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 24 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) and the American 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, 2001
Association of Tax Advisers, Netherlands, 2000
New York State Bar, 2007

Testimonials

We have dealt primarily with Willem Bongaerts. I trust Willem and he is my first call for doing business outside of the US. I trust that Willem has my back and has shown himself to be knowledgeable but also have access to resources in other countries and subject matter where he might not be an expert.

The Legal 500 EMEA, 2023