‘My name is Jan Leemans. I love rugby and try to visit a new country every year. I completed a bachelor's degree in Law in Society at VU University Amsterdam and last year I followed the civil effect programme.’

Why an internship at Wintertaling?

‘I knew Wintertaling from the Startup Clinic at VU University Amsterdam. Later, during the Amsterdam Legal Business Day, I attended a workshop organised by the firm, where I immediately felt a good connection. That motivated me to apply for a job there.’

What are your main tasks and responsibilities during your internship? Can you give an example of a project or case you have worked on?

'During my internship, I was involved in various ongoing cases, including court proceedings and transactions. For these cases, I researched legal issues and collected relevant case law.

The case that appealed to me most concerned the breakdown of negotiations in the pre-contractual phase. We assisted a client who wanted to claim damages.'

What did you find most challenging about your internship and what did you learn from it?

‘The most challenging aspect for me was quickly familiarising myself with complex cases and directly applying legal knowledge in practical situations. I learned how to establish a clear legal framework and substantiate it with case law. I also gained a lot of insight into the practical side of the negotiation process.’

How has this internship changed or influenced your view of the legal profession?

‘I am pleasantly surprised. My focus was not necessarily on the legal profession, but this internship has made me consider the field more seriously.’

What are your future plans after this internship?

After this internship, I will start a master's degree in Maritime & Transport Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Do you have any tips for other students considering an internship in the legal field?

‘Just apply, even if you are unsure whether you meet all the qualifications. An internship is the ideal place to discover how things work in practice.’

How would you describe the working atmosphere and culture within this firm?

‘The working atmosphere is very pleasant. It is an office with an informal culture where people work hard. There is always time for a coffee or a chat, but also plenty of challenges and work. For me personally, that is a nice balance.’