
“Provides advice without allowing the heat of the situation to interfere with timing and decisions.”
“Experienced, quick and really responsive.”
“Brings relevant experience and deep knowledge on the topics at hand.”
“The lawyers receive praise for their responsiveness and ability to translate the complex into the simple.”
“They offer a high service level – they’re very quick in response and very accessible.”
“The team is always available and willing to help.”
“Maarten is always able to address technical matters in detail.”
“Martijn is a pleasure to work with. He is balanced, understands client needs and is extremely knowledgeable about Dutch legislation.”
“We value the responsiveness of Shearwaters. Hester van den Dorpel is exceptional.”
These international awards are based on in-depth, objective research (including feedback from clients) on our firm’s work over the preceding 12 months.
To learn more about Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, please visit:
Shearwaters thanks its clients, its peers and the legal directories for their continued support.
Martijn van Broeckhuijsen and Maarten Vestering, co-heads of Shearwaters, said:
“We are moved and elevated by this continual and reliable international praise since we started in January 2015. Our great team keeps on bringing in high profile mandates of Dutch corporate employment law in the international business environment, acting for leading international businesses and top executives. We remain very humble and crisp, confident and optimistic, as this confirms our strong track record as a seasoned team of committed and trusted advisors with a distinct global mindset. The rankings motivate us to continue to move onward and upward and underpin the real measure of success for the work we do: client satisfaction. We look forward to what’s next!”
