Since April 1, our team is reinforced by three new talents: Elina Jonis (lawyer), Renée van Hemert (lawyer) and Maria Klomp (lawyer). In the meantime, three months have passed. How do you like their time at Wille Donker? You can read that here.
Elina Jonis – Family and inheritance law attorney
Elina has experienced a variety of roles as a lawyer. Despite the valuable knowledge gained, she discovered that the legal forms of competition litigation, commercial litigation, mass tort claims and class actions are not her preferred fields. At Wille Donker lawyers, and specifically in family and inheritance law, she has the time and space to get to know the client, the story and the individual interests well. That suits Elina better.
“This field requires a combination of empathy and analytical thinking,” she says. “Inheritances are sometimes complex and sensitive situations. I’m not only concerned with resolving legal disputes, but also the deeper dynamics within families. Conflicts over inheritance can have a profound impact on mutual relationships. That’s why I strive for lasting solutions.”
Within Wille Donker, Elina works extensively with Kim van der Bijl. “Kim knows how to create a bond with the client from the first meeting. I admire that about her,” Elina said.
“What I like to notice about Elina is that her self-confidence is growing. She is mastering a new area of law and developing well in terms of content. As a result, she can handle more and more responsibility in the files she works in and is becoming more independent in her approach.” – Anke Schellekens, attorney at law – mediator
“Elina approaches inheritance law issues from different perspectives, analyzes quickly and she puts clients’ interests first. She is very committed to clients and a committed colleague. It is a pleasure to work with her.” – Kim van der Bijl, attorney at law
Renée van Hemert – Employment and corporate law attorney.
Within the profession, Renée has explored various positions: from lecturer in labor law at the university, to lawyer and advocate at a small firm. With one common denominator: the vibrant center of Rotterdam. With her move to Woerden, the search for a new challenge also began.
Renée talks about her specialties: “I specialize in labor and corporate law. In labor law, I assist both employers and employees. Corporate law in my case is mainly about mergers and acquisitions. Both specializations require empathy and an open attitude. Really listening to clients – that’s how you make a difference, in my eyes. The variety of labor disputes, contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions makes my work challenging.”
In her future at Wille Donker, she sees mostly independence. Renée: “Recruiting and retaining my own clients is something I want to work toward. I look forward to the time when I can take the lead myself and clients themselves come to me with their issues.”
“It is great fun to supervise Renée. Renée does her work with great pleasure, cheerfulness and commitment. Towards clients and counterparties she stands her ground.” – Henk-Jan Ligtenberg, lawyer and patron of Renée
Maria Klomp – Lawyer
Maria grew up in the region. She had known the name “Wille Donker” since high school. Still, it took some time before our paths finally crossed. “I worked at the court as a legal advisor for eight years. Here I came into contact with Rudolf van Binsbergen and so did Wille Donker,” Maria says.
From day one, she felt completely at home at Wille Donker. Maria: “I feel more and more at home in my new position. I experience Wille Donker as an office with fine people who deliver good quality.”
What path will she take at Wille Donker in the future? That is still undecided. In any case, Maria feels the confidence to grow further within the company. Maria: “Wille Donker’s training program (The Wille Donker Academy) provides enough tools for me to develop further within the field!”
“Maria is able to analyze a lot of information in a short time and get to the point. She puts the client’s interests first and provides practical and realistic advice. Due to her years of experience within the judiciary, Maria is able to assess well how a procedure should be set up. She is a pleasant and hard-working colleague who is willing to help with complex issues. .” – Sam van Santen, attorney and manager of Maria
“I work with Maria on a daily basis. As a team, we also work on big cases. She is my conscience and memory; she knows the case documents inside out and knows where to find all the information in the file. Thanks to her experience at the court, she knows how to clarify legal issues, organize documents, complete files in consultation with the client, and separate main and minor issues. Colleagues enjoy working with Maria because she is smart and hands-on. Someone with her abilities can go far at Wille Donker!” – Rudolf van Binsbergen, attorney at law
Dynamic start
Despite holding different positions, the ladies agree on one thing: starting at Wille Donker felt very dynamic. “It’s an energetic organization; there’s a lot going on,” notes Elina. “From day one we are involved in all the developments. That’s very nice.”
Sometimes bridges do develop between different specializations. For example, Elina recently called in Maria’s expertise on a case. They also see each other at the intern lunch, where they find the opportunity to exchange experiences. “This way we learn more about the office culture together,” said Renée. In addition, there has already been a good taste of the atmosphere during the first drinks and staff outing. With many more activities to come.
Welcome to our business, Elina, Maria and Renée! Here’s to a fruitful collaboration.
