Attorney / Partner
Why are you working at Hertoghs?
I work here because this is where I belong: Hertoghs fits me like a glove. The cases I get to work on match my interests perfectly. I also really like the teams I work in and how we approach cases, although this is different every time. There is no one size fits all. We always try to find the best way of representing the client. This differs from case to case.
What attracts you in Hertoghs’ areas of expertise?
Finance and criminal and penalty law are like magnets. This leads to fascinating cases where parties are diametrically opposed. All these cases are tremendously challenging, but what they have in common is this: the Public Prosecution Service and the tax authorities put extreme pressure on our clients. I know what kind of impact this has on them, both in a work setting and in their private life. It is very rewarding to represent those clients and to get results for them.
What is your particular expertise and how did you develop it?
I represent individuals and businesses that are being investigated for suspicions of financial fraud. I have a lot of experience representing clients who are suspected of tax fraud, money laundering, forgery of documents or corruption. Given that many of these cases have an international dimension, I frequently team up with foreign colleagues.
I experienced different types of law practices while I worked towards my degree. In Texas, I provided legal assistance to prisoners on death row. That made a huge impression on me; when you practise this type of law, you mainly focus on a prisoner’s personal circumstances and their fundamental rights. Back in the Netherlands, I developed a deeper interest in financial law. I decided to get a degree in tax law as well, so that I was able to combine all these fields in my work.
What is your definition of a good attorney?
A good attorney knows the law like the back of their hand and has a helicopter view. They know that there is more than one road that leads to Rome. Sometimes legal proceedings are not the best or only solution for getting results for the client and a different, more creative, approach is preferable. A good attorney knows this and has the ability to navigate all the legal options.
What can you share about your private life?
I like to spend my free time with my family and friends. Their company helps me to recharge, so that I can enjoy my work and am ready to do a good job. Exercising helps me too. To clear my head, I like to go running, hiking or trekking, or skiing.
