Marcellina Rietvelt

Company: CMS
Job Description: Advocaat
Age: 35 (born on October 10, 1989)
Years of working experience in M&A: 5

Bio
Marcellina Rietvelt is an experienced attorney at CMS Netherlands, specializing in Corporate/M&A and energy law. She joined the legal team in September 2019 and has since gained significant experience in the legal profession. Prior to her current role, Marcellina worked as a Professional Support Lawyer at CMS and previously as an executive assistant and legal assistant at Ad Astra Advocaten.

Marcellina completed her academic education at the University of Amsterdam, where she earned her master’s degree in Criminal Law (2012-2014). She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Law from Leiden University (2008-2012). In addition, she has obtained certificates in fashion and photo styling from Akademie Vogue and completed a fashion journalism course at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Tilburg.

What are the specialties of this talent?
Marcellina advises both international and domestic clients on strategic acquisitions, joint ventures and sustainable energy investments. In addition, she advises W&I insurers on warranty and indemnity insurance policy coverage.

Marcellina has all the makings of a long, illustrious career as an M&A lawyer. She has a deep understanding of the complexities of M&A transactions, is result-oriented and laser focussed on getting the deal done. She is able to provide a clear substantive analysis with a good understanding of the inherent risks in no time, in any given sector and transaction, and handles each project with true dedication. She demonstrates independence and is a competent team leader. Her dedication and competence makes it a pleasure to work with her.

One of Marcellina’s biggest assets is that she gives a huge energy boost to the entire organisation. The energy and enthusiasm she brings to work make her a preferred partner for colleagues and clients. Whenever a project enters troubled waters, she will stay calm and positive, even in the most stressful situations. Her positive attitude is highly infectious and helps the project team deal with the problems that inevitably arise in large-scale and complex projects.

On top of this, Marcellina is strongly connected throughout the entire organisation and with our clients. Martika Jonk, Supervisory Board Member Heijmans and former CMS partner: “She is basically the glue that holds the team together and is the central point of communications between the team and the client and advisors of the client.”

How does the talent distinguish itself from its peers?
Marcellina has a different background compared to most of our associates. With degrees in criminal law and fashion, and no experience in corporate law whatsoever, she started her career with CMS in 2017 as a personal assistant. After unexpectedly falling in love with M&A, she did not miss any opportunity to prove to our Corporate/M&A partners that she deserved a chance to become an associate and she managed to convince even the most skeptical individuals within our organisation. In her five years as a lawyer she has turned out to be an exceptionally hard-working and promising young lawyer, who is an asset to the firm and of great value to our clients.

Unlike many of her peers, she has developed a unique ability to combine legal knowledge with strategic business insights, advising clients not only on the “how” of M&A deals, but also on the “why”— helping them understand the long-term impact. She has obtained a wide range of knowledge, from hardcore M&A skills to the niches of the energy sector and W&I advisory. Together with her creative background this results in her being a more fully skilled lawyer, bringing more to the table than her peers. Her work ethic also distinguishes her from others in her field. Her positive, never-complain attitude is inspirational, something that you don’t often encounter in high-paced, stressful environments.

What impact does the talent have within the organization?
In less than five years, Marcellina has become a key player in the M&A team and the energy practice. She possesses an exceptional ability to connect with individuals at all levels, both professionally and personally. Dena Mokhberolsafa, Senior Associate at CMS: “Marcellina is a kind-hearted and warm person who is always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues. A testament to her dedication is when she came to my rescue during a transaction at 5 a.m. to “get the deal done”, as she said.”

Her leadership extends beyond her own client work. She is deeply committed to the education of the younger generation of lawyers and plays a vital role in mentoring junior associates, sharing her knowledge and helping to build a stronger team. Pieter de Kanter, Junior Associate at CMS: “She takes the time to sit down with the associates – even when she has a lot on her plate – explaining every detail of a transaction clear and patiently. She also independently organises courses on Due Diligence and Sale and Purchase Agreements to guide junior associates and contribute to their education. She is considered a role model by most associates.”

