Client case: Vereniging van Keurslagers

When Stefan started working with LXA, his organisation was at a crossroads: lots of questions, lots of pressure, but little direction. There was a promising new vision for the future, but the path to get there required a radical transition for the Association, including changes to the structure and organisation of activities at the head office. After fifteen years at the top of the Dutch Railways, he knew how important it is to make clear choices and set a course. To tackle the challenging task at the Association, he sought partners who could do the same: set a goal, determine the strategy to achieve it, then draw up a clear plan of action, eliminate noise, dare to make choices and, of course, execute optimally.

At LXA, he immediately found the right tone and approach: accessible, understandable and focused on what really matters. LXA supported the Association in all legal issues arising from the transition. As examples, he cites the unfortunately necessary reorganisation, structural changes, the drafting of commercial cooperation agreements and advice on various conditions (including general terms and conditions and in the field of data processing).

1. Warm-hearted – building trust
For Stefan, good cooperation starts with human attention. What struck him at LXA is the natural closeness: a permanent point of contact, short lines of communication and regular check-ins without the need for a problem. If other expertise is needed for the issue, a colleague is immediately brought in. This takes the pressure off and works well, especially when there are a variety of issues at play at the same time.

For him, it’s about the feeling that someone is thinking along with you and is alert. That gives peace of mind and builds trust. He also finds the way in which LXA delves into the person behind the director distinctive; it allows you to get to the heart of the matter more quickly.
He links this to his own way of looking at things: organisations only function well when practical matters are in order and communication is clear. Simple, logical, people-oriented. LXA fits in seamlessly with this. Say what you do and do what you say.

2. Entrepreneurial – pragmatic and understandable
Stefan himself works in an entrepreneurial and concrete manner, and recognises that style at LXA. Their advice is clear, understandable and directly applicable. No legal fog, but choices you can move forward with.

Stefan appreciates that LXA not only proactively shares knowledge, but also offers opportunities for in-depth learning and connecting with peers through events. LXA does not wait for questions to arise, but provides context and direction by identifying developments, new legislation and risks at an early stage. Seminars, masterclasses, discussions and updates help clients to think ahead instead of just reacting.

3. Guts – results-oriented and strategically sharp
Stefan particularly appreciates that LXA dares to make choices. When it comes to complex processes, he wants direction, not endless routes and detours. LXA makes difficult decisions concrete and clearly indicates what is sensible and which route is most appropriate. He points to the aforementioned examples, but also describes the process surrounding the offering of gift cards. In the past, the Association had been advised that it would not be possible to offer gift cards through parties other than its own shops. After thorough research, LXA determined that this was legally and practically possible and then carefully set it up. Another example concerns a complex collaboration with an external party, which also involved a partnership in the form of a joint venture. LXA provided intensive support to the Association in this regard by structuring the agreements clearly and strictly. In doing so, LXA acted not only as a subject matter expert but also as a valuable sparring partner in the field of process.

Stefan also looks to the future of legal work. In his view, many repetitive questions and standard documents need to be handled efficiently or automatically; there is no distinctive value in this. The real value lies in situations where strategy, nuance and consideration are required. This is where lawyers need to make a difference.

He sees a clear role for LXA: organising bulk work in a smart way and being visible when things get exciting. That requires connection, initiative, insight and courage, precisely the qualities he experiences in the collaboration.