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Trusted Experts in Corporate Employment Law

Since 2015, Shearwaters has been a trusted partner for corporate clients and executives navigating Dutch corporate employment law

Navigating Complex Employment Law with Confidence

From executive dismissals to mergers and acquisitions, works council consultations, and strategic business restructurings, we provide clear, pragmatic advice in high-stakes situations. Shearwaters advises multinational corporations, financial institutions, and senior executives on employment-related legal challenges, in three areas of expertise.

What Clients Say About Us

Our clients appreciate our responsiveness, depth of knowledge, and business-driven approach:

“Shearwaters offers the right mix of legal expertise and business acumen, combined with a solid understanding of the people factor in complex employment matters.”

“They are always available, highly responsive, and able to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice.”

 “Maarten is always able to address technical matters in detail.”

“Martijn van Broeckhuijsen brings exceptional strategic insight, predicting counterparties’ responses with precision.”

“We value the responsiveness of Shearwaters. Hester van den Dorpel is exceptional.”

“The team is pragmatic, business-focused, and well-connected. They don’t just provide legal opinions – they get things done.”

A Recognized Leader in the Field

Recognized by independent global legal directories Chambers Europe and The Legal 500 Series EMEA, Shearwaters is known for its strategic insight, sharp legal expertise, and unwavering client commitment.

Shearwaters is consistently ranked among the top employment law firms in the Netherlands. Our team members, including Martijn van Broeckhuijsen and Maarten Vestering, are named as highly recommended and leading lawyers.

Discover more about our rankings:

"The lawyers are pragmatic, on the ball and extremely knowledgeable with regard to Dutch employment law. They understand our business very well."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands

"Maarten takes care of clients' needs in a way that you would never expect from a lawyer."

Maarten Vestering
Employment
Netherlands

"Martijn's strength lies in his ability to predict the counterparty's response and advise his clients accordingly."

Martijn van Broeckhuijsen
Employment
Netherlands

"Shearwaters are always very responsive. They are there to help and listen, and give the cliens confidence in how to proceed."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands

"Maarten Vestering has extensive knowledge of the law and he is commercially minded."

Maarten Vestering
Employment
Netherlands

"Besides his great professional advice, Martijn van Broeckhuijsen is also a nice person and very supportive, which made everything more pleasant."

Martijn van Broeckhuijsen
Employment
Netherlands

"I found the partners at Shearwaters to be extremely responsive. It makes the client feel that they have full accountability for the outcome of the case and will provide whatever service they can to ensure a positive outcome."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands

"Maarten Vestering is a very pleasant lawyer to work with. He is highly skilled and experienced, with clear communication and advice specific to our needs and wants."

Maarten Vestering
Employment
Netherlands

"Martijn is a pleasure to work with."

Martijn van Broeckhuijsen
Employment
Netherlands

"The team is always available and willing to help."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands

"Maarten Vestering has a talent for negotiations. In a very pleasant way, he can summarise the facts and create a strong case for his clients."

Maarten Vestering
Employment
Netherlands

"The team is exceptionally approachable. The lawyers are very knowledgable and always ensure they explain things thoroughly, in a way we can understand so we can implement their advice."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands

"He is balanced, understands clients needs and is extremely knowledgeable about Dutch legislation."

Martijn van Broeckhuijsen
Employment
Netherlands

"They offer a high service level - they're very quick in response and very accessible."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands

"Martijn van Broeckhuijsen is a pleasure to work with and always supports our needs. He is an excellent lawyer with exceptional commercial awareness."

Martijn van Broeckhuijsen
Employment
Netherlands

"Shearwaters understands our business needs, thinks commercially and advises accordingly."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands

"Martijn van Broeckhuijsen provides the required support in a timely manner, showing expert knowledge."

Martijn van Broeckhuijsen
Employment
Netherlands

"Shearwaters just gave me a really good feeling that I was in good hands and should not worry too much."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands

"The team was prompt in responding, indicating a high level of service and attentiveness. The lawyers were very knowledgeable of current trends and changes in labour laws."

Shearwaters
Employment
Netherlands