Founder and Director

Maikel is the founder and director of Advocates for the Future. He previously gained experience as a lawyer in contentious matters before the European and national courts, European Commission and national regulators.

Senior Associate

Irene is a lawyer at Advocates for the Future, specialising in climate litigation, corporate accountability and liability law. She focuses on the responsibilities of companies and public institutions in addressing the climate crisis. With expertise in class actions and ESG law, Irene uses strategic litigation to drive systemic change. Before joining the firm, she worked in the litigation team at Loyens & Loeff in Amsterdam. She is registered with the Dutch Bar in General Practice.

Legal Associate

Pien works on strategic litigation and legal advocacy, including the preparation of submissions, the analysis of Dutch and European law, and the development of legal arguments. Pien brings a human rights perspective to this work, focusing on how government decisions on industry and fossil fuels affect the climate, public health and the rights of present and future generations. She has a background in criminal law and international human rights law.

Financial and Operational Coordinator

With more than thirty years of experience in business operations, she contributes to the growth and development of Advocates for the Future. Ilona holds a BSc in Economics and Linguistics from the HES in Rotterdam.

Youth Coordinator

Rivka is a second-year Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics student at the UVA, majoring in Law. She has previously been active in various social and climate action organisations, including as a campaigner for Fridays for Future and as a youth ambassador for Save the Children.

Paralegal

Aenea holds a Bachelor of Law and is currently completing her Bachelor of Philosophy. She believes systemic change is essential to solving climate change and the law is a fundamental part of it. She wants to use her skills to contribute to a better world, since nature cannot speak for itself.

Campaign intern

Dione is a masters student in Human Ecology at Lund University, Sweden. She already has experience in the climate sector, and has previously worked at the Climate Helpdesk. She aims to contribute to protecting both people and planet against climate change by enforcing accountability from polluting industries.