In November 2024, BarentsKrans opened a second office in Amsterdam, in addition to its office in The Hague. Expanding to the Zuidas business district was a logical next step in the firm’s ambitions. Managing partner Jesse Zijlma and FinTech partner Arno Voerman reflect on the first year, discussing the motivations, the development of the team and the practice, and their ambitions for the future.
What inspired the decision to expand to Amsterdam?
Jesse: “There were two main motivations for opening an office in Amsterdam. First, we noticed that coming to The Hague is a big step for many talented individuals, especially if they’ve built a life in Amsterdam. By opening an office in Amsterdam, BarentsKrans suddenly became a possible employer for them.
Furthermore, we wanted to expand our services with additional legal expertise that is harder to develop in The Hague. We really had to be in Amsterdam to do so. The people we attract also bring their networks with them, which in turn provides access to new clients.”
Arno: “For example, foreign law firms include us on their itineraries when they visit the Netherlands. Moreover, it’s easier for some clients to visit the Zuidas business district. The Hague is a bit further away. If you want to compete with firms in Amsterdam, you must be there. Otherwise, you’re selling yourself short.”
What results has the first year in Amsterdam brought the firm?
Jesse: “The first year has yielded more than we anticipated. New partners, new practice groups, new people. A new office brings new energy. The two offices encourage each other to meet and collaborate.”
Arno: “The Amsterdam setting is dynamic; every day is different. That makes it fun to be part of it. People work hard and enjoy it. Even junior staff are coming up with great initiatives to connect the offices. It’s truly an office-wide development.”
Jesse: “The Amsterdam office also offers additional opportunities to meet clients in person. Many meetings have now been moved to the Zuidas business district. Proximity improves contact. That sounds logical, but the added value of that shouldn’t be underestimated.”
Are there any moments in the past year that you are personally proud of?
Jesse: “We recently organised an event for the office’s international clients. Referrals came to Amsterdam to celebrate the office’s opening with us. That was a great success.”
Arno: “A lot of our business comes from abroad, and Amsterdam is the place to be. Shortly after opening our Amsterdam office, a foreign lawyer referred a case to us, to which all the newly acquired practice areas could contribute. This particular lawyer had recently visited us in Amsterdam. It confirmed why opening an office in Amsterdam with new partners and practices was a good move.”
Jesse: “That wouldn’t have happened as quickly in The Hague, and it really confirms why we’re doing this.”
Several partners and employees have joined the Amsterdam office since opening. What are BarentsKrans’ ambitions for the future?
Jesse: “Our ambition is to continue developing. We’re far from finished and want to continue investing, both at the partner and junior levels, in Amsterdam and The Hague.”
Arno: “In a market where many international offices are already established in the Netherlands, and existing Dutch offices will undoubtedly ‘go international’, we believe in our own strength. We want to continue to develop from our independent position. The Amsterdam office has been strengthened with partners in Employment Law, Banking & Finance, and Real Estate: Homme ten Have, Martijn van der Vliet, and Leon Hoppenbrouwers, respectively. Meltem Koning-Gungormez is also joining us, with extensive experience in private equity and venture capital. With these new partners, we are strengthening our expertise in technology, the financial sector, and real estate.
Jesse: “One year after opening, we can say that the Amsterdam office has also brought a new dynamic to The Hague. There’s no question of merely relocating: with offices in both Amsterdam and The Hague, we truly offer a full-service approach.”