Judith Gerritsen

I studied tax law at the University of Groningen, after which I worked as an international tax consultant at Ernst&Young and at Deloitte. First in general international practice and then more specialized in expat practice. Within taxation, which of course was mostly about money, I did miss the human aspect. This led me to look further into how I could combine taxation with the humanity I had missed.

This resulted in a career switch to mediation specializing in divorce and estates. After taking the required specialization courses and the subjects of Inheritance Law and Persons and Family Law at the University of Amsterdam, I have been a registered and practicing (Family) Mediator with the Mediator Federation Netherlands (MfN) since 2006. As a mediator, I actively help clients find a mutually agreed upon solution. I place great value on the “favor factor” and everyone's individual needs and interests. Meanwhile, I have been able to successfully guide many divorces and divisions of estates, from a natural involvement, solution-oriented, with great empathy and an efficient and expert working method.

In addition to my work as a mediator, I work as an external confidential advisor, registered with the National Association of Confidential Advisors (LVV). My broad experience within large organizations and my mediation experience come in handy here. As a confidant, I assist organizations in providing a pleasant and safe working environment for their employees. I offer employees a listening ear when warranted and assist them in finding a solution to what they are up against (undesirable behavior or integrity issues). Making “the unspeakable negotiable,” is my slogan in this regard. In that, I also find opportunities for prevention. I am convinced that making behavior negotiable benefits both the reporter, the perpetrator and the organization and thus can lead to prevention.

In addition to my work, I have voluntarily held various board positions at associations and foundations.