Marxman Advocaten profiles itself as a 'partner-in-business'. What do you mean by that?
Bas Besseling: 'We are a medium-sized law firm with a strong focus on the corporate market. Our clients range from SMEs+ to international, listed companies, (semi)public authorities and interest groups. We think strategically with them and see ourselves not just as legal advisers, but as true partners in their business. This means that we do not just react to legal challenges, but proactively think along with them about opportunities and risks. This integral approach of Marxman seems very obvious. In practice, it turns out to be rather special.'
How does that translate into the way you work?
'We work in specialised teams', Besseling lists: 'M&A, Restructuring & Insolvency, Labour & Organisation, Commercial Contracting, IP, ICT & Privacy and Litigation. Within these teams, we combine in-depth legal expertise with a broad, entrepreneurial outlook. Our specialism is looking as a generalist. In doing so, we believe in freedom and responsibility: our people decide for themselves how they want to shape their careers. This makes for a dynamic, inspiring working environment in which everyone can excel.'
'This integral approach of Marxman seems very obvious. In practice, it turns out to be rather special'
What is the background of Marxman Advocaten?
'Our firm was founded in 2001 with a clear mission: to support entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial legal services. This has led to sustainable and pragmatic partnerships. We combine in-depth legal knowledge with a no-nonsense mentality. This makes us different from traditional law firms.'
What makes Marxman an attractive workplace for lawyers?
'Our core values, briefly summarised in the term FIAT, play an important role in this: flexibility, we get and give space, both in work and private life. Integrality, we work with a broad perspective and look beyond the legal frameworks. Ambition, we encourage growth and progress, both professionally and personally. And finally Teamwork, we do it together. Everyone is equally important and we make the most of each other's talents.
These values form the basis of our culture. We have an open and accessible working atmosphere where everyone walks in on each other. That makes for a close-knit team where people can be themselves and feel really connected.'
How do you support the personal development of your staff?
'Personal and professional growth are central at Marxman. We offer the Marxman Excellence Programme, which allows employees to discover and develop their talents. This programme includes training, education and courses, tailored to the personal ambitions of our people. We also divide the work within the teams in such a way that everyone can focus on the aspects that make him or her happy, whether that is commerce, content deepening or leadership.'
'We believe that a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustainable success.'
You value a good work-life balance. What does that look like in practice?
'Quality is paramount for us, but that does not mean working 24/7. We believe that a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustainable success. With us, you get the freedom to arrange your working day as it suits you best. That means you can, for example, exercise in between jobs or leave earlier if necessary. It's about trust and results, not making hours for the sake of making hours.'
What would you say to lawyers considering applying to Marxman?
'We not only offer challenging work and nice clients, but also an environment in which you are in charge of your career. No uniform straitjacket, but space for authentic people who enjoy sparring and working together. If you are an enterprising lawyer who looks beyond the legal framework and enjoys working in a dynamic, inspiring environment, I would say come and meet us!'
Challenge your perspective and find out if Marxman is the match you are looking for!
Restructuring projects
Besides managing partner, Besseling is an insolvency lawyer and restructuring expert. He is involved at strategic level with companies in dire straits and advises and guides restructuring processes. Besseling: 'Team H&I at Marxman works together in a multidisciplinary context in restructuring projects. Those companies are large and SME+ enterprises, where the debt to be restructured varies between five and 50 million euros.'
Multidisciplinary
'Because of the multidisciplinary nature, our lawyers are involved in all aspects,' Besseling continues. 'This ranges from drawing up a risk inventory, establishing emergency bandages, to being involved in drafting a turnaround plan, working out scenarios and implementing them. In many of the cases, advice is given on the WHOA route. WHOA routes are regularly used when a private restructuring is not possible.'
National knowledge platform on WHOA
Besseling: 'Moreover, Marxman is a co-initiator of www.allesoverwhoa.nl, a national knowledge platform involving professionals active in restructuring. Knowledge exchange takes place, peer review, best practices are shared, formats are made and events are organised.'
Besseling is a co-director in this and has already hosted several podcasts in which he interviews a judge, the tax authorities, UWV, a bank, an entrepreneur. All members of the H&I team are involved in all aspects of the practice.