Interview with our senior legal counsel Lisette Domhoff-Spaaij
- What inspired you to join House and the House Team, and what makes House unique for you?
When House (then still House of Lawyers) started in 2019, I was approached by Maaike with the question of whether I wanted to join her House Team as an independent. I had just started as an independent myself a few months ago, and Maaike’s mission and vision for House immediately appealed to me: To provide legal support to companies in a pragmatic, uncomplicated and complicated way. Really thinking along with the client. Not thinking in terms of impossibilities but in terms of possibilities. This is exactly why I started as an independent lawyer.
- Can you describe a project that you are particularly proud of within your work for House’s clients?
A company in the scientific sector that I had been providing on-demand legal support for several years with employment law issues was, at some point, forced to reorganize urgently. Because this had never happened before and the board had no experience with this process, I guided them from start to finish in the (legal) steps to be taken: from informing the employees, comparing the available functions, correctly reflecting them, and ultimately terminating the employment contracts.
- How do you contribute to the success of our clients, and what impact do you see on their companies?
I am always aware of the type of client/company that I assist (the target group). I think along with them and listen to their wishes and do not get bogged down in endless, difficult-to-read notes. As a result, clients can quickly get started with my advice and actually take action, regardless of whether it concerns a request for advice from the Works Council or negotiations about the individual termination of an employment contract.
- What do you think are the most important qualities that someone needs to be successful at House?
Especially if you perform on-demand work for House, flexibility is an absolute must. You must be able to switch quickly and effectively between the various legal issues within your field of expertise as well as between the different types of clients. That makes working for House extra interesting and challenging for me. The variety keeps me sharp.
