I studied at the University of Amsterdam and then successfully completed the one-year full-time postgraduate course at the Grotius Academy, where I learnt to work hard, experienced the value of challenging yourself on multiple fronts, and learned the importance of specialising.
I started my career at EY in 1989 as a corporate law lawyer before continuing as an employment and corporate law lawyer at cassation law firm Buruma & Maris in 1990. I then worked at Stibbe for 15 years, where I focussed solely on employment law. I also handled HR management at Stibbe, which has really enhanced my current employment law practice. My internships in Washington (Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin Kahn) and London (Ashurst Morris Crisp) taught me that I can easily make connections and add value, even in an international partnership.
In 2008, I founded L&A Advocaten with Liesbeth Franx. After a few years working in a beautiful rectory in Lijnden, we moved to Amsterdam in 2015 to accommodate our growing practice.
Being an entrepreneur myself, I understand what drives a company and the challenges an organisation will face. I am well known as a solid lawyer who launches, moves forward, and ultimately resolves difficult cases. My goal is to resolve a case so it’s a win for the client. That may be a settlement but could just as easily be a court case.
I’m grateful that employer-clients have trusted me for more than 25 years, even as HR executives change. For me, the most important thing is to add value and support organisations in solving and structurally improving their organisation when it comes to employment law.
I also enjoy giving courses on employment law topics. My guest lectureship at Erasmus University for the Financial Forensic Expert Course constantly gives me new insights into fraud and investigation.
Finally, I’m a member of Vereniging Arbeidsrechtadvocaten Nederland (VAAN), Vereniging Privacyrecht (VPR), Vereniging van Advocaten in de Arrondissementen Amsterdam en Noord-Holland (VAAA), and the European Employment Lawyers Association (EELA).
What clients have to say about Arlette:
‘Throughout the process, I felt like she gave me extremely knowledgeable and friendly guidance, which led to an excellent outcome.’
‘What an amazing outcome! Thanks for the great work. Even though it wasn’t the best situation, our collaboration was very pleasant and professional.’
‘Practical “can-do” attitude combined with sound legal expertise and business acumen.’
‘Arlette Putker-Blees is very knowledgeable, proactive, and flexible when it comes to finding solutions.’
