About

VAN BERKUM is a law firm specialising in M&A transactions between EUR 5 million and EUR 50 million.

Our clients are primarily founders, family-owned businesses, and entrepreneur-led funds.

We distinguish ourselves from other firms through a strong focus on simplicity, action, and solutions, with a personal and cost-conscious approach.

Harm van Berkum — Advocaat

Harm van Berkum

I've been doing M&A for almost 30 years. Started at Loeff Claeys Verbeke, built a corporate finance practice at Loyens & Loeff in London, headed Energy & Infrastructure at Simmons & Simmons, ran deals at Bird & Bird. Worked on everything from the first Dutch utilities privatisation to multi-billion structured finance programmes for the leading investment banks.

In 2012 I started my own firm. Not because I had to — because I wanted to work differently. Smaller deals, better people, no overhead, full focus.

What I bring that many M&A lawyers don't: I think commercially. I weigh which risks actually matter instead of flagging everything. I find a way forward, not reasons to say no. And when things go wrong between parties, I reconnect first and help find solutions (only legal when necessary).

My ideal client is straightforward, honest, has humour, and values action over talk. They're not just looking for a lawyer — they want a trusted advisor who thinks with them, on deals and beyond.

I am a father of four kids. Outside my work I like to build things (e.g. an electric guitar, automated trading systems, websites, apps) and make music. I am a student of the mind and like to help people overcome mental traps. I enjoy wave riding with a kite and ice and roller hockey skating to clear my own head.

Before I became a lawyer I worked as an assistant to an MEP at the European Parliament, an anti-fraud unit at the European Commission and the Dutch Special Forces (Korps Commandotroepen).

Fluent in English and French. Lived and worked in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK.