Growth, or the Illusion of Growth? What the Numbers from Leading Firms Really Say

In his newest column for Advocatie (in Dutch), our founder Marijn Rooijmans delves into the growth figures of the major Dutch law firms. De Brauw grew by 9% in 2023, despite a staff reduction of 8% at the start of 2024. Loyens & Loeff, Stibbe, and Houthoff also showed significant revenue increases. Nauta lagged behind.

But what do these figures really say, when fee increases and economic contractions (CBS: -0.1% in Q1 2024) set the context? The market is cooling, and the Zuidas seems quiet. Yet, the major firms are retaining staff. Is this strategic, or culturally driven?

Rooijmans pierces through the façade of growth and demonstrates why legal organizations operate differently than traditional companies. And why that—especially now—matters.

Want to know more about how the top of Dutch legal practice is moving?
Contact Maarten Hagen at maarten@lawyerlinq.com.