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Welcome to NGB
The professional association for in-house legal counsel

  • NGB platform connects in-house legal counsel across the Netherlands.
  • NGB promotes the exchange of information and experiences, the sharing of knowledge, and professional networking.
  • NGB organises meetings and events to help maintain and develop legal expertise and professional skills.

NGB is a non-profit organisation. The annual membership fee is €175 (excluding VAT). This membership includes access to all events and webinars.

Nederlands Genootschap van Bedrijfsjuristen (NGB) is the leading professional association for in-house counsel in the Netherlands. Each year, we provide more than 25 webinars and lectures, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing and professional development. While most of our activities are conducted in Dutch, we strongly value international collaboration. That is why NGB will expand its offering to English-speaking legal counsel as from January 2026. From then, international legal counsel working and living in the Netherlands can also benefit from knowledge sharing and networking activities. To this end, we will expand our educational offering in the English language and we are looking forward to welcoming a broader community of legal counsel in the Netherlands.

This page offers key information for English-speaking in-house counsel in the Netherlands interested in joining the NGB network. Starting in 2026, we will introduce a variety of meetings and courses in English, including topics such as:

  • Compliance: competition law and data protection
  • Trends in M&A en Corporate
  • Data & Cyber – Data Strategy
  • IT Law
  • Negotiation skills
  • Networking event

In addition, NGB provides in-house corporate lawyers with the opportunity to participate in a Structural Feedback Group. This programme consists of 8 hours a year of structured peer feedback sessions, fulfilling a requirement set by The Netherlands Bar (NOvA).

By joining NGB, you gain access to a dynamic network, high-quality training, and the opportunity to engage with colleagues across diverse companies and areas of law.

Legal Sections

At NGB, we bring together nine legal sections, each hosting two meetings per year—typically one in person and one online.

Every section within NGB focuses on a distinct area of law, ensuring a rich diversity of expertise and perspectives. Our active sections cover: specific topics for in-house corporate lawyers, Employment Law, Civil Law, Digital Law, Intellectual Property Law, Competition Law, Environmental Law, Data Protection Law, and Corporate Law.

This structure allows members to engage with colleagues across specialised fields, exchange knowledge, and stay at the forefront of legal developments in the Netherlands.

For most of these meetings, PO points will be awarded for in-house corporate lawyers. To see our current agenda, visit: AGENDA – NGB. English meetings will be marked with an English flag.

NGB Extra

Each year, NGB partners with two law firms, designated as the NGB Extra Offices. In 2026, these will be La Gro and Eversheds Sutherland. Both offices will organise four exclusive activities for our members, each highlighting current developments and areas of expertise within their practice.

The programme offers a variety of formats to ensure both accessibility and depth:

  • One in-person meeting
  • One webinar
  • One roundtable discussion
  • One session in English

Through the NGB Extra Offices, members gain direct access to pressing legal topics, engage in interactive discussions, and expand their professional network.

Structured Feedback Group

For in-house lawyers, NGB facilitates GIO group sessions – structured peer consultation meetings designed to support professional reflection and development. We currently have one English-language group up and running, which still has limited spaces available for new participants. The group meets for at least eight hours a year.

Participation in these sessions is formally recognised: NGB provides official certificates as proof of attendance. As an organisation accredited by the Netherlands Bar Association (NOvA), NGB ensures that these sessions count towards continuing education requirements, offering both credits and certificates.

Application form for an English GIO group: 

Sign up

European Company Lawyers Association

NGB is one of the founding members of the European Company Lawyers Association (ECLA). They are an umbrella organisation for 24 company lawyer associations in Europe and represent the common interests of European company lawyers.

Membership 

Membership criteria 

1) Eligibility for ordinary membership shall be limited exclusively to individuals who: 

a. Have acquired the status of Master of Laws by successfully passing the doctoral examination at a Dutch university, or have obtained the degree of Master of Laws by successfully completing a master’s programme in law at a Dutch university, or have successfully completed a programme considered equivalent thereto by the Board; and 
b. Are employed as in-house counsel for the majority of their working time at one or more organisations operating in the Netherlands. 

The General Assembly may, by regulation (to be adopted in accordance with the provisions of Article 15, paragraph 1 of these Articles of Association), establish further rules regarding the criteria that a member must meet in order to qualify for membership of the association. 

Regulations 

Article 1 – Membership Criteria 

  1. In addition to Article 4, paragraph 1 of the Articles of Association, the following criteria apply to regular membership: 

a. The organisation established in the Netherlands as referred to in Article 4, paragraph 1(b) of the Articles of Association is a legal entity under private law that: 
i. primarily engages in business activities; or 
ii. exclusively or almost exclusively provides services to a specific organisation as referred to under (i), including its group companies; or 
iii. is maintained for the purpose of representing the interests of one or more organisations as referred to under (i); and 
b. The member devotes his/her working time entirely or almost entirely to legal work that exclusively relates to the internal legal affairs of the organisations referred to above. 

Article 2 – Independent In-House Counsel 

  1. In addition to Article 4, paragraph 4 of the Articles of Association, the Board may, from time to time or on a sample  basis, request members who work as in-house counsel other than under an employment contract to demonstrate that they continue to meet the membership criteria. 

Article 3 – Exemption by the Board 

  1. The Board may grant exemptions from the criteria referred to in Article 4, paragraph 1 of the Articles of Association and Article 1(a) and (b) of these Regulations. 

These Regulations were adopted by the General Meeting on the proposal of the Board, in accordance with Article 15, paragraph 1 of the Articles of Association at the meeting held on 23 September 2021. 

FAQ

  • Can I join the NGB if I don’t speak Dutch?

    Yes. If you are an in-house counsel working in the Netherlands, you are welcome to join the NGB regardless of your native language. Please note, however, that most of our activities and communications are currently in Dutch. We are working on offering more events in English.

  • Are NGB events or courses available in English?

    At present, the majority of NGB events are conducted in Dutch. However, some sessions may be held in English or include English-language materials, especially when international topics are discussed. We are actively exploring options to expand our English-language offering. For 2026 we are planning at least ** events in English. 

  • How can I connect with other international in-house lawyers in the Netherlands?

    The NGB provides a strong professional network for in-house lawyers in the Netherlands. While we do not yet have a dedicated international subgroup, we welcome international members and are open to facilitating connections between them. Please let us know if you're interested in this.

  • Does the NGB support professional development for non-Dutch speakers?

    Most of our continuing education programs are currently in Dutch and accredited by the Netherlands Bar Association (NOvA). However, we are working to broaden access to our content, and English-language resources are under development. 

  • What are the benefits of joining the NGB as an international in-house lawyer?

    Membership gives you access to a wide range of professional resources, legal updates, and networking opportunities in the Dutch corporate legal community. It is a valuable way to stay informed, connected, and supported in your role as an in-house counsel in the Netherlands. We have recenlty set up a group for 'structured feedback' in English. You can sign up here. 

Nederlands Genootschap van Bedrijfsjuristen

Postbus 93002
2509 AA DEN HAAG

Telefoon: 033 24 734 02

ledenadministratie@ngb.nl (lidmaatschapsaangelegenheden)
info@ngb.nl (overige zaken)
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