Firm Profile > Straatman Koster Advocaten > Rotterdam, Netherlands

‘The team is very knowledgeable, focused on results and getting these results, and has a broad network 

‘Expertise of all team members I’ve dealt with is always beyond doubt. Availability on the short notice is crucial in our dealings with the firm and flexibility of the team members is extremely high. Productivity and effectiveness makes the use of Straatman Koster a very cost effective option.‘

‘Angela Minderhoud is very driven, sharp and bites into a case. Client service is high on the list.‘

‘This practice is unique for me because of it’s dedicated approach. They deliver sharp written advice in time; high knowledge of our business; good personal approach‘.

‘The individuals (A. Ferwerda, F. van Nouhuys, S. Tichelaar) I worked with are all dedicated to the case, always deliver in time, are (very) sharp in mind and are  normal and down to earth. All of these  aspects that  for me are what makes them different to their competitors‘.

‘The firm provides all legal services needed for real estate projects at the top level, whether it is real estate development or real estate transactions. They are truly excellent value for money with low fees compared to other firms.‘

‘Anne-Marie Ferwerda has an incredible knowledge of public law, especially zoning law. Wilfried Koster is not only an excellent lawyer, but he also has a profound understanding of my business. He always keeps my business goals in mind when advising on legal aspects. He is a truly trusted adviser. He also brings humour to the table, which can be very helpful in tough negotiations.‘

‘In my opinion the juridical help and advice of Straatman Koster is very accurate, linked with the practice of real estate (and not only theoretical), all-round and specific if needed. Very nice personal contact, friendly, reasonable and a joy to work with.‘

‘For years I have worked with Olivier Vermeulen as a juridical adviser, sometimes in the role of a lawyer (law cases). In these situations Olivier has the excellent qualities for being diplomatic and emphatic at the same time (besides the excellent juridical knowledge of matter) and seeking solutions. By this positive and emphatic position, a lot of cases can be solved quite easily and smoothly. In fact Bas Razenberg, Violet Acar and Thérèse Fraai have these qualities in common with Olivier. Enthusiastic, accurate, friendly and always provide good advice leading to solutions.‘

‘They have a lot of knowledge. Understand the situation from both sides, which give them the ability to find the right legal solution.‘

‘Have the ability to explain the problem and solution in simple Dutch words. They also have an eye for the social aspect of our work.‘

‘Straatman Koster is a highly specialised niche firm with 25 lawyers. I appreciate its pragmatic approach and engagement at the strategic level, followed by executing on contracts and litigating when necessary. They have a team with specialists, mostly senior lawyers, the team acts very quickly, and is responsive and pro-active. They know the market and work for both private and public parties, which makes them good all-round lawyers as well.‘

‘My contact person is Joost Hoekstra. I consider him to be a leading real estate lawyer with a broad experience in project development. He combines broad experience and knowledge of private and environmental law, which is very helpful in negotiating and drafting agreements relating to project development. Furthermore, he is a specialist in transformation projects, which is one of the hot topics in Dutch real estate these days, and public-private partnership contracts.‘

‘Price versus quality; quality of good contracts is very good. Fast delivery and contact response, pro-active discussions during negotiations. Able to discuss legal items with non-legal counterparts. Clear use of language in contracts – no archaic language. Good social skills.‘

‘Joost Hoekstra: clear language, amiable, pro-active in pointing out potential pitfalls, able to explain legal discussions to non-legal counterparts. Knowledge of all relevant items in real estate. Good at deducing potential fiscal consequences as well as seeking additional advice, good social skills. Marinda de Smidt: clear language, good social skills, very good with additional knowledge on spatial and environmental legislation as well as real estate. To the point and good at explaining legal concepts, to both legal counterparts and non-legal counterparts. Bas Razenberg: good at planning, always delivers within the planned time frame, knowledgeable about real estate.‘