About the partnership
Two disciplines, one shared mission
Eighteen years ago, Richard Walraven met Vincent Besters as his lawyer. Vincent assisted Richard with the legal issues of his businesses: from contracts and liability to complex business disputes. It was a collaboration that worked: working together with pleasure, trust and commitment.
Richard, with his background as an entrepreneur, HR manager and later mediator, began training and coaching the firm's lawyers. He taught them to think from the entrepreneur's perspective: what are the real interests? How does conflict dynamics work within a company and in a boardroom? Which negotiation yields a sustainable outcome, and which escalates?
"Good legal assistance and good mediation are not opposites. They reinforce each other, if you know how to deploy them."
— Richard Walraven & Vincent Besters
From that mutual exchange grew something rarely seen: a truly integrated partnership between a law firm and a mediation practice. Not separate referrals, but a collaboration where the disciplines complement and reinforce each other. With the result: entrepreneurs who emerge from their conflict faster, more confidentially and more sustainably.
The people behind the partnership
Meet Richard, Vincent and Lisanne
Mediator
Richard Walraven
Mediator, trainer and coach. Over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, team specialist, mediator for entrepreneurs, management teams and boards. He has stood at the helm himself, at the wheel of multiple businesses, and understands the pressure under which entrepreneurs operate.
Lawyer
Mr. Vincent Besters
Founder and owner of Advocaat voor Ondernemers. Lawyer and partner at Van der Kooij Besters Advocaten in Amsterdam. Specialised in corporate law, contract law and liability. For more than 18 years, the legal sparring partner for entrepreneurs and boards.
Lawyer
Mr. Lisanne Kesting
Lawyer and entrepreneur, specialised in collections, contract law, liability law and litigation. Sworn in and registered with the Amsterdam Bar Association since February 2018. Personal, direct and results-oriented.
What this means for you
The power of two disciplines
As an entrepreneur, you benefit from a unique combined offering that is not available anywhere else.
Legal certainty
Mr. Vincent Besters safeguards the legal framework, so every solution is legally sound.
Sustainable solutions
Richard Walraven focuses on restoring trust and workable agreements that help parties move forward even after the conflict.
Two perspectives, one interest
The combination of lawyer and mediator gives entrepreneurs insight into both the legal position and the human dynamics of any conflict.
Faster, cheaper, better
Mediation combined with legal advice demonstrably leads to faster and less costly outcomes than a prolonged lawsuit.
Confidentiality guaranteed
Everything discussed remains confidential. No public proceedings, no reputational damage.
18 years of proven experience
A partnership that did not originate on paper, but in practice — with hundreds of entrepreneurs who came before you.