Tag: law firm

DUTCH CARIBBEAN BANKS AND REGULATORY ISSUES

A bank has less freedom than an ordinary legal entity What would be the requirements, from a regulatory point of view, if a Curaçao or St. Maarten bank wished to sell its entire business or a substantial part thereof? Would it require approval from the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (‘Centrale Bank van… Continue reading DUTCH CARIBBEAN BANKS AND REGULATORY ISSUES

LEGAL FEES: CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Alternative billing arrangements According to Larry Primeaux, the construction of legal fees is undergoing a metamorphosis in reaction to changing economics. Fact is, indeed, that you read everywhere that law firms (lawyers, advocates, attorneys) have to change. The system of “hourly rate billing” in particular has to take the rap. “In this economy, at least… Continue reading LEGAL FEES: CHANGING LANDSCAPE

LAW FIRMS SEE ALTERNATIVE FEE ARRANGEMENTS AS HERE TO STAY

“I don’t think the billable hour is dead, but I think it has company” According to an article by Kim Lyons of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “the billable hour has long been the mainstay of law firms and their pay structure. But in recent years, firms have had to become more creative in how they get… Continue reading LAW FIRMS SEE ALTERNATIVE FEE ARRANGEMENTS AS HERE TO STAY

THINK LIKE A LAWYER, DON’T ACT LIKE ONE

The essential rules for the smart negotiator Aernoud Bourdrez is a lawyer and conflict negotiator. The approach of Bourdrez differs from traditional advocacy. Where traditional lawyers focus on the legal aspects of the conflict, Bourdrez puts emphasis on the patterns that characterize the conflict and ways to break through these patterns. On preventing and resolving… Continue reading THINK LIKE A LAWYER, DON’T ACT LIKE ONE

ADVOCATEN EN DECLARABELE UREN

Wat is daar eigenlijk mis mee? Overal lees je dat advocatenkantoren moeten veranderen. Ze zijn te conservatief. Ze houden vast aan het verleden en zijn alles behalve innovatief. Naarmate het economisch slechter gaat wordt de roep om verandering steeds sterker. Met name het systeem van ‘uurtje factuurtje’ moet het ontgelden. Advocaten wordt verweten dat zij… Continue reading ADVOCATEN EN DECLARABELE UREN

LAWYERS AND BILLABLE HOURS

What is wrong with this exactly? You read everywhere that law firms (lawyers, advocates, attorneys) have to change. Lawyers are too conservative. They hold on to the past and are anything but innovative. As the economic climate deteriorates the call for change becomes increasingly stronger. The system of “hourly rate billing” in particular has to… Continue reading LAWYERS AND BILLABLE HOURS

THE COURT OF LAST RESORT

Curaçao court as court of last resort for civil matters An attachment on assets located in Curaçao generally establishes jurisdiction over the cause of action for which the attachment is made, also if neither of the parties involved are domiciled in Curaçao. According to Section 767 of the Curaçao Code of Civil Procedure, the Curaçao… Continue reading THE COURT OF LAST RESORT

150 JURIDISCHE PUBLICATIES

Een persoonlijke mijlpaal Afgelopen donderdag was het dan zo ver: mijn 150e juridische publicatie zag het levenslicht. Het gaat om mijn bijdrage aan het Liber Amicorum ‘Christels Koers’ dat toen werd aangeboden aan prof.mr. drs. C.M. Grundmann-van de Krol: “Openbaarmaking door de financiële toezichthouders”. De volledige lijst met publicaties is hier te vinden. Nummer 151 is overigens… Continue reading 150 JURIDISCHE PUBLICATIES

CHALLENGING THE VALIDITY OF A CONTRACT

Based on error, fraud or undue influence The validity of a contract can be challenged on various grounds, including error, fraud or undue influence. In the case to be discussed here a contract was entered into by an intermediary. Appellants in cassation (Van Eendenberg) were owners of the parcels on which a preferential right was… Continue reading CHALLENGING THE VALIDITY OF A CONTRACT

INDEPENDENT SUPERVISORY BOARD IN ST. MAARTEN

Should be mandatory for government-owned entities Under the laws of St. Maarten, the main task of a board of supervisory directors is to supervise the board of managing directors of a limited liability company (NV or BV). The St. Maarten Corporate Code provides for two different kinds of boards of supervisory directors, a “regular” board… Continue reading INDEPENDENT SUPERVISORY BOARD IN ST. MAARTEN

US LAW GOVERNED AGREEMENTS

Curaçao and St. Maarten Courts will accept the choice of laws One of the questions frequently asked is whether the Courts in Curaçao or St. Maarten, if an action is brought before them, will pay deference to a “choice of governing law” and/or venue provision in an agreement, in particular when the parties have chosen… Continue reading US LAW GOVERNED AGREEMENTS