In this episode Takeover Lawyer of the Year 2024, partner and CEO of Wintertaling, Marein Smits, shares her unique vision of engagement and ownership within Wintertaling. Two years ago, she gave everyone ownership of the law firm, leading to a transparent and collaborative way of working.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

🔺 Involvement first: Marein emphasizes the importance of involvement of all employees. Everyone has a voice and a stake in the office, which ensures transparency and shared decision-making.

🔺 Wintertaling on the Zuidas: Although Wintertaling is a smaller firm, it is among the top firms on the Zuidas in terms of quality and type of business. Marein sees Wintertaling as the challenger to the established order.

🔺 International quality: The firm is ready to operate at the highest level and work with bankers and investors worldwide.

🔺 Unique structure: At Wintertaling, everyone, regardless of experience or expertise, has an equal voice in decisions. This ensures strong involvement and a good working atmosphere.

🔺 Transparency and trust: Decisions are made transparently and everyone is encouraged to express their opinions, even if they differ.

🔺 Cooperation and atmosphere: Wintertaling is known for its good atmosphere and caring for each other. There is room for both billable and non-billable time, and everyone is heard.

🔺 No hourly standard: Unlike other Zuidas offices, Wintertaling does not have a strict hourly standard. The focus is on quality and commitment to the office.

🔺 Moral Ambition: Marein believes in the trust and equality of people. This forms the basis of their way of working and creates an intrinsically motivated team.

Listen to this inspiring episode where Marein talks with Luuk Willems and Axel Mpeti to learn more about how Wintertaling is setting an example in the legal profession by putting transparency and engagement at the center. 

#30 The self-organizing law firm as a challenger to the Zuidas