Education

Sietske obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Leiden University. She successfully completed her Master’s in Employment Law in 2021, graduating with her thesis on the topic of employer liability in the context of employee burnout.

Career

During her studies, Sietske worked as an external court clerk at the District Court of The Hague. She also volunteered at De Leidse Rechtwinkel, where she provided free legal advice in the area of employment law to Leiden residents with limited financial means. Sietske also undertook internships at a number of law firms, including De Clercq. She has been associated with De Clercq since 2021.

Sietske’s daily practice

In the area of employment law, Sietske mainly works on HR-related matters such as dismissal (including summary dismissal), unacceptable behaviour in the workplace, reorganisations, and incapacity for work. Her approach is aimed at finding practical solutions that will help her client move forward, and this quality makes her an excellent sounding board for HR consultants.

Selected cases

Summary dismissal

Providing advice and guidance to employers in handling and settling summary dismissals, and in the associated litigation.

Guidance in reintegration processes

Guiding employers in the reintegration process, on the one hand to ensure that they satisfy all of the obligations under the Eligibility for Permanent Incapacity Benefit (Restrictions) Act (Wet Verbetering Poortwachter) and avoid wage sanctions, and on the other to enable employees to return to work as soon as possible.

Unacceptable behaviour in the workplace

Advising employers on how to prevent unacceptable behaviour in the workplace, and which steps need to be taken in the event that an employee reports (anonymously or otherwise) unacceptable behaviour in the workplace to their employer.

Reorganisation

Guiding employers through the entire reorganisation process, including drafting the request for advice for the works council.