Dutch Caribbean law firm operates in a borderless business world
National boundaries these days are increasingly less significant, even for small or mid-size law firms. Though Spigthoff Attorneys & Tax Advisers can hardly be called a global law firm, with only two offices, one in Curacao and one in Amsterdam, we can however offer services to our clients world wide.
It is not necessary to have a presence in every region of the world to operate across borders and cultures. One can work together with reputable local law firms in any and all countries. It saves time and money not having to be bothered by issues related to organizing ones foreign offices, how to compete in a global legal arena or how to manage ones staff on a global scale. In other words: a mid-sized firm like Spigthoff is able to provide effective legal representation in every country and in every major area of legal practice, without being bothered by major overheads. Thus even a small or mid-size law firm can be a “one-stop shop”, provided it continually monitors the standard of quality of the foreign law firms it works with.
Also, being a global firm raises the probability of conflicts. As a small or mid-size law firm one can choose among various alternatives consulting with the client and carefully considering his needs and wishes.
Spigthoff Attorneys & Tax Advisers (Curacao, Netherlands Antilles)
Spigthoff law firm is a market leader with its strengths in the areas of financial services, corporate, tax and litigation. We practice law throughout the Dutch Caribbean and are routinely called in to assist clients with their most critical issues.
Our clients include a diverse group of institutions and individuals: from local and international banks to large funds; from foreign companies seeking to transact business in the Dutch Caribbean to local companies doing business abroad; from high net-worth individuals to governments; from telecom companies to airlines; from real estate project developers to hotel chains.
Spigthoff is a top law firm. Our attorneys and tax advisers are not only excellent professionals, they are also practical, creative and proactive in working with our clients. Their goal: cost-effective and straightforward solutions to complex legal and tax issues, combining skill with a tough approach where necessary.
Our lawyers and tax advisers deal with complex issues on a daily basis and finding effective solutions is second nature to them. Resolution by mutual agreement is often the preferred way to go, however we do not shun litigation in the interest of our clients. A quick solution via rapid injunctions is often preferable to time consuming debates. We are ambitious and assertive, with a strong client commitment. Just what the doctor ordered for those requiring a “robust” solution to their problem.
We started our firm in 2001 with litigation experts specialized in the fields of corporate, securities and banking law, however also including tax law professionals. Spigthoff has since built up a fearsome reputation based on quality, an unwavering sense of direction and on fearlessness. With our focus on international business, our Curacao office has through the years also developed a distinct local practice.
Clients see us as being on the ball: rapid and solution-oriented. They appreciate our personal style, our accessibility and straight talk.
Corporate law
Spigthoff is highly experienced in public and private transactions, including mergers, takeovers, management buyouts and corporate governance. We provide legal services to a variety of clients, from (publicly held) large multinational companies to (start-up) private businesses.
Our broad practice intersects with related practices, in particular tax, labor law and banking & securities. Prof. Alexander Mohr of Spigthoff co-drafted the Netherlands Antilles corporate code and Karel Frielink is the author of the leading corporate textbook.
Spigthoff represents a variety of businesses with regards to their original establishment, initial capitalization, ongoing financing transactions (private equity and debt), (cross-border) contractual relationships, joint ventures, shareholders’ agreements and directors liability. Our areas of practice include advice on exit-strategies, whether by private sale or initial public offering, E-Commerce, limited partnerships and tenders.
Financial Transactions
Spigthoff has wide experience in financial transactions, including securities transactions, private equity, venture capital, investment and hedge funds, corporate and project finance, IPOs, private placements, (term loan) credit facility agreements, structured finance (collateralized debt obligations, credit-linked notes, note issuance programmes, securitizations and acquisitions), security documentation, ship financing, aircraft financing, group finance companies and convertibles.
We also advise our clients on reporting matters and regulatory issues, helping our clients develop compliance systems and procedures.
Spigthoff represents a variety of clients regarding the establishment, structuring, and regulatory matters related to funds, including private investment funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, umbrella funds and real estate funds. We advise on exit-strategies, whether by private sale or initial public offering.
Additionally, we often assist national and international clients dealing with complex financial transactions and the resulting tax issues. Tax considerations often represent a central consideration in structuring hedge and other funds. Our tax lawyers have worked on various international tax-planning strategies and transactions.
Tax law
Spigthoff provides guidance on the full range of business and personal tax issues for clients, including investment and hedge funds, high net-worth individuals, venture capitalists, multinational companies, emerging companies and lending institutions. We strive to find innovative solutions to complex situations.
Our tax professionals advise on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, limited liability companies, reorganizations, the structuring of foreign investments, debt-for-stock and other exchanges, private foundations, real property investments, e-commerce, e-zone companies and individual as well as corporate (international) tax-planning.
Spigthoff also represents clients in tax disputes, including profit tax, personal income tax, sales tax, estate and gift tax, international tax, and disputes related to international treaties. We have extensive experience in dealing with various tax authorities. We attempt to resolve disputes out-of-court, but if necessary we stand ready to engage in tax litigation.
Litigation
Spigthoff is routinely called on to assist clients with their most critical matters. We handle complex commercial litigation, including shareholder and corporate control disputes, director liability issues, contractual disputes, investment management disputes, insurance coverage, regulatory and administrative law, intellectual property infringements, employment disputes, telecommunication matters and real estate related disputes. As far as banks and other financial institutions are concerned, we both represent and sue them (the latter only if not being a client of course).
We attempt to resolve disputes out-of-court, but if necessary we stand ready to engage in litigation, whether in court or any alternative dispute forum. We also counsel clients on minimizing litigation risks.
Spigthoff represents a variety of investors, financial institutions, private persons and businesses. The cases we handle are as varied as the clients we represent, who have chosen Spigthoff because they need a troubleshooter in their corner.
If you have any questions or if you are considering engaging our firm, please feel free to contact me at Karel.Frielink@Spigthoff.com. We have been life savers for many before you.
Karel Frielink
Attorney (lawyer) / Partner
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Filed under: legal by Karel.Frielink
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