The work is less black and white than people sometimes think.

The Royal Dutch Notary Association (KNB) is constantly welcoming new members. Who are these people who choose a career in notarial practice? Why did they choose this profession, and what are their expectations? Every month, we spotlight a brand-new candidate notary. This time: Koen Onstenk.

Koen has been working as a candidate civil-law notary at LV Notarissen in Nijmegen, a spin-off from Dirkzwager, since March 1, 2024. The new office opened in September 2023.

Koen, how do you like working after student life?
"Great! Since completing my master's degree, I've found a whole new rhythm. Waking up early also suits me. The work is interesting and less black and white than people initially think. Within the legal framework, every case is very different; it's a constant quest for the right outcome."

Did your studies connect well with practice?
I didn't always find the program connected well to practical application. The theory certainly provides a solid foundation. But I'd never seen a notarial deed in a lecture hall, for example, or the process of submitting documents to the Land Registry or the Chamber of Commerce. In that respect, practical experience was more beneficial. During my third year, I started as a student worker in the real estate department of a small firm in Nijmegen. Then I did an internship at a larger firm in Eindhoven. An internship or part-time job at a notary's office really helps you get started as a student.

How did you get into the notary profession?
I've always had an affinity for law, but I didn't want to be in the spotlight and litigate like a lawyer. The Notarial Law program in Nijmegen was small-scale, which appealed to me, as did the advisory role of a notary. I enjoy supporting and guiding people who are sometimes less familiar with the legal world. Now I work in corporate law. This also overlaps with personal and family law in the inheritance of a business, or with real estate law in the transfer of a real estate limited company. So, all the pillars of the notarial profession are reflected in my work.

Why did you choose LV Notaries?
LV Notarissen is a medium-sized firm with the charm of a small firm and the complex cases of large firms. From the outset, you're given a lot of responsibility and see a wide variety of cases. I'm also involved in more complex cases like mergers, demergers, or a public limited company. Combined with the more standard cases, this creates a good mix of work.

What are the moments when you think: this is why I do it?
My work involves setting up legal entities as legal structures. Legal entities aren't tangible, of course, unlike real estate. We support clients in this process and translate their wishes into clear structures. It gives me great satisfaction when clients see their wishes take shape and understand what we're doing. Those "aha" moments are what I do it for.