I always wanted to become a fighter pilot. Unfortunately, I did not pass the tests, so I went to study law at the Utrecht University. In 2008, having taken student internships at two Dutch law firms, I joined Linklaters as a Paralegal. After finishing my Master’s degree I stayed on as a Junior Associate.

My first seat was in the Corporate team. I then rotated to Capital Markets, where I still am today. I am involved in both equity and debt capital markets transactions. This means that I work on initial public offerings (IPOs), rights issues, debt issuance programmes and standalone bonds issuances, including regulatory capital instruments for banks and insurers. In 2015, I spent six months at our Singapore office where I worked on various transactions in the Southeast Asia region.

Every day, I get the opportunity to work closely together with some of the sharpest legal minds around the world on complex and innovative matters. I enjoy being able to contribute to our team and the firm in general by assisting (junior) team members in developing their skills and by developing (hopefully) long-lasting relationships with (potential) clients.

Being a lawyer is not a nine to five job. It requires commitment and a flexible mind and attitude. The job comprises so much more than just practicing law, so it's important that you feel at ease in your working environment.