Boutique firm Shearwaters is known for its expertise in corporate employment law and often acts as local counsel to international law firms on their employment mandates in the Netherlands. The firm also assists various international clients with the employment aspects of M&A transactions and potential follow-up litigation. Martijn van Broeckhuijsen and Maarten Vestering co-chair the practice, supported by Hester van den Dorpel.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We regularly rely upon Shearwaters for employment matters. We have a longstanding collaborative relationship with Martijn van Broeckhuijsen and Maarten Vestering.’
‘We value the responsiveness of Shearwaters. Hester van den Dorpel is exceptional.’
‘Martijn van Broeckhuijsen's vast experience means that he can predict how counterparties will respond, which makes him very good at strategising for a case.'
‘They listen, are knowledgeable, and will take further advice where they believe this is necessary in order to achieve the best result possible.’
‘We have direct and personal contact with Maarten Vestering, who provides very good, quick, to-the-point and practical advice and support.’
- 'The most important thing to highlight that would make me recommend this firm to others is the service level and responsiveness of the partners involved. The team felt totally accountable for the outcome of my case and provided the best level of service that I've ever experienced in achieving the desired outcome. The other area to draw attention to is the depth of knowledge that the team has on employment legal issues. Both partners were clearly very experienced and very often were many steps ahead. This made me feel that I had the upper hand throughout the process.’
‘The two partners I worked with were both outstanding and exceptional. Maarten Vestering provided better client service than I have ever experienced at another firm. He patiently guided me through the process and advised me accordingly. Martijn van Broeckhuijsen was the perfect complement to Maarten. He was the ultimate professional who knew his way around every part of Dutch employment law and the legal process. He is someone you always want on your team.’
'The firm combines the relevant expertise and business acumen to provide first-class legal advice to its clients.'
Key clients
- Scandit
- The Aurora Group
- Vistra Netherlands
- Shin-Etsu Silicones
- BTS & Partners
- Bioriginal Food & Science Corporation
- West Coast Supply Group
- Financial firms XR Trading, Radix Trading and Blue Fire Capital (Galaxy Digital)
- Amino Technologies/24i Unit Media (p/o stocklisted Aferian plc.)
Work highlights
- Advised Scandit on various employment-related topics, including advising on a restructuring and resulting individual dismissals and litigation.
- Advised Vistra Netherlands on various employment-related topics.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Martijn van Broeckhuijsen, Maarten Vestering