NautaDutilh Reaffirms Commitment to US Clients With New York Leadership Transition

Pictured: Boudewijn Smit

NautaDutilh reaffirms its long-standing commitment to clients in the United States with the appointment of Boudewijn Smit as managing partner of its New York office and lead Dutch Finance Transactions counsel in the US. Boudewijn succeeds Elizabeth van Schilfgaarde, who has led the New York office for many years and has played an important role in strengthening NautaDutilh's presence in the US market. Under her leadership, the firm further expanded its cross-border practice and deepened relationships with US clients, private equity sponsors, financial institutions and leading law firms.

The appointment reflects the continued growth of NautaDutilh's US practice and the firm's ability to support clients through a deep bench of Dutch, Luxembourg and Belgian legal expertise across its international platform. From New York, the firm advises leading US corporates, private equity sponsors, financial institutions and direct lenders on complex cross-border finance, corporate and capital markets transactions throughout Europe. Boudewijn brings extensive experience advising US banks, direct lenders and corporate borrowers and works alongside leading US law firms on high-value, US-originated finance transactions. His practice covers acquisition finance, asset-based lending, technology finance, structured and hybrid financings, as well as restructurings, insolvencies and distressed situations.

“Our clients choose NautaDutilh because they have access to an exceptional team across the firm, with a deep bench of expertise in Dutch, Luxembourg and Belgian law and great first point of call in the New York time zone. Boudewijn's appointment reflects both the strength of our New York office and our continued investment in serving US clients through a truly integrated international practice. We are grateful to Elizabeth for her outstanding contribution and look forward to building on the strong foundation she has helped create.” - Ruud Smits

“I am thrilled to take on this role and continue serving our clients in the US. What makes NautaDutilh unique is the strength of our integrated team. Working closely with colleagues across our Dutch, Luxembourg and Belgian offices allows us to deliver seamless, high-quality advice on the matters that matter most to our clients.” - Boudewijn Smit

The transition comes at a time of continued investment in NautaDutilh's US offering, including the recent appointment of Jochem Polderman as Dutch Capital Markets counsel in New York. Together with the firm's broader team of finance, corporate and capital markets specialists across Europe, the New York office provides clients with direct access to leading Benelux legal expertise.

Elizabeth combines her legal practice with her role as Executive Coach, supporting senior professionals throughout the firm. As of 1 January 2027, she will step back as managing partner of the New York office. She will continue to support the firm as Executive Coach and Senior Advisor.

“The New York office has always been about more than any one individual. "It is the strength of the commitment of NautaDutilh to the US market and our collaborative approach that have enabled us to build lasting relationships with clients and trusted partnerships with the US law firms. I am proud to see that platform continue to grow.” - Elizabeth van Schilfgaarde