Profile: Daan Timmerman – bridge-builder in construction law

Daan, what characterizes you in your work as a lawyer?

“I always try to put myself in the position of my client, but also in that of the other parties involved. I want to understand why certain goals are being pursued and what serves the interests of the project as a whole. Some matters are straightforward – such as unpaid invoices – but in complex contractual relationships, the issues are often more nuanced. Those intricate puzzles are what I find most engaging. I examine them thoroughly and actively look for alternatives and possible solutions.”

How do you create those connections?

“De-escalation is a priority for me. In my experience, you often achieve more by seeking common ground than by immediately resorting to litigation. By nature, I look for shared interests and try to bring parties together. Sometimes this leads to a solution without court intervention, which is both more efficient and constructive. But when necessary, I do not hesitate to go to court. I feel equally at home there, as long as it serves my client’s best interests.”

Can you give an example of a situation where your approach made a difference?

“Certainly. For several years I acted as lead counsel supporting a project team on a large infrastructure project involving Dutch, German, and Austrian parties. The project director was initially skeptical about our presence at the site office. But a few months later he literally said he wished we had been there a year earlier. He saw that we were working in the interest of the entire project, focused on efficiency and preventing conflicts. Since then, he has remained a loyal client. Collaborations like that energize me – especially when I can switch between multiple languages during negotiations.”

With nearly three decades of experience as a lawyer, Daan has become a trusted sparring partner for (international) construction, real estate, and infrastructure teams. His strength lies in connecting parties, preventing escalation, and striving for sustainable solutions. Whether at the negotiation table or in the courtroom, Daan is committed to a thoughtful, engaged, and results-oriented approach.

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