The organisation
What Pels Rijcken does
Pels Rijcken was formed in 1969 through a merger between the practices of Leonard Pels Rijcken and Eduard Droogleever Fortuijn, who held the position of Landsadvocaat, the informal title for the firm that acts as the Dutch State's principal outside counsel. The firm has held that role ever since and, by agreement, never acts against the State.
In the Netherlands
Pels Rijcken in the Netherlands
The office is in The Hague, the centre of Dutch government and international law, and the firm's client base is unusually concentrated on central government, public bodies and regulated sectors.
Structure
Practice groups and where you work
Practice groups include administrative and constitutional law, civil litigation, EU and competition law, and a notarial practice, reflecting the firm's government-facing profile.
Getting in
How students start here
Students interested in public law and government work often target Pels Rijcken specifically, starting through an internship or traineeship in the administrative law practice.
Key facts
At a glance
- Type
- Full-service law firm & Notarial practice
- Head office
- Den Haag
- Founded
- 1969
- Size
- 193 lawyers (Advocatie Top 50 2026)
Vacancies
Vacancies at Pels Rijcken
Related
Relevant legal practice areas
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Pels Rijcken
What does Pels Rijcken do?
The firm holding the office of Landsadvocaat, formally representing the Dutch State in litigation and providing government legal advice since 1969.
How do I get an internship or traineeship at Pels Rijcken?
Students interested in public law and government work often target Pels Rijcken specifically, starting through an internship or traineeship in the administrative law practice.
Which legal practice areas are relevant at Pels Rijcken?
At Pels Rijcken, the most relevant practice areas are Administrative Law, Dispute Resolution and Public Procurement.
Where is Pels Rijcken based in the Netherlands?
Head office: Den Haag.
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