Boutique employment firm L&A Advocaten centres its practice on advising large Dutch and international companies and is known for its all-round skills in both contentious and non-contentious employment issues. Investigations and cases involving transgressive behaviour have been an increased area of focus for the firm. Clients also seek out the practice for its experience in collective and individual dismissals, restructurings, workplace privacy issues, and collective employment arrangements. Employment specialists Arlette Putker-Blees and Irene Francken co-lead the practice.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A strong employment law practice with several seasoned employment lawyers. The firm has built a strong brand in the Dutch employment law market. They are unique as an all-female firm.’
‘Arlette Putker-Blees has a strong employment law practice and is highly regarded by clients and colleagues in the field. Arlette is a tough negotiator.'
- 'Irene Francken stands out for her practical, solution-oriented approach. She is commercially very strong.’
‘This practice is unique in the way it combines juridical expertise with empathic sensitivity and imagination. They are very friendly and pay attention to the emotions of the other party, and at same time they are very result oriented.’
‘Arlette Putker-Blees is a very good lawyer who understands not only the legal issues but also the human dynamics behind her cases. She is accurate, clear and outspoken, which works very well when deciding how to approach the case. Irene Francken is empathic and her approach is pragmatic, which is very useful.’
‘L&A is an all-women law firm with a can-do mentality. Their advice is to the point and they bring a lot of expertise to the table. They keep the best interests of the client at the forefront and are not afraid to give feedback and give advice to the client. Their legal products are excellent.’
‘Arlette Putker-Blees and Irene Franken are very strong in terms of content and are empathetic, and they manage to achieve the optimal result.’
‘The L&A employment law team is always fast, practical and business focused. They have good values, bring balance to the discussion, but nevertheless firmly represent the company's position in negotiations. They have always achieved the objectives we agreed.’
Key clients
- Vesteda Investment Management B.V.
- Avery Dennison Materials Nederland B.V.
- Visma Software B.V.
- Koninklijke Jumbo B.V.
- Park Plaza Hotel Europe B.V.
- Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel (Marriott Group)
- Coöperatie Klaverblad Verzekeringen U.A.
- Universal Music Group B.V.
- Maatschap JB Law
- Looye Kwekers B.V.
- CRH Nederland B.V.
- Stichting Levvel
- KinderRijk Holding B.V.
- ERIKS B.V.
Work highlights
- Advised Coöperatie Klaverblad Verzekeringen U.A. on the employment aspects of a substantial organisational change and restructuring process, including guidance sessions and the drafting of relevant documentation relating to the advisory process with the works council.
- Advised one of the main suppliers for road transport in the Netherlands on negotiations with the trade unions aimed at establishing a new collective labour agreement.
- Assisting CRH with the steps that should be taken in order to comply with the in-growth quota and target scheme regulations.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Arlette Putker-Blees, Irene Francken