Hanneke joins from the University of Amsterdam, where she was an Associate Professor. Prior to this she practised as a lawyer for 15 years.

Hanneke’s arrival further strengthens A&O’s market leading global employment practice, complementing the firm’s reputation for helping clients navigate an increasingly complex people and workforce related environment.

Hanneke has significant expertise in employment law through her time spent in academia and as an advisor to the Dutch government and European institutions. Notably, she was part of the Employment Regulation Committee, which advised the Dutch government on the reassessment of the labour law landscape.

In addition to her work as a lawyer, Hanneke is editor-in-chief of the professional labour law journal ”Arbeidsrecht” and she is a member of the editorial boards of the Social Law Monographs Series and the Employment Law in Context publication. She also regularly publishes and lectures on various topics within employment law.

Brechje van der Velden, senior partner at Allen & Overy Netherlands commented: “We are very pleased that Hanneke is joining us. Hanneke’s expertise complements our global ambition to advise on issues of strategic and commercial priority to our clients. Particularly in response to the growing importance of corporate social responsibility in the workplace. Hanneke succeeds Suzanne Sikkink, who will focus on people strategy and business coaching but will remain associated to our firm as Of Counsel.”

Arnold Keizer, partner and chair of the Employment Law practice group at Allen & Overy, Netherlands said: “With her broad knowledge and experience, her strong international reputation and extensive network, Hanneke will play a key role in the further development of our firm’s employment law practice. The strategic employment and benefits landscape is rapidly changing due to ESG, DE&I, further regulation of work, the enhanced focus on directors and changing societal expectations. Hanneke’s domestic and international experience aligns perfectly with the services we provide to our clients in these areas.”

Hanneke Bennaars added: “I look forward to my return to the legal profession. Allen & Overy has an energetic and solid team with expertise across the spectrum of employment and pension law. Together with the team, I look forward to guiding the firm’s Dutch and international clients in the increasingly rapid changing world of work.”