Simone Schmeetz has been practicing employment law since 2007. She advises and litigates on a wide range of employment law matters, including reorganizations, employment terms and conditions, dismissal cases, directors, co-determination, collective bargaining agreement issues, transfers of undertakings, and employee participation and share schemes. She also regularly handles matters at the intersection of employment law and corporate law, such as transactions and restructuring projects. In 2026, she became a partner at Wijn & Stael.

Legally Sharp with an Eye for the Organizational Context
Simone is a decisive and highly communicative attorney who thrives in dynamic environments. She enjoys conducting in-depth legal analyses, always combining with practical and sustainable solutions for her clients.

“In employment law matters, there is often more at stake than the legal options alone. Directors and HR teams primarily want to understand what choices are available to them, what risks those choices entail, and how they can retain control of the process. That is why I focus on providing advice that is clear, practical and actionable. In doing so, I act not only as an attorney, but also as a trusted business partner.”

Excelling in Complex Matters with a Broad Perspective
Thanks to her background in M&A, Simone naturally looks beyond the boundaries of her own practice area. She is particularly strong on matters where employment law, corporate law and organizational change converge. By recognizing the interaction between these disciplines and working closely with colleagues from other practice areas, she can provide integrated advice on the most complex matters.

Professional Activities & Memberships

• Member, Association for Employment Law (Vereniging voor Arbeidsrecht)
• Member, VAAA (Association of Employment Lawyers of Amsterdam)
• Member, European Employment Lawyers Association

Academic Background

• LL.M. Employment Law, University of Amsterdam, 2006
• LL.B. Dutch Law, Utrecht University, 2003

Representative Practice

• Advised on the closure of a manufacturer and distributor of medical devices. Simone guided the collective dismissal process and negotiated a social plan with the trade unions. Following the closure, she continued to act as employment counsel to the remaining sales business.
• Advised a bankrupt company that was acquired by an American fashion and apparel company. Following the restart of the business, Simone acted as employment counsel to the Dutch operations of the company.
• Advised an international financial services provider on a transfer of undertaking following the acquisition of a client portfolio.
• Provides ongoing employment law advice to an American multinational active worldwide in the development, marketing and sale of sports footwear, apparel and equipment. She has assisted the client with business and organizational restructurings, complex individual employment matters and co-determination issues.
• Advised an international fintech platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, providing business banking services, on matters relating to temporary agency work and payroll arrangements.
• Frequently advises Anglo-Saxon companies with Dutch subsidiaries on matters governed by Dutch employment law.
• Assisted numerous directors with termination and dismissal matters, including in the financial sector.