Mirjam de Blécourt, one of Europe’s most prominent employment lawyers, is set to retire from practice after more than three decades at Baker McKenzie. The Amsterdam-based partner will step down on 1 July 2026, ending a more than 35-year career at the international firm. 

“It is a conscious choice to step down at my peak,” De Blécourt said about her decision. “I have given it my all and leave the team with a strong foundation and solid leadership in place.”

Baker McKenzie’s 13-strong Dutch employment and compensation team will continue to be led by Danielle Pinedo, alongside fellow partner Anna van Bracht. In a statement, the firm praised De Blécourt’s contribution to the practice and wider legal market.

“Mirjam leaves behind a practice that is stronger than ever,” said Pinedo. “Her legal insight, entrepreneurship, and dedication have been a tremendous source of inspiration for everyone on our team and far beyond. Her legacy lives on in the way we collaborate and look ahead as a team.”

Kim Tan, managing partner of the Amsterdam office, also paid tribute, saying: “Mirjam combined legal excellence with entrepreneurship and vision. She has left a lasting mark not only on our firm, but also on employment law and the broader societal debate on diversity. We are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed to Baker McKenzie.”

Widely regarded as a top-tier adviser, De Blécourt has spent decades counselling multinational clients on complex workplace matters, including governance, executive exits, sensitive investigations, and strategic reorganisations. 

She also developed the “De Blécourt Method” to managing collective dismissals in the Netherlands. The reorganisation method, which has been widely adopted across the country, requires employees whose roles have been eliminated to reapply for newly created positions, which often differ in substance from their previous roles. 

This approach allows employers to select staff based on suitability rather than applying strict redundancy selection principles, helping the retention of key talent and dismissal of less suitable workers.

Asked by IEL how the world of employment law has changed over the past three decades, De Blécourt replies: “I started without a computer and without mobile phone. You can imagine how the practice and pace of it has changed; now, with AI, a new chapter has started. 

“Dutch employment law was incredibly protective for employees, and over the years I have seen that change, and it is still changing. ESG has been introduced which has changed the landscape and now with the pay transparency law we are heading into a more equal landscape for men and women. The #MeToo movement had a huge impact on the practice as well.”

De Blécourt says the transformation of Dutch workplaces over recently years has been “truly remarkable” and “overwhelmingly positive”. 

“Behaviours that might have once been brushed off as jokes or considered harmless, like what is now recognised as bullying, were often just seen as playful banter when I was younger. It’s encouraging to see how far we’ve come in redefining what is acceptable and fostering environments where respect is paramount,” she notes.

Another significant shift is in the area of equality. “Compared to the start of my career, workplaces today are much more inclusive and balanced. The push for equality has allowed people from varied backgrounds and experiences to contribute and thrive, which strengthens teams and organisations as a whole,” she adds. 

“These changes have helped create work cultures that are not only more welcoming, but also more productive and supportive.”

De Blécourt has long advocated for gender equality, initiated programmes to support the development of female leadership at Baker McKenzie, and while serving as a member of the Dutch Senate between 2019 and 2023, played a key role in the introduction of a binding gender quota for supervisory boards of Dutch-listed companies.

She also has been a member of the firm’s EMEA Board since 2022 and a member of its DEI Steering Committee in Amsterdam since 2018.

Asked about the challenges facing the next generation of Dutch employment lawyers and her advice to them, De Blécourt emphasises the importance of not worrying about things that may never happen and of not taking feedback personally.

“I believe that fostering teamwork and supporting one another will be absolutely essential. Building a strong, collaborative team and finding ways to truly enjoy your work can make all the difference,” she says. “It’s important to appreciate the beauty and unique opportunities each day brings, even amidst the pressures of the legal world.”

She also suggests thinking more creatively about fee arrangements that may open doors to new clients and embracing technological developments, such as AI. 

“The legal landscape is evolving rapidly, and those who welcome innovation will be best equipped for what’s ahead,” she says. “Knit a team, help each other, have fun, see the beauty in every day and think about alternative fee arrangements. Train yourself in AI, embrace the new world.”

Reflecting on her achievements, she says: “I look back with pride on a career in which I was able to help shape employment law. As a committed advocate for diversity and equal treatment of women, I have put this issue firmly on the agenda, and I will continue to do so.”

“I am indescribably grateful to all the clients and colleagues in Amsterdam and worldwide who gave me the trust and space to grow and develop as a lawyer, leader, and as a person. Thanks to you, this path was particularly valuable, and also just fun,” she added.

Until her departure in July, De Blécourt says she will continue advising clients on “the best employment law cases” before enjoying her retirement. 

“I am genuinely proud that, throughout my career, I have stayed true to myself and never felt the need to change simply to fit in,” she tells IEL. 

“Moreover, I am delighted to have built such a well-knit team of remarkable and genuinely lovely people. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how our collaborative spirit and dedication have created an environment where clients truly enjoy working with us.”

“For me, this moment marks not only a farewell but also a new beginning,” she adds. “I look forward to spending more time with my family, serving on supervisory and advisory boards, continuing my commitment to gender diversity, and deepening my involvement in Africa, which remains very close to my heart.”