Kennedy Van der Laan mainly serves clients in the technology, financial services and healthcare sectors on employment law issues. The firm is a go-to for its speciality in employee co-governance law issues, where it advises and litigates for employers and works councils. Chris Nekeman handles employee participation matters; Soo-Ja Schijf focuses on reorganisations, works council negotiations, dismissals and outsourcing; and Ester Damen is experienced in handling workplace integrity issues. The three co-chair the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very skilled and reliable.’
- ‘Kennedy Van der Laan’s employment team combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic and client-oriented approach. Responsive, solution-driven, and able to balance legal precision with business realities.'
- ‘Soo-Ja Schijf stands out through her availability, clear communication, and sharp legal expertise. Soo-Ja quickly understands the client’s needs and consistently provides advice that is both technically sound and practical for implementation.'
- ‘The team is approachable, thought is given to the wider circumstances, not just the legal advice.’
- ‘Soo-Ja Schijf is a great listener and has a good feeling for your matter. She treats matters in a personal manner and is not afraid to give feedback on how certain situations could play out and present alternatives where possible.’
- ‘The strengths are carefulness, thorough preparation, stakeholder management.'
Key clients
- KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)
- GKN Aerospace / Fokker
- Central Works Council IBM
- Microsoft
- Nike
- Lucid Motors
- Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Rabobank
- VodafoneZiggo
Work highlights
Advised GKN Fokker on the process of centralising the sites of Fokker in the Netherlands as well as a currently implemented complex restructuring (collective dismissal).
Represented Rabobank in a range of employment law matters and have acted in several legal proceedings, including high-stakes termination cases involving senior executives.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Chris Nekeman; Soo-Ja Schijf; Ester Damen
Other key lawyers
Joëlle Boulet