Five Questions for Marc Padberg of Kneppelhout
With the ‘five questions for’ series individual RMSC members get the opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. In this edition Marc Padberg talks about his role as International Trade, Transport & Logistics Lawyer and Managing Partner at Kneppelhout.
Who are you and what is your job description?
Marc Padberg; International Trade, Transport & Logistics Lawyer – Managing Partner Kneppelhout Law firm (latter position until the end of this year);
What does a typical day for you look like?
Working with clients and counter parties on Contracts, Trade issues (ranging from all kinds of contract work to export control and sanctions matters), Maritime and Port relates issues and disputes (e.g. oils spills, general and particular average issues, limitation proceedings etc.), litigation and alternative dispute resolution (Court proceedings, Arbitration and Mediation), coaching junior lawyers on the Job (playing coach so to say), managing a great bunch of streetwise, very diverse independent thinkers and running the firms daily operations. A – fun – challenge at times.
What was the best advice (workwise) someone gave you?
Always do your utmost for an amicable settlement bringing benefit for all parties involved instead of pursuing your claim fully. Only commercial solutions are beneficial in the end. In a community like the Rotterdam Port, today’s opponent may very well be your ally tomorrow.
How could you be of help to others in the industry or RMSC?
As a lawyer with 35 years’ experience, I have come across almost everything and everybody in this business. Seasoned, approachable and enjoying working with people (and of course having fun with them when possible). I can be of help to others in the industry and RMSC for any matter within my areas of experience, but am also always available for some simple sound checking on a courtesy basis when required.
And lastly: What’s in the news which relates directly to your profession?
There is always something in the news relating to my profession. As I see it, the challenge for us lawyers is to try to be not be in the news, dealing with matters for our clients as much as possible behind the scenes to get them going forward successfully. To a certain extent still always a news worthy topic; much of my time is still absorbed by the aftermath of the notorious ‘Bow Jubail’ oil spill in the Rotterdam Port and Maritime Community and in which connection I represent the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPC), a worldwide operating treaty based intergovernmental organisation.