In summary, Marcellina’s ability to connect with people, her dedication and leadership make her an outstanding member of the CMS team and a highly respected professional within our organisation.

What impact does the talent have outside the organization?
Marcellina is very sociable and organises team-building events for young lawyers both inside and outside the firm; for example, for three years in a row she had been involved in organising the Advolympics, a sports event for Amsterdam law firms with around 1,000 participants. Marcellina also contributes to the voluntary organisations to which CMS is affiliated: she provides language courses for refugees and knowledge migrants through NLCares and volunteers in the annual Olympic Sports Week for children who are in a situation where sports are not encouraged.

To what extent does the talent makes the difference to clients?
Her clients benefit from her holistic approach to legal advice. She doesn’t just focus on completing a deal but ensures that her clients understand the benefits and risks. Marcellina is able to translate her in-depth knowledge to clients in a clear and concise way. She will always make sure to explain every step in a transaction to the client, ensuring that the client feels as comfortable as possible. David Crowther, Group General Counsel at Venterra Group: “Marcellina was a pleasure to work with – dedicated and responsive and established good relationships with the team including the other side. She regularly came to substitute for the lead partner and I came to rely on her advice and dedication.”

Her involvement and energetic attitude is not only infectious to her colleagues, but also to her clients, which results in a positive cooperation. She is furthermore known for turning legal challenges into opportunities, enabling smoother transactions. Lastly, she is always there for her clients. You can call her anytime and she will pick up the phone to help. She really does go the extra mile and clients do notice and appreciate that. Sunny Léons, CEO at Ardonagh Nederland: “Marcellina advised us during the sale of our company to Ardonagh. She not only possessed a great deal of know-how but also always acted proactively. She was available 24/7 and always called back immediately, even in the evenings and on weekends. This, combined with her expertise and dedication, made her an excellent advisor for our company. Moreover, even after the deal was closed, she provided us with very good advice on several matters that arose from the sale. In short, a top lawyer whom we would always introduce to others.”

Why does the talent deserves this nomination?
Marcellina embodies what it means to be a forward-thinking M&A lawyer in one of the most dynamic sectors. She combines legal excellence with strategic insight, consistently delivering exceptional results for her clients. This makes her a standout talent in the M&A field. Her unbridled energy and dedication to her clients, her work and her colleagues and the fact that she is a source of inspiration for the people around her, make that Marcellina deserves this nomination more than anyone.

Roman Tarlavski, Partner Corporate/M&A at CMS: “I have been working with Marcellina from the moment she became a lawyer. She possesses a deep understanding of the complexities involved in M&A transactions and has a remarkable ability to navigate through intricate legal frameworks with ease. Her analytical skills are excellent, allowing her to identify potential risks and opportunities that others might overlook. Marcellina’s attention to detail ensures that every aspect of a transaction is meticulously reviewed.

In addition to her legal acumen, Marcellina is an outstanding project manager. She has a natural talent for organising and leading cross-functional teams, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Her ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, from junior team members to senior executives, fosters a collaborative and productive work environment. Marcellina’s problem-solving skills have been instrumental in the successful execution of numerous high-profile projects.”

Cecilia van der Weijden, Partner Corporate/M&A and Head of the Energy and Climate Change Team at CMS; former mentor of Marcellina: “Marcellina is not only a consummate professional but also a person of great integrity and character. She has a great sense of humor and approaches every task with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence. Clients and colleagues alike love working with her. Marcellina’s ability to remain calm and composed under pressure is truly commendable, making her a reliable and trusted advisor in even the most challenging situations.”

Any references or recommendations from clients or (colleagues)?
“I commend Marcellina for her diligence, strategic insight and calm demeanor under pressure. She has been, and continues to be, instrumental in guiding both clients and colleagues through M&A deals and helping navigate regulatory hurdles with precision. She embodies the ideal qualities of a truly exceptional legal professional. “