Boutique firm L&A Advocaten‘s employment law practice is well known for assisting large and medium-sized Dutch and international companies with contentious matters, often involving collective dismissals, restructurings and renumeration issues. The team is equally adept at advising works councils and management on co-determination matters. The department is co-led by the 'brilliant negotiator' Arlette Putker-Blees and the 'very efficient' Irene van der Ven.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great team.  Always a partner available when needed. Great communication. Broad perspective beyond just the legal view of things. ’

  • ‘Work mainly with Irene van der Ven. Knows her stuff. Great sparring partner. Easy communication. Very efficient and proactive. Outstanding long-term collaboration.’

  • ‘Arlette Putker-Blees' team is hands on, flexible and pragmatic. They get the job done. ’

  • ‘Arlette Putker-Blees is one of best labour law lawyers, she perseveres, and once engaged in a matter, she will fix it. ’

  • ‘The team is incredibly knowledgeable, approachable and pragmatic. When I need advice urgently, they ensure that they deliver.'

  • ‘They are kind and knowledgeable. Arlette is a brilliant negotiator.’

  • ‘L&A Advocaten provides employment law advice at board level. They have a very experienced team that is very knowledgeable, as a consequence of which they can address any employment law related matters that we come across instantly.’

  • ‘Irene van der Ven and Arlette Putker-Blees are exceptional. They both are very responsive and get straight to the point, which is very much appreciated by our clients.’

Key clients

  • Vesteda Investment Management B.V.
  • Visma IT & Communications B.V.
  • Tile International Holding B.V.
  • Park Plaza Hotels Europe B.V.
  • Coöperatie Klaverblad Verzekeringen U.A.
  • ERIKS B.V.
  • CRH Nederland B.V.
  • Cubis Systems / Filoform B.V.
  • Expereo International B.V.
  • Bouwinvest Real Estate Investors B.V.
  • Yamato Europe B.V.
  • Bose Products B.V.
  • Amsterdam University of the Arts (Stichting Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten)
  • Conservatorium of Amsterdam

Work highlights

  • Advised Tile International Holding B.V. on the dismissal of the director/shareholder.
  • Advised Amsterdam University of the Arts on employment law issues concerning employees being involved in demonstrations.
  • Advised Bose Products B.V. on the reorganisation of its European headquarters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Arlette Putker-Blees, Irene van der Ven