Hanneke D•••

About

On the record

I have the privilege of calling the Caribbean home for the past five years, living with my family on the One Happy Island, Aruba. I am a lawyer with over 16 years of experience in international and commercial transactions at a large Dutch law firm. My career journey began as a trainee at Clifford Chance in Paris, followed by roles as a paralegal at Simmons + Simmons, an associate lawyer and a senior associate at NautaDutilh. I spent overall 5 years working as a lawyer in the City of London and subsequently worked moren than 12 years as a lawyer at the Zuidas in Amsterdam. Throughout my professional career, I've focused on building strong client relationships, establishing extensive business networks, and leading internal client and sector teams. I've been a pioneer in dedicating myself to business development, setting a precedent in large law firms. Motivated by Master's Classes on the Management of Professional Services at Business University of Nyenrode, I embraced business development while practicing law. Additionally, I founded a ThinkTank with professionals from different sectors on professional services and served as a board member of Legal Women in the Netherlands. In addition to this, I delved into the History of Art on a blue Monday, just to follow my heart. Transitioning to a consultant and business development manager, I've made it my mission to empower lawyers to enhance their social skills and develop their practice. With a wealth of experience in acquisition and networking, I strive to be a strong sparring partner in driving business growth, expanding networks, and seizing new opportunities. My early contributions include publications and teachings on strategic accounts and business development at the law faculty of the University of Amsterdam. For the past four years, I've been actively engaged as a volunteer in organizing and participating in guest lectures on corporate law at the Financial Economic University in Aruba. I was part of the Lex Mundi Forward ThinkTank on Client Relations, Talent, and Business Models. Currently, I get back into the practice of (corporate) law and I am collaborating with female lawyer friends in Aruba and across the Caribbean to establish a professional network in the region.