Heffels Spiegeler Advocaten

Lawyer Brigitte Spiegeler explains how the firm (eg CEO James Smith explains how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs)   What do you see as the main points that differentiate Heffels Spiegeler Advocaten from your competitors? Our firm stands out in two key areas: intellectual property expertise and international reach. As both a practicing international lawyer, mediator and an international artist, I bring a unique perspective to intellectual property law. This combination of experiences enables me to generate creative out-of-the-box solutions for legal issues, and also deeply understand the creative industries, offering tailored legal advice that protects clients’ intellectual assets. This level of insight, particularly in the arts, design, and entertainment sectors, is something that few law firms can provide. In addition, our firm’s international presence is a major differentiator. With offices in (several) European countries, we are well-positioned to handle cross-border legal matters with efficiency and expertise. This allows us to offer seamless legal services to clients operating in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring consistency in legal strategy across borders. Our ability to navigate complex international regulations, combined with local expertise, makes us a trusted partner for clients with global needs.   Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that? In the next 12 months, I anticipate significant growth in our intellectual property and cross-border dispute resolution practices, specifically regarding cross border IP mediation The increasing importance of intellectual property in the digital age, combined with the rise of new technologies, has heightened the need for businesses to protect their creative assets. As someone with a background in both law and the arts, I’ve seen firsthand how vital IP protection has become for industries such as design, entertainment and technology. With more businesses operating in creative and digital spaces, the demand for expert legal advice on IP registration, enforcement and licensing is expected to continue expanding. Additionally, our cross-border dispute resolution practice is expected to expand as a result of the growing complexity of international business transactions. As companies continue to globalize, we are seeing a rise in cross-border commercial disputes, particularly in sectors such as technology, e-commerce, and logistics. Our firm’s international presence and expertise in navigating different legal systems make us well-positioned to meet the demand for strategic counsel in these multi-jurisdictional cases. Both of these areas will be key drivers of growth for the firm over the coming years.   What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients? We recently joined forces with the Helder Advocaten and will become Helder Spiegeler Attorneys- at- Law. This collaboration will directly enhance our ability to serve clients more comprehensively. By joining forces with Helder Advocaten, we’ve expanded both our expertise and resources, particularly in the area of corporate law. This association allows us to provide more specialized legal services, while maintaining the personalized approach that our clients value. Through this partnership, clients will benefit from our increased capacity, deeper insights, and the ability to handle more complex, multi-faceted cases. This change enhances the scope, depth, and efficiency of the services we deliver, ensuring our clients receive the highest level of legal expertise.   Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them? Technology has profoundly transformed the way we interact with clients and the services we deliver. At our firm, we have embraced digital tools to enhance communication and improve client service. Virtual meetings, secure client portals, and cloud-based document sharing platform enable us to provide immediate access to legal advice, regardless of location, which is particularly beneficial for our international clients. This flexibility ensures we can work more efficiently while maintaining a personal connection.   Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business? We continuously assist international clients in tackling complex counterfeit cases by identifying and shutting down unauthorized sellers. Through swift legal actions and coordination with enforcement agencies, we seize counterfeited products from multiple markets. Our team also strengthens our client’s trademark protection, adding value and protecting against future infringements.   Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time? More than ever, clients seek stability and clear strategic direction from their legal advisors. In increasing complex and dynamic business environment, clients need to trust that their law firm is not only reliable but also forward-thinking. At our firm, we are deeply committed to being that stable, strategic partner, offering clients not just legal solutions, but a long-term vision for their legal needs. In three years, I see the firm continuing to grow both in size and expertise, especially as we expand our cross-border capabilities and develop niche specializations to better service evolving client demands. Our recent association with Helder Advocaten has laid the groundwork for further collaborations that will strengthen our presence in key practice areas such as corporate law. We also plan to continue integrating advanced legal technologies to enhance efficiency and deliver more cost-effective, innovative solutions to clients. Our goal is to remain a trusted partner that anticipates market trends and offers proactive, strategic counsel to guide our clients through the challenges and opportunities ahead.  

1) What has been your greatest achievement, in a professional and personal capacity? Settling as well as winning some major IP litigations, together with the team is key to great achievements. High quality services can be delivered to our clients with our strong team of talented international lawyers. This allows us to tackle most complex intellectual property issues within tight timeframes and enjoying it as well. Next to an exciting law practice, my activities as an artist are also beautiful challenges. Like for instance a monumental sculpture created for public space in a nationwide well-known show, as well as art shows worldwide in galleries in Shanghai, Istanbul, Venice, Düsseldorf and Singapore.   2) What do you do differently from our peers in the industry? We listen, create and connect. We are business partners to our clients. We are trusted partners in a long-term relationship with clients. We work in the language of the client. This can be Dutch for a client from the Netherlands, but also French for French clients, as well as German or English for clients from jurisdictions practicing these languages. We also bear in mind the culture, the business goals of the client looking at a broader perspective.   3) What advice would you give your younger self? Observe, orient, decide and act. Do not stay too long in observation mode. Be strong, creative and confident, do it, experience it and enjoy the ride!   4) Can you give me a practical example of how you helped a client add value to the business? There are many examples to give, an important one is to look together with the client to the IP portfolio and to determine together the strategy to develop, to protect and to enforce the IP rights and act against infringements. Clients appreciate a lot when they can have a clear strategy and everything is well streamlined. Money is saved and value is created. We also assist our clients when they have international matters to connect them to excellent lawyers in each jurisdiction needed.   5) Within your sector, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for clients over the next 12 months? Complying with the rules on corporate sustainability due diligence will be a challenge for clients. We are glad to help our clients with these challenges.