Meet the officer: Annemieke Spijker
Annemieke Spijker
AKD NV, The Netherlands
AI Officer, IBA Maritime and Transport Law Committee
1. How did you get into the law/your area of practice? Why did you become a lawyer?
I was drawn to maritime law by a professor at Leiden University. To be honest, I found my law studies rather boring until I heard him talk about a case concerning the attachment of containers with bananas in the Port of Rotterdam. That moment really brought the law to life for me.
2. If you were not a lawyer, what would you do?
I would likely work in or around the maritime and logistics industry in a non-legal role – still practical, hands-on, and focused on solving problems.
3. What advice would you give to someone new to your area of practice/your jurisdiction/being a lawyer?
Stay curious and take your work seriously, but never take yourself too seriously. Take the time to truly understand both the facts and the legal framework, and invest in building strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
4. What area of your work do you enjoy the most/the least?
I most enjoy the strategic and collaborative aspects of complex cases, especially those with an international dimension. The least enjoyable part is the more administrative side of the work, although it is, of course, essential.
5. What are the current challenges facing your area of practice?
Clients are increasingly using AI, which has both advantages and drawbacks. Their questions are often more to the point, but at times it can feel like interacting with a machine. This makes personal contact – through meetings or calls – even more important.
6. What has been the biggest challenge of your career? How did you overcome it?
Balancing a demanding practice with family life has been one of the biggest challenges, particularly when my children were very young during the pandemic. I have managed this by prioritising effectively, staying organised, and relying on a strong support network both at work and at home.
7. If you could put together a wish list of changes you would bring about in the profession, or to your area of practice, what would you include?
I would like to see continued progress in diversity and inclusion within the profession.
8. What do you do in your free time? How do you relax?
I enjoy spending time with my family – my husband and our two children (aged 5 and 8) – and being outdoors. I particularly enjoy skiing and cycling. A quiet coffee moment to myself, with a podcast and preferably a view of the water, is also a favourite way to unwind.