Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions

A legal advisor cannot represent you in court and is not subject to disciplinary rules. A lawyer, however, can. In addition, a lawyer is legally bound by a duty of confidentiality. If you want someone who can also take legal action when negotiations fail, you need a lawyer. For simple advice, a legal consultant may suffice, but in the case of disputes or complex contracts, a lawyer is the safer choice.

As soon as a legal problem starts costing you time, money, or energy. Many business owners wait too long. 11% of people with a legal problem take no action at all. But the sooner you seek help, the more options you’ll have—and the lower the costs usually end up being. An initial assessment costs very little and can save you a lot.

For general legal advice, a generalist may suffice. But when it comes to construction disputes, employment law issues, or complex corporate law matters, specialized knowledge makes all the difference. A specialist knows the pitfalls, the case law, and the strategy that best suits your situation—especially if litigation becomes necessary.

Consider three things: specialization (does the lawyer have proven experience with your type of case?), personal chemistry (does this person understand your situation?), and transparency regarding fees (do you know in advance how much it will cost?). Ask about specific experience with similar cases. A good initial consultation usually tells you enough.

That’s possible, but be aware of the risks. What you write, email, or communicate yourself can be used against you in a legal context. Especially in labor disputes, construction disputes, and contractual disputes, it’s important to ensure your position is sound from the very beginning. A brief preliminary consultation can prevent you from undermining your own case.

The initial consultation is non-binding. I’ll discuss your case, provide an initial assessment, and, where possible, a price estimate. Only if you decide to proceed will we agree on the costs. You’re under no obligation.

With me, you know the cost upfront. I work with clear pricing agreements: a fixed fee (a set price, regardless of the number of hours), a success fee (a lower base rate with a surcharge if the outcome is successful), or a retention fee (a fixed amount per period for ongoing advice). For interim assignments, the terms depend on the duration and nature of the assignment. During the initial consultation, I always provide a specific cost estimate.

Yes. Depending on the case, I work on a fixed-fee basis (a fixed price agreed upon in advance, regardless of the number of hours), a success fee (a lower base rate with a surcharge in the event of a successful outcome), or a retainer fee (a fixed amount per month or quarter for ongoing legal advice, similar to a subscription). We’ll discuss which model is the best fit during the initial consultation.

A good lawyer often saves you money. A bad lawyer often costs you money. The costs of a wrong decision, a bad contract, or a lost case are almost always higher than the investment in sound legal advice. What does it cost to invest €500 now in a contract review, compared to €15,000 later on in a dispute?

It’s possible. With many legal expense insurance policies, you have the right to choose your own lawyer. That means you can choose your own lawyer, and the costs will be covered by your insurer. It won’t cost you anything. Please contact me, and I’ll check whether this applies to your case.

No. Labee Advocatuur does not handle cases on a pro bono basis. My services are geared toward small and medium-sized business owners and employers. For subsidized legal aid, please contact the Juridisch Loket or a lawyer who works on a pro bono basis.

You'll receive a response within 24 hours. For urgent matters, such as summary dismissal or a seizure, I'll take action the same day.

Step 1: Feel free to contact me with no obligation. I’ll assess whether I can help and provide a cost estimate where possible. Step 2: A brief intake session where we discuss the matter and agree on pricing. Step 3: You’ll receive a clear confirmation of the assignment, including the scope, approach, and price. Step 4: I’ll get to work and keep you informed in easy-to-understand language.

That varies greatly from case to case. A request for advice or a contract review can be completed within days. Negotiations usually take a few weeks. A summary judgment proceeding results in a ruling within weeks. A full trial in court takes 6 to 12 months. At the start, I always give you a realistic time estimate.

In plain language, not legal jargon. I’ll keep you proactively informed and am available by phone and email. No updates you’ll need to have translated. No weeks of silence. If anything happens in your case, you’ll hear from me. And if you have a question, you’ll get a quick answer.

You always make the decision. I offer advice; you make the decision. I explain my advice and the reasoning behind it so you can make an informed choice. If you want to go in a different direction, I respect that. It’s your company and your business. My role is to give you the best information so you can make the right decision.

Three proven areas of expertise: business law, construction law, and employment law. Specifically: commercial disputes, contracts, debt collection, liability, construction contracts, additional work, project completion, termination, reorganization, non-compete clauses, and more. On the pages about business, construction, and employment, you can read exactly what I do in each area of law.

Litigation (in practice: conducting legal proceedings) takes place in court or, for example, in arbitration before the Council for Arbitration in Construction Disputes. Providing advice involves strategic planning and offering legal counsel without any pending legal proceedings. Interim work involves temporarily serving as a lawyer within your organization, as part of your team. Which approach is right for you depends on your situation.

This is the most common source of disputes in the construction industry. Your options depend on the construction contract and the UAV terms and conditions. I’ll assess your position and advise you on the best course of action: negotiation, a formal notice, or filing a claim with the Construction Disputes Arbitration Board. On the construction law page, you can read more about disputes over additional work and the impact of the Quality Assurance Act.

In cases of termination due to poor performance, the court will scrutinize your file closely: a sound improvement plan and clear documentation are crucial. The sooner you set this up properly, the stronger your position will be. You can read more about termination and poor performance on the employment law page.

Illness occurring during or after a conflict requires careful consideration: you have to navigate rules regarding sick leave and return-to-work, as well as the employment relationship. I can advise you on appropriate steps, such as mediation, an expert assessment by the UWV, or another course of action. Don’t wait too long; the sooner you take action, the more options you’ll have.

I speak your language, understand your reality, and contribute strategic insights. Nearly ten years of experience, three proven areas of expertise, transparent pricing, and prompt communication. That’s Labee.

Yes, subject to availability, I am available for temporary (part-time) interim assignments. Among other things, I can be deployed for specific projects, to replace a lawyer or legal professional (who is sick or on maternity leave), and to support an organization during busy periods. A fixed number of hours, either on-site or remotely, is also possible. Please feel free to contact me to discuss the possibilities.

I’ll be honest with you about that from the start. I won’t tell you what you want to hear, but what’s realistic. If the chances of success are too small compared to the costs, I’ll recommend a different approach. Sometimes settling is smarter than going to court. Sometimes a strong letter is enough. And sometimes you have to go to court. I’ll make that assessment openly and transparently.

I work with fixed prices because I know how frustrating it is when a bill isn't proportional to what you get in return. My goal is for you to be satisfied and come back, not to bill as many hours as possible.

Small and medium-sized business owners with employees. Contractors and construction companies, employers who have built a team, and business owners looking for a dedicated legal advisor. I do not work for self-employed individuals at the lower end of the market, nor do I work for multinational corporations. My focus is on entrepreneurs who are serious about their businesses.