Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to complete an internship at HVG Law in Rotterdam. This leading law firm, with offices in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, and a Dutch Desk in New York, offers a professional environment where high-quality legal services and international cooperation are key.
My interest in HVG Law began in 2022 during an office visit I organized as a board member of Magister JFT | Justitia. The positive impression I gained was later reinforced through conversations with HVG Law colleagues during the national moot court competitions and the legal business days in Tilburg. This inspired me to apply for a student internship, leading to an interview and subsequent signing of my internship agreement.
Insights into Three Practice Groups: A Multidisciplinary Approach
During my corporate law internship, I rotated through three sections: Corporate & Commercial, Corporate Litigation, and Mergers & Acquisitions. While each department specializes in distinct areas, they also work closely together to provide clients with comprehensive, seamless legal support.
My work across these sections was highly diverse, offering me broad insight into legal practice. I contributed to drafting contracts, writing memorandums, conducting case law research and organizing case law lunches. Additionally, I was regularly allowed to attend internal and external meetings, giving me valuable insight into client relations and the daily dynamics of a law firm.
The Added Value of a Strategic Alliance
What makes HVG Law special is the strategic alliance they have with EY (Ernst & Young). This partnership connects the firm to a global network and allows the firm to address client issues in an integrated way. During my internship, I observed firsthand how HVG lawyers frequently interacted with EY colleagues, fostering a dynamic and multidisciplinary work environment. This alliance makes HVG Law attractive to both national and international clients, who often require this multidisciplinary approach.
A Valuable Preparation for the Future
This internship has solidified my ambition to pursue a career in corporate law. The combination of challenging legal work, a strong focus on teamwork and a supportive office environment made my time at HVG Law immensely valuable. Beyond the professional growth, I also appreciatied the social aspects, such as lunches, gatherings, training sessions, and other informal events, allowed me to get to know the firm in an informal way. I therefore look back on this internship period with great satisfaction and am excited to see what the future holds!
