Employment Lawyer vs Legal Expert: What’s the Difference?
Looking for legal support in employment matters?
If you're facing an issue at work, you've probably come across the terms "employment lawyer" (advocaat) and "employment legal expert" (jurist). But what exactly is the difference between the two? This blog outlines the main distinctions and helps you decide which expert fits your situation.
What is an employment lawyer?
An employment lawyer is a qualified attorney who specializes in employment law. They hold a master’s degree in law and are registered with the Dutch Bar Association. This means they are extensively trained and continuously updated on legal developments. Employment lawyers who formally register labour law as their main field of practice are required to earn ten professional education points annually in that field.
An important distinction is that only lawyers are allowed to litigate in all courts, including district courts and courts of appeal. Legal experts may only represent clients at the subdistrict court level. This means that a lawyer can provide legal advice as well as take full legal action in court if necessary.
Lawyers also follow strict professional rules. For example, they are bound by professional secrecy and may not share confidential client information without explicit consent. Legal experts are not subject to this same obligation, a key factor when deciding who to trust with sensitive matters.
What is an employment legal expert (jurist)?
An employment legal expert is someone who specializes in employment law but is not registered as a lawyer with the Dutch Bar. This could be, for example, a company legal counsel or legal assistant. While they have a legal background and may represent clients in subdistrict court, they cannot independently conduct proceedings in higher courts.
A legal expert may be a cost-effective option for more straightforward matters, such as reviewing contracts or advising on employment rights.
When do you need a lawyer or legal expert?
There are many situations where legal advice can be helpful, whether you’re an employee facing dismissal or a company seeking to terminate an employment contract. If you're being dismissed, a lawyer can assess whether the dismissal is lawful and whether you’re entitled to compensation. If your employment terms are unclear, a legal expert can help clarify your rights and obligations.
For employers, legal advice may be needed to prevent legal risks when dismissing an employee or to draft legally sound contracts and policies. For complex issues or legal proceedings, it's advisable to consult a specialized employment lawyer.
Conclusion
The main difference between an employment lawyer and a legal expert is that lawyers can represent clients in all courts and are subject to stricter professional standards. Legal experts may still provide valuable support, especially in non-litigious matters. It’s important to assess what kind of legal assistance best suits your needs.
This blog was written by Mr. Stijn Blom
Employment law attorney at expatlawyer.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and supports entrepreneurs on a daily basis with a wide range of employment law issues. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight agreements and regulations – with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more? Visit Stijn’s page.
Expatlawyer.nl is happy to think along with you if you have questions about the topic of employment law? Feel free to get in touch.
June 2025
