IN MEMORIAM

Jan van der Stelt
8 October 1953 - 20 April 2023

To our great sadness, our colleague, former partner and co-founder of our firm Jan van der Stelt passed away on 20 April 2023.

Jan's long career in the maritime world began when he enrolled at the Nautical College in Vlissingen in 1971. After completing his studies at the Nautical College, Jan first sailed on sea going merchant ships. Around 1980, he moved to Holland America Line to sail on board cruise ships as second officer, among others, on board the the SS Rotterdam.

After six years of sailing with HAL, Jan decided to go ashore to study law. After his law studies, Jan started his career as an attorney at the firm Koster Claassen Smallegange. Under the wings of one of the founders of that firm, Govert Smallegange, Jan specialised himself in the traditional wet matters. He became a partner at that firm in 1995.

After a few years, Jan decided to leave the firm, together with Govert Smallegange and Pieter-Frank van Dam. On 1 January 2000, they started a new firm: Smallegange, Van Dam & Van der Stelt. Starting 1 June 2009, this firm was given its current name: Smallegange N.V. At this firm, Jan further expanded his practice into one with fine clients from the maritime and insurance world.

Under Jan's leadership, the firm was able to prepare for the future and a younger generation of partners was given the opportunity to take over the helm. As of 1 January 2022, Jan was no longer a partner, but he was still closely involved with our firm as an advisor / of counsel. He also still handled cases for some of his old clients.

We will remember Jan as a an enthusiastic and passionate lawyer, who had the unique ability to combine legal and nautical knowledge. We are deeply indebted to him for everything he did to build and ensure the continuity of our firm.

On behalf of Smallegange lawyers,

Julian van de Velde
Willem Boonk
Robert Hoepel