Atmospheric pressure

Dutch lawyers are reluctant to work for the local offices of London law firms because of their poor atmosphere, according to a recent survey.

Dutch magazine Account found that City firms were regarded as having high professional competence, but not such a good atmosphere.

But law firms associated with accountants fared worse in the study, with a relatively low perceived professional competence and poor atmosphere.

Native firms fared better with high perceived competence and a good atmosphere.

Linklaters' Dutch alliance firm, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, came out top in the survey, and Clifford Chance also scored in the top ten.

In spite of the good atmosphere at local firms, Marjolein Geus, a partner at leading Netherlands firm Houthoff Buruma, quoted figures of 44% who said they would not count out a move.

She said the market had changed a lot during the past two years.

This year, Freshfields has continued to raid Netherlands law firms for top lawyers, Allen & Overy has been strengthening its new Dutch offices and Eversheds and DLA have established links with local firms.

Ms Geus said: 'Law firms are facing increasing difficulties in keeping talented people.

Lawyers are no longer there for a life-time job.'

She added: 'Dutch offices of London firms still have a way to go, and it's not just a matter of paying high salaries.'

Anne Mizzi