Interview with Edwin Franken | Director of TÜV NORD Netherlands
When Edwin Franken of TÜV NORD began working with Tim Segers more than fifteen years ago, it was primarily because of their specific expertise in areas relevant to them, such as asbestos. But that collaboration has since grown into much more. Today, LXA supports TÜV NORD Netherlands with a wide range of administrative and civil law issues.
TÜV NORD Netherlands conducts independent assessments in the areas of safety, quality, and laws and regulations—ranging from machinery and installations to amusement parks and cybersecurity. The organization operates daily in an environment where technology, regulations, and social responsibility converge. This entails a wide variety of legal issues. “We deal with administrative law, civil law, and all kinds of specialized laws and regulations. So it’s reassuring to be able to rely on a law firm that has the right expertise for virtually every issue.”
For him, collaboration ultimately boils down to the same thing as entrepreneurship: you want to move forward. Or, as he puts it himself: every entrepreneur ultimately wants to succeed. To do that, you need partners who not only master the subject matter but also understand the context in which your organization operates. Specialized knowledge is important in this regard, but trust, flexibility, and the ability to truly understand one another are just as important. And, of course, it also helps that many projects have been successfully completed.
According to Edwin, knowledge is one of LXA’s strengths. But just as important is the way the attorneys communicate. “Regulations can be quite complicated. LXA knows how to break that down into plain language. They not only explain the legal aspects but also make sure everyone truly understands each other. That prevents us from talking past one another.” After fifteen years of collaboration, the attorneys not only know the cases but also the organization and the context in which we operate. “Tim understands our world. Often, half a word is enough for us.”
Stronger After Every Case
Edwin cites the collaboration on asbestos cases as a good example of how LXA works. “Procedures are important, of course. But what I find perhaps even more valuable is what happens afterward.” After a case, the focus isn’t just on the legal outcome, but also on how TÜV NORD can further strengthen its own organization.
Which processes can be better organized? What information needs to be better documented? How do you ensure that employees are better prepared if a similar situation arises again? “LXA didn’t just focus on the case itself. They helped us think through how we could improve our processes so that we’d be even stronger next time.”
That approach also translated into practical action. LXA provided training for employees on the administrative law aspects of their work. “Administrative law isn’t part of the daily routine for many of our people. During those training sessions, they not only explained what the General Administrative Law Act prescribes, but—more importantly—why those rules are important and what impact they have on our work. The lively discussions during the training got everyone excited and ensured that everyone actually learned something.”
According to Edwin, that’s where the real added value of the collaboration lies: not just resolving a legal issue, but helping the organization be better prepared in the long run.
Providing Guidance When It Matters
Another aspect Edwin highlights is the way LXA provides advice. “They always explain what options are available and what the pros and cons of each are.” But it doesn’t stop there:
“They also aren’t afraid to suggest the path they personally consider the wisest. Ultimately, as an entrepreneur, you make the decision yourself. But it helps immensely to have an advisor who dares to provide guidance without making that decision for you.”
“Not a wallflower, but not a street fighter either”
If Edwin had to sum up the partnership in three words, he wouldn’t have to think twice: Knowledge. Flexibility. Decisiveness. “Ultimately, you’re working with people. So there has to be a connection. I come across many different law firms in legal proceedings. I’m not looking for someone who blends into the background, but I’m not looking for a street fighter either. LXA is right in the middle. They’re knowledgeable, approachable, and provide clear guidance. That fits with how we like to work together.”
