Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV
Best known for assisting public employers with employment issues, the team at Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV also advises private employers; its client base includes listed companies, ministries, regulatory authorities, and municipalities. Due to the nature of its clients, the firm typically handles sensitive cases such as whistleblowing allegations, reorganisations, and disputes with works councils. The team also handles pensions matters. Erika Wies leads the practice, while other key team members include Peter Mauser, Wiecher van Lingen, and Ephraim Dekkers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team stands out compared to others due to its highly skilled individuals, excellent knowledge and quick responses.’
‘Peter Mauser is highly competent and I would like to highlight his ability to formulate a very balanced judgement in complex situations. His judgement never lets us down.’
- 'Erika Wies is very approachable, has attention to detail and has great analytical skills. Erika is a professional who knows what she is talking about and is able to explain to others even though they are not legally trained. She can take the lead but always takes others into account.'
- 'Ephraim Dekkers is approachable and is very dedicated. No matter what time or day, he is always willing to help and advise. Ephraim is reliable and always delivers. As someone who didn't study law, I appreciate the way Ephraim is always willing and able to explain things to me. Also he takes my opinion and point of view seriously.’
‘I worked with Erika Wies. The quality of work was exceptional, with good input and thoughts as well as realistic options. Communication was quick and easy - I could contact her in the evenings and mornings if needed given the speed of developments. She was also able to bring in the expertise of other partners.’
‘Peter Mauser is a very amiable and skilled employment lawyer. A pleasure to work with and a valuable sparring partner for our business.’
‘Pels Rijcken has all the knowledge that is needed to advise us. They have a good position in our field of work and know our stakeholders and their interests.’
'Pragmatic and very practical, with in-depth knowledge of the client's needs and understanding of different aspects of the types of work within the company. Easily able to communicate at different levels, which makes them very easy to work with.'
Key clients
- KPN
- Worley Netherlands
- Jacobs NL
- Onefit
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat (Traffic and Water Management) and the Ministry of Defence
- Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers
- Public Prosecution Office
- TU Delft
- University of Amsterdam
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Municipalities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam
- National Police
- Besix
- Provinces of Gelderland, Noord-Holland and South Holland
- CBR (Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing)
Work highlights
- Represented the state successfully in high-profile preliminary relief proceedings against Uber.
- Advising the state of the Netherlands/the Ministry of Defence on a matter concerning the interpretation of the pension agreement for military personnel.
- Representing the state in proceedings before the District Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court initiated by several senior citizens’ organisations against the Dutch state because they believe that the Dutch Pension Act conflicts with European regulations.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Erika Wies