AG Legal has launched an international exchange programme.

The first exchange early in 2007 was between Dutch member, Rosina Eising, and UK member, Sherrards, strengthening the relationship between the firms and providing two legal staff with a unique opportunity to experience life at a foreign law firm.

Sherrards first hosted Dutch lawyer, Margot van Camp, at its offices near London where she was primarily involved in the firm’s corporate and litigation departments. She describes her experience below:

When I heard I was going to be given this great opportunity to go to London for the exchange programme, I felt really honoured. 

During my time at Sherrards I got good exposure to the English law system. I went to court several times, from County Court to Employment Tribunal to the High Court (with the wigs!). One of the biggest differences between the Dutch system and the English system is that in England you need a barrister to represent your client in court. In the Netherlands lawyers fulfill the role of both solicitor and barrister.

Sherrards has a particularly good reputation in franchising. As a result of my stay with Sherrards I have discovered that franchising is a very interesting field of law.  Sherrards has an experienced team of lawyers who have an excellent understanding of everything to do with franchising.

I shadowed Paul Marmor during many meetings with important clients and at other interesting events. Highlights included: a meeting in Terminal 4 of Heathrow airport, meetings at barristers’ chambers, lunch at the Law Society, an Arabic Network event with a presentation by Liam Black, a networking event at St. Albans’ Chamber of Commerce (Women in Business), a breakfast meeting at the Royal Air Force club and high tea & tour of the Houses of Parliament.

I would truly recommend an internship with Sherrards, not only because the firm is very experienced in what it does but also because Sherrards staff are so nice and hospitable; they gave me a very pleasant and unforgettable stay!

In February, Katie Wortley, trainee with Sherrards, flew out to Amsterdam to work at Rosina Eising for three weeks.  Below she describes her stay in Amsterdam:

My time in Amsterdam gave me an interesting overview of the corporate, employment and energy work carried out by Rosina Eising and a series of fantastic networking opportunities. A business networking lunch at the impressive ABN Amro offices stands out. The focus was upon international investment in Holland and the promotion of trade, and included members of key international comp­anies, representatives from various embassies and the Dutch government.

I also met with the British Consul-General who provided an insight into important issues surrounding British investment and trade in the Netherlands, including issues raised by the Dutch employment law system.

The day spent in the Hague was fascinating. I was taken on a tour around the Peace Palace and to the newly established International Criminal Court, where I saw how the mechanics of the international legal system work in practice. I also attended two Dutch trials; a double baby murder case followed by a Hells Angels case. Both were in Dutch but it was interesting to see how the court process differed (for example, three judges, no juries and no barristers) and I had two very good translators!

Everyone at Rosina Eising made me feel very welcome and I enjoyed experiencing Dutch culture by living and working in Holland for three weeks. Cycling to work each day was great fun, if slightly scary, (the firm hired me a bright yellow bike to show locals I was an incompetent foreign cyclist!) and I now fully understand how over 25,000 bikes a year end up in the canals!