Disciplinary board suspends prominent lawyer over faulty legal advice, excessive billing
Dutch disciplinary authorities have imposed a conditional four-week suspension on prominent defense attorney Geert-Jan Knoops over two separate misconduct findings: failing to properly warn a client about legal risks tied to changing a statement in a sexual abuse case and excessive billing practices that led to a repayment order exceeding 100,000 euros, de Volkskrant reports.
The disciplinary ruling by the Raad van Discipline Amsterdam states that Knoops did not adequately inform an entrepreneur from Gelderland, his client in a criminal case in France involving alleged sexual abuse of the man’s au pair. The client was convicted in that case, which is now under appeal, with a decision expected on July 1.
According to the board, when the client sought to modify his statement, Knoops had already placed a clear declaration in the criminal file. The board found that Knoops “at no point” provided written confirmation to his client outlining the risks of changing that statement. The ruling emphasized that altering such statements can undermine a suspect’s credibility, which is particularly significant in sexual offense cases.
Because the sanction is conditional, it carries a two-year probation period. If Knoops commits another violation during that period, he will be suspended from practicing law for four weeks.
In a separate finding, the disciplinary board also ruled that Knoops charged “excessive” fees in what was described as a relatively minor case. In April, the Amsterdam District Court already ordered him to repay more than 100,000 euros in legal fees. The board further concluded that he failed to inform the client properly about costs and did not communicate transparently about billing. Despite an agreement to provide time sheets, Knoops did not supply them. The board described this conduct as “seriously disciplinarily blameworthy.”
The ruling also addressed Knoops’ law firm and his wife, lawyer Carry Knoops-Hamburger, who was not the lead attorney in the case. The board found that their firm issued excessive invoices and failed to provide basic financial transparency. The decision stated: “By failing to provide a cost estimate in advance, failing to provide a transparent engagement letter and invoices, and failing to send monthly overviews, she acted in a manner that is disciplinarily blameworthy.”
Knoops-Hamburger received only a reprimand. The board noted she acknowledged the conduct, was not the handling attorney, and had no prior disciplinary record.
Geert-Jan Knoops and Carry Knoops-Hamburger are a well-known Dutch legal couple who have represented clients in several high-profile cases, including entertainer Marco Borsato and former attorney Inez Weski. Knoops is also widely known for his involvement in the Deventer Moordzaak case.
