Crime Stoppers International has announced Robert J. van Agteren, Amsterdam-based Partner Litigation, as a recipient of this year’s President’s Award for pro bono counsel provided by him and a team of colleagues in Amsterdam.

Crime Stoppers International (CSI) is a global non-profit organization that supports the efforts of law enforcement to help stop, solve and prevent crime. Each year, CSI awards a number of individuals, programs, activities and campaigns from around the world for excellence and for their contribution to the achievement of the CSI vision, ‘to mobilize the world to report information on crime and criminals, anonymously’.

The culmination of this year’s Annual Awards ceremony saw CSI President, Ms Sharon Hanlon, honor Robert van Agteren for his service rendered to the global not-for-profit. 

“I cannot speak highly enough of the exemplary service and support Robert van Agteren has provided to Crime Stoppers International in a pro-bono capacity as our legal counsel, and I am delighted to recognize his efforts through the presentation of this Award”, said Ms Hanlon. “Over the last two years, in particular, Robert’s assistance as our organization has worked through some extremely challenging corporate governance and operational issues has been nothing short of outstanding.”

“It is only fitting that Robert’s clear, thoughtful and comprehensive counsel, and his enormous patience in dealing with an organization led by an international Board of Directors based across six different continents and involving different time zones, different cultures and different languages, be formally applauded,” concluded Ms Hanlon.

Van Agteren and his colleagues are committed to providing pro bono advice for organizations like CSI. "In addition to the work we do for our commercial clients, there are many institutions and organizations that we can support with our expertise," says the Amsterdam lawyer. "With among others Employment Law Partner Daniëlle Pinedo, we were able to advise the organization in various areas. For me personally it is valuable to see our counsel help CSI and the professionals involved to be able to focus on their core tasks again and continue their important work from a stable position."

Baker McKenzie Amsterdam's Managing Partner Corinne Schot said, "As the original global law firm, Baker McKenzie thrives on assisting its clients to overcome the challenges of operating in today’s new world economic order. We are also committed to applying our legal expertise, resources and network to make a difference in major global issues as well as in the societies where we live and work. This accolade is very well-deserved by Robert and, on behalf of all his colleagues in Amsterdam, I congratulate him on receiving this fantastic acknowledgement.”

"Providing pro-bono support is an important part of the firm’s DNA," Baker McKenzie Partner and Chair of the Pro Bono Committee Itse Oosterhoff said. “It is great to have Crime Stoppers International formally recognize the counsel provided by Robert and the team, and it serves to further cement our firm’s reputation as a leading provider of pro-bono service to not-for-profits.”
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