Birgitte Schelvis-Neuteboom

In consultation with my client, I always seek victory in the sense of achieving the very best possible result. I played top-level basketball for many years, and I know that you can’t reach the top on your own. The same goes for my work as a family-law lawyer; I am always in this together with my client. Everything depends on mutual trust.

I am a no-nonsense, analytical and direct person, so ‘what you see is what you get’. My mission is to help people, and I will go through fire for my clients. I am energised by complex legal issues, particularly by the personal and emotional aspects they entail. When I was younger, I wanted to be either a lawyer or a psychologist – and now I am both.

Commitment is a priority, and bonds are formed quickly in this line of work. I first try to find the ‘pain point’ – the underlying problem – and the interests involved. Establishing these matters early on can make an enormous difference. I clearly inform my clients of what they can expect and the chosen strategy, although I am always open to alternatives.

I prefer to solve cases in mutual consultation with the other party if possible. This may involve rapidly changing tack and playing smart. I don’t shy away from going to court if it is not possible to reach an amicable settlement.

When I am not working I enjoy travelling, plus sport is still both one of my passions and a great way to release tension. Now that I have children I only play sports recreationally, but I’m no less enthusiastic! I am driven in everything I do, but I’m also a team player and I enjoy being surrounded by people.