Wijnanda Rutten

Founder of Olmo Pensioenrecht. Independent pensions lawyer, consultant at Clifford Chance in the Netherlands. Board member of a Dutch company pension fund, deputy judge and liaison in the Netherlands for a US securities fraud litigation firm.

Were you troublesome or sweet as a child?

I was never in big trouble, but also not perfectly sweet (although my parents probably never noticed this). I was born and raised in Amsterdam and have wonderful memories of my colorful childhood in this progressive and diverse city.

What drives you?

The Dutch collective pensions sector is – and has always been – in transition. There is never a dull moment. I am driven to consistently try to help institutions find solutions that will work in practice and are legally solid. Especially in the context of disputes resolution. I am driven to achieve an outcome that is eventually acceptable for both parties.

Is this an ideal profession?

Being independent and having the freedom to fulfill different roles is absolutely the best. I have had a wonderful career in Big Law, for which I am incredibly grateful. And although I am still closely partnered with bigger firms, I now have the flexibility to take on a bigger diversity in projects. The Dutch pensions landscape is very compact but also very complex; I am able to navigate it as an independent pensions lawyer with much more agility.  While practicing law runs in my family, I think my personality and where I grew up have been big factors in choosing my profession.

Are you an idealist or an optimist?

I am more of an optimist as there’s nothing that can’t be solved or improved. But one always has to keep in mind that some things are just as they are. And yes – this may be a typical lawyer stance – but we need to accept that we always need to remain compliant with the rules.

What do you add to a team?

I always try to be complementary in sharing my views, but also to bring diversity in perspectives. I’d like to say I am creative in my own way. I find it very important to pay attention to detail and that my expertise is properly carried out. In my line of profession specialization is very important.

Why are you a Friend of Stark?

It is great to be able to collaborate with people you know and trust. My link with Stark Narrative is specialization. They are a niche PR firm, and we cover a lot of common ground. And thereby – we are also able to leverage each other’s professional capabilities. It is important to team up with others who are good at something you are not.