THE RIGHTMAKER'S APPROACH
SEEING THE FOREST AGAIN FOR THE TREES
We are the legal architects of complex collaborations. We design living agreements that enable networks to collaborate effectively on persistent social problems, because both the relationship and the content are consistent. And because participants actively contribute to the agreements, there's ownership. We immediately practice putting them into practice.
Contracting can be humane and integrated: compact and practical, switching between different levels, with behavioral agreements and commitment.
Appointments with
content, heart and results
De Rechtmakers connect all parties with agreements that provide resilience and agility, are supported, and adapt to changing realities. We work on strategic and complex collaboration issues: "wicked problems," or persistent societal issues. We also provide "contract renewal": legally robust agreements, with greater balance and engagement. User-friendly, so the agreement belongs to the partners themselves, not primarily to the lawyers.
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From poetic regulation to living governance.
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We always work for the whole, independently and from a neutral perspective.
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Investigate practical situations from a shared vision, under expert guidance.
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Coping with uncertainty, asynchronous reciprocity and healthy conflict.
DE RECHTMAKERS WORK
AS A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
We design legal frameworks that connect, not divide. We do this independently, co-creatively, and with a focus on society. Our goal isn't to get things right, but to get things right – especially when things get complex or when interests clash.
Social impact is our top priority. We work on sustainable collaboration, public value, and strengthening civic empowerment. We reinvest time and expertise in projects with a social mission, such as residents' collectives, caring communities, and regenerative area development.
Although there is no separate legal form for social enterprises in the Netherlands (yet), our way of working fits seamlessly with the philosophy of social enterprises: mission-driven, multi-voiced, with an eye for long-term impact.
DE RECHTMAKERS APPROACH
For collaboration issues and governance across borders. With expertise, systems knowledge, and mastery.
BASIC LEVEL 1
Start small with contracts
PLUS | LEVEL 2
Move forward with more balance and involvement in appointments
TRANSFORMATIVE | LEVEL 3
Go big with transformative contracting
WHAT ARE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE RECHTMAKERS APPROACH?
- Less legal hassle, more focus on quality and speed in decisions and implementation.
- Less noise, disturbing images and assumptions are brought to the table.
- True ownership with all parties.
- Better results through long-term perspective.
- Healthy conflict: We make tension a topic of discussion and productive discussion; no paralyzing of the project by lawsuits.
THIS IS HOW WE WORK
- We like to start light and focused. We ask you to complete a short self-assessment: is there fertile soil for it to grow?
Do the check >
- We work with a dedicated team: a representation of all collaboration partners.
- We work in sprints. Short sprints = pace + support. You'll see results quickly.
- We always choose the smallest suitable table for the next sprint with consent and provide feedback to the plenary for transparency and support.
- We often, but not exclusively, work on complex social problems, For example, with public and private parties in the social and/or spatial domain. See our diverse portfolio under "In practice."
- We map out intention, context and tensions with participants, Including the hot topics: where clarity is needed? Together we'll determine whether and how we'll move forward.
- We design living legal and behavioral agreements together and agree on a short cyclical rhythm for learning.
- The agreement arises organically within this decision-making and learning rhythm. There's no separate implementation phase, as we practice (new) behaviors along the way. The Rechtmakers remain available after signing to provide coaching support during tensions, manage conflict healthily, and provide adjustments.
Digna from De Rechtmakers has seen all aspects of the legal profession and consciously opted for a different approach to contracting. This makes her approach exceptionally practical.
– Jos de Blok, founder of Buurtzorg Nederland
Digna de Bruin of De Rechtmakers helped us translate a strict contract in youth care and the Social Support Act (WMO) into workable, relational agreements with our 22 subcontractors. Not by abandoning rules, but by focusing on the purpose and (behavior within) the collaboration.
I-NOVA
RESEARCH SHOWS WHAT WORKS
In complex collaborations, it's not what we promise on paper that counts, but rather what we do together. Independent research (VU University & Nyenrode Business Universiteit) on the Rechtmakers approach reveals four key findings: agreements in plain language, behavioral agreements + a rhythm for learning and adjustment, multi-voice decision-making, and dignity in the way we collaborate.
Look at the cards and compare them to your own practice: what do you recognize, what are you missing, what would you like to do differently tomorrow?
Research: Prof. Dr. Sharda S. Nandram (VU & Nyenrode) and Vanessa CM Englert (VU).
Is there fertile ground for the
Rechtmakers approach?
Does this match your needs? Check if the approach aligns with the content (thinking), if the collaboration resonates with you (feeling), and if we're committed to a mutually supported start (intention). If we see a match, we'll coordinate specifically – focusing on the content and mutual chemistry – and we'll also discuss the appropriate level (basic, advanced, or transformative).
Do the 'Fertile Soil' check
Take the 'fertile soil' check to determine, in consultation with us, which level of the Rechtmakers method is appropriate.
