In conversation with two movers; our colleagues Floris Pels Rijcken and Juuk Hulshof

In the section "In conversation with a mover," Omgevingsweb poses some questions to professionals who have recently changed jobs or received doctorates within the environmental domain. Our office has even gained two new recruits, who together answer the questions. Floris Pels Rijcken and Juuk Hulshof, both lawyers, talk about their challenges and interests within their jobs and the environmental domain.

Why did you choose this position?

Pels Rijcken: "I started my career (in 2011) as a lawyer. In May 2017, I made the switch to the business world; I became a corporate lawyer at Ballast Nedam. Gradually I found out that the legal profession suits me better after all. I get energy from litigation and coming up with out-of-the-box solutions for clients. So the position as a lawyer (construction law) fits me like a glove."

Hulshof: "At my previous firm, Vangoud attorneys, a niche firm for real estate and government, I had a particularly good and instructive time and, to that extent, a move was not obvious. However, I still wanted to work for a larger firm; thus, I am curious about the cross-fertilization between the different fields. Poelmann van den Broek is such a larger firm: no nonsense and with a firm foothold in not only environmental law, but also, for example, corporate law. I therefore look forward to working with colleagues in the other disciplines."

What is the biggest challenge within this position?

Pels Rijcken: "In practice, you regularly come into contact with technical aspects of construction. For good advice, it is important that you also understand this aspect (to a certain extent). As a lawyer, this is occasionally a challenge - after all, you didn't study for that technical aspect."

Hulshof: "Just like Floris, environmental law - especially hard-core environmental law - has a technical component: calculations and studies relating to noise, odor and air quality, for example, are the order of the day. On top of that, environmental law standards often stem from European directives and regulations, so Dutch law is not enough. Finally, of course, the Environmental Law is coming: undoubtedly a 'lawyers paradise'."

Where does your interest in the environmental domain come from?

Hulshof: "Environmental law deals with everything you - or rather: everyone - sees, feels, hears and smells, and that is quite a lot. Especially when you consider that we are dealing with more and more people and activities in the same area, there is quite a lot to be regulated to keep the Netherlands livable. That tension between 'protecting and using' (taken from the Environment Act) I find very interesting."

Pels Rijcken: "I share the interest in environmental law described above to a certain extent. However, when realizing construction works, environmental law can be a (strong) delaying factor. It is very nice to spar with the colleagues in environmental law (including Juuk) in an eventuality."

What is your favorite place in our habitat?

Pels Rijcken: "The Posbank. It is a beautiful (high-altitude) forest/heathland area with a view of the IJssel valley, Arnhem and the Achterhoek. You can tour it very nicely by car, but walking there is also recommended. Although I understand that the municipality of Rheden wants to ban car and motorcycle. Very unfortunate. Juuk, can't you put a stop to that?"

Hulshof: "I certainly share the appreciation for the Posbank, Floris, and that is exactly why I think the idea of the municipality of Rheden is not so bad after all. Although as far as I'm concerned - especially on the weekends - there may also be a quota on the number of cyclists racing down there unscrupulously. If cars continue to drive there, that seems to me a good reason for cyclists to slow down. So put that way, maybe that ban shouldn't be there after all. The objection period for a traffic decision is six weeks..."

What book/movie do you recommend to everyone?

Pels Rijcken: "The film Contratiempo. A Spanish crime-thriller. Is on Netflix, by the way. Is rock solid and builds up to an epic climax. Also special attention to sound; goosebumps at the end guaranteed!"

Hulshof: "Speaking of goosebumps: can it be music too? One of my favorites is Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherazade. The colorful story of the thousand-and-one-night fairy tale with an angry sultan and the fragile melody of Princess Sheherazade, and that both melodies merge at the end of the piece - on the edge of my seat!"

What is your personal motto?

Pels Rijcken: "When in doubt: do it!"

Hulshof: "On the contrary, I hesitate about the motto, because it depends quite a bit on what suits me at the time..."

Pels Rijcken: "Will I now have to label Juuk as an opportunist...?"

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