As of May 1, Tom van Wijngaarden has joined JPR Advocaten as a partner in the corporate practice. With his many years of experience in corporate law and strong focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), JPR is welcoming a highly experienced and driven lawyer to the firm. Tom’s arrival also marks the next step in the continued growth of the M&A practice, which now consists of a team of 11 lawyers, including 3 partners. Together with managing partner Marjolein van Leeuwen, Tom will focus on the further development of the practice.
Tom brings with him an impressive track record. He started his career in 1990 at Stibbe, where he developed into a partner and worked on a wide range of (international) transactions and capital markets matters. In the years that followed, he further expanded his practice, with a clear focus on M&A, private equity, and venture capital.
In 2009, Tom joined Eversheds, where he further internationalized his practice. Following the later integration with Eversheds Sutherland, he worked extensively within an international network and advised on complex cross-border transactions. This international dynamic and the collaboration with clients, investors, and lawyers across different jurisdictions further deepened both his practice and his perspective on the profession.
A deliberate choice for JPR
Tom’s move to JPR is a carefully considered one. After a long career as a partner, he is not yet ready to slow down. “For me, it was important to find a firm where I can truly contribute, where I am involved in the development of the practice, and where I genuinely enjoy working. From the very first moment, JPR felt like the right fit.”
What particularly appeals to him is the phase JPR is currently in. The coming years will focus on the firm’s continued development and positioning. “The legal profession is changing rapidly. In a few years, our profession will look different from what it does today. That is exactly what makes it interesting to join now and think together about the future of both the practice and the firm.”
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Building the corporate practice together
At JPR, Tom will focus on the further growth of the corporate practice, with special attention to strengthening the M&A practice and further developing venture capital activities — an area where, given his experience and international background, he sees significant added value for JPR.
Collaboration plays a central role in this. “We are truly going to do this as a team. I look forward to working with my colleagues to further expand the practice and strengthen JPR’s position within the M&A market.”
He also sees his role as partner as extending well beyond his own practice. “Partnership means responsibility. Not only for clients and matters, but also for the firm and the people who work there. It is a privilege to be able to fulfil that role.”
Experience that makes the difference
With more than three decades of experience, Tom brings not only substantive expertise, but also a sharp understanding of the dynamics of transactions and organizations. Understanding the client is central to his work. “It starts with asking the right questions: what does a client truly want to achieve? Only once you have a clear understanding of that can you really add value,” he explains.
Over the years, his perspective on the profession has broadened considerably. Whereas the focus used to be primarily on advocating as strongly as possible for the client’s own interests, Tom sees the practice increasingly evolving toward creating solutions that work for all parties involved. According to him, that shift makes the work both more interesting and more valuable. By recognizing and understanding the different interests at the table, more sustainable outcomes and stronger collaborations are achieved.
Sharing knowledge and collaborating
Alongside his practice, Tom places great importance on sharing knowledge. He is active as a lecturer for the Erasmus Governance Institute and the Law Firm School and sees mentoring younger colleagues as an important part of his role. “The strength of a firm lies in its people. I believe it is important to make time for the development of the next generation and to share my experience with them.”
Looking ahead with ambition
Tom’s arrival fits seamlessly within JPR’s ambition to further strengthen and future-proof its corporate practice.
Tom looks ahead to the coming years with enthusiasm: “We are going to take important steps with JPR. I look forward to contributing to that together with a team that strengthens one another and enjoys working on great matters together.”
With his experience, energy, and clear vision, Tom van Wijngaarden is a valuable addition to JPR Advocaten.
We are here to help
Would you like to learn more about buying or selling a company? Please feel free to get in touch below. The M&A team at JPR Advocaten will be happy to assist you.
