At Boels Zanders, our lawyers passionately support their clients. As we look toward the new year, Janou Briaire, Anouk Hofman, Merel Lentjes, and Fleur Kapiteijn share what it means to be a great lawyer and how today’s era is shaping their practice. A conversation about innovation, expertise, and the power of diversity.
They describe the legal profession as “a calling.” “Even when your hands are full, if a client needs you, you step up,” says Janou Briaire, lawyer and specialist in (international) mergers and acquisitions. “That truly comes from the heart.” Traditionally, many lawyers work very independently. “The legal profession has always been one of long hours,” Janou adds. But times are changing, and client challenges increasingly call for new approaches. At Boels Zanders, this shift has sparked pioneering work methods that safeguard work-life balance while ensuring clients receive the best possible outcomes. For instance, by making every project a shared goal. Janou explains, “You can’t incorporate a new process overnight, but we’re enthusiastic and convinced it’s the way to fully harness our team’s talents.”
The strength of Boels Zanders lies not only in the expertise of individual lawyers and legal professionals but also in teamwork. Every day, more than 85 lawyers and 55 support staff work from Maastricht, Venlo, and Eindhoven, representing national and international businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations.
According to Anouk Hofman, lawyer and specialist in administrative and public-private law, this sets Boels Zanders apart from other firms. “We are strong in legal expertise and deeply understand our clients and their contexts. And while we work across the Netherlands and beyond, we’re firmly rooted in the South.”
In recent years, the work has grown more complex. Increasingly, legal challenges can only be tackled by combining specializations. Simultaneously, societal developments are leaving their mark on the profession, such as the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which a group of lawyers at Boels Zanders is actively exploring.
“The use of AI in the legal profession is still in its infancy,” explains Fleur Kapiteijn, Manager of Business Development & Support. “But we’re intentionally investing time in it to stay ahead as an organization.” Merel Lentjes, who advises (international) companies on compliance with laws and regulations, adds, “Managing a project or sensing negotiation room—that’s something AI can’t do. But for more standardized tasks, it can help streamline processes.”
Another significant development is the introduction of the Environment and Planning Act, which took effect on January 1, 2024, after years of preparation. “The law consolidates 26 laws and regulations related to the physical living environment,” says Anouk, a specialist in administrative and public-private law. “We’ve been deeply involved for years, and now we’re learning to navigate it in practice.”
In Merel’s work, which also involves acting as a trustee, the rising number of bankruptcies is notable. “Sectors like retail, hospitality, and manufacturing are facing major challenges. Sometimes, preventing a bankruptcy isn’t possible, which is very unfortunate. You empathize with people. That’s when it’s important to maintain a human perspective.”
To do their job effectively, trust between lawyers and clients is crucial. Merel explains, “It starts with expertise, which is very high at Boels Zanders. When we take on a case, you can trust that we have extensive experience with the subject matter. But it’s also about how you convey a message, ensuring clients feel heard and supported. And how you use your legal tools to achieve what the client wants.”
This also means being critical of client requests. “The best service comes from thinking alongside the client,” Janou emphasizes. “If I disagree with a client, I’ll say so.” Merel adds, “You can solve a problem, or you can figure out what’s needed to prevent it from happening again. That’s not the easiest route, but it’s the best service.”
As a healthy business, Boels Zanders also invests in various social projects. Fleur highlights one example: “Lawyers for Lawyers, a project where lawyers advocate for peers who face threats or opposition in their profession, anywhere in the world. That makes me very proud.” Anouk agrees, adding, “The most rewarding cases are those that ignite my social conscience. When we succeed in such cases, it’s truly worth celebrating.”
