Willem Bongaerts

About Me

I am an international tax lawyer with a passion for cross-border work and have been a partner here at Bird & Bird since 2014. Today, as head of our Dutch Tax practice, I'm based out of The Hague.

As a dual qualified tax lawyer with over 20 years' experience, I have built my practice around domestic and overseas clients, focusing on innovative companies. I specialise in international tax and advise European and US multinationals on cross-border transactions, corporate reorganisations and M&A. I also advise on the creation of European investment and private equity funds, real estate investment funds, financing, licensing and holding structures.

Before joining the team at Bird & Bird, I worked as an international tax lawyer in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and New York. Today I'm a frequent speaker on tax topics at seminars and conferences, and often act as a conference chairman.

I am a member of the Dutch Association of Tax Advisers (NOB), the International Fiscal Association, the Dutch Bar Association (NOvA), the American Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.

Capabilities

Life Sciences and Healthcare Tax Technology & Communications

Education

Studied

Universiteit Leiden, Master's degree, Notarial law
Universiteit van Amsterdam, Master's degree, Tax Law/Taxation

Admissions

Dutch Bar (Amsterdam and The Hague), Netherlands in 2001
Association of Tax Advisers, Netherlands in 2000
New York State Bar, 2007

Testimonials

Clients report that Willem Bongaerts of Bird & Bird offers 'terrific knowledge of the law, with prompt turnaround and responsiveness.' Another client describes him as 'knowledgeable, down to earth and practical.' Bongaerts advises clients on advance tax rulings for the creation of Dutch investment platforms. He also assists clients with the tax aspects of corporate and financial transactions.

Chambers Europe, 2020