Associate | Attorney at law
Employment & Employee Participation
Thomas mainly advises employers and works councils of varying sizes in diverse sectors, such as healthcare institutions, IT companies, and public sector organisations. He also regularly advises individual employees and directors. Thomas provides advice in a wide range of areas, ranging from reorganisations and dismissal to consultation and consent processes.
‘I am an approachable, keen and dedicated lawyer with a positive attitude. I am energised by finding the best solution in every situation, based on the client’s best interests.’
Thomas successfully completed his Bachelor’s degree in Law at Leiden University, graduating with a major in Law, Entrepreneurship & Management. During his university studies, he took employment law electives that piqued his interest in this area. In 2023 he graduated with his Master’s in Employment Law from Leiden University. While at university, Thomas was an active member of the Leiden employment law student association Sine Labore Nihil, performing committee work such as organising the annual employment law conference. His successful internship with the Employment, Employment Participation & Mediation team led to Thomas joining De Clercq after obtaining his Master’s degree. In 2024, he will commence studies at the Professional Law School (Beroepsopleiding Advocaten).
‘My daily practice is a combination of employment law and employment participation law. This includes matters concerning dismissal, reorganisation and restructuring, competition clauses, collective labour agreements and leave. I also regularly draft and modify model employment contracts and complaints procedures. In addition to the above, I guide works councils and directors on employment participation processes with respect to the right of consultation and consent, and I provide advice and guidance on the establishment of works councils. The breadth of my practice means that every day is different, and highly enjoyable.’
Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation
3 June 2025
On May 19, Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Van Hijum submitted the legislative proposal ‘More Security for Flexible Workers’ to the House of Representatives.
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Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation
13 May 2025
In the Netherlands, the topic of “grensoverschrijdend gedrag”—transgressive or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace—has evolved from a relatively underexposed HR issue to a legal and societal priority. As an employment lawyer advising Dutch and international employers, I have seen this shift unfold in both subtle and seismic ways. What was once handled quietly within organisations is now a subject of public debate, regulatory scrutiny, and legislative reform. In this blog, I explore the recent legal developments, practical implications, and cultural challenges surrounding transgressive behaviour at work in the Netherlands—and what employers should know to act responsibly and effectively.
Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation
30 April 2025
The work environment has changed significantly in recent years. Technological advancements, a new generation of employees, and the desire of workers to pay more attention to work-life balance are forcing employers to review their policies and employment conditions. It is important to respond to these changes, as modern employment conditions are increasingly becoming a determining factor for talent retention, attracting new employees, productivity, and overall employee engagement. What modern employment conditions can you think of? You can read more about this in this blog series.