Change course: Clifford Sans Lawyer starts the company with a green mission

In the new section ‘Dynamic Course’, the lawyer talks to lawyers who have made a radical career change. Job von Houdonk, a former Clifford Sans lawyer who founded Recreener, kicks: a company that sells CO2 compensation to individuals, families and companies.

28 years old Job Van Huijong Not a stereotype Case, Or at least; He didn’t want to radiation it. This is clear from his Instagram account – he goes with a satirical query – life as a ‘youngjobi’ and his career switch Known Has done. No, the former lawyer did not choose the path of attack Great law, But Regreener: A company with a green mission that he founded on March 1st Bernard de Wit.

Goodbye work! Tell me: What is a recliner?
“We provide carbon offsets to individuals, families and companies so that they can balance the carbon footprint. We do this by managing to plant trees in Africa and South America in conjunction with so-called ‘planting partners’. By Partnering – We support certified green projects, including wind power and solar energy.

We also try to show that our customers pay as openly as possible. This way, everyone who buys our service gets a digital profile. In it, the client can see how many trees have been planted, what his contribution is in protecting the rainforest, and which projects are supported. In addition, we try to be as clear as possible on ourselves Website. We publish our statistics, information on operational management and certificates and certificates for the purchase of planted trees and green projects. ”

A great effort, but why would a customer pay for this?
“I am a Thousands I notice that many people want to contribute to solving the climate problem. Generational mothers eat less meat or have the shame of flying; But it is not clear exactly how they can contribute. It is almost impossible to live a CO2 neutral life if you want to participate in Western society. This also applies to many companies: they often do not know how to contribute.

Regreener Anyone – people and companies – who want to do so can do their bit for a relatively small monthly contribution and in an accessible, transparent way. Contrary to what I sometimes experience with charities; I have no idea where my money is going. ”

What are your personal motivations for this career change?
“I worked as a lawyer at Clifford Sans for 3.5 years: first a year and a half at M&A and then Banking and Finance. During that time I learned and saw a bad thing, for example about the business world and structures. Clifford Sans is a good place to start my life; Learn to work. However, I do not want to spend my whole life dealing with finances and M&A documents. The inherent motivation had disappeared, and I saw my work as mere work. I wanted more meaning; Contribute to more cause. Basically a classic millennial story, haha.

Financially I will definitely take a step back: I will meet the results, but it is not a fat pot. Fortunately, I am not materialist. I think our green work – doing good – is more important than money. Money is not simply my motivation; Climate issues are urgent, so we need to do something about it. “

The recreation began on March 1st. Short day; But will your legal past help you?
“We officially started on March 1st, but we started production at the end of October 2020. In addition, I definitely benefited from my background. There are many legal aspects to setting up a company that I was able to handle myself. Like the first financial round. My M&A history comes in handy in corporate legal matters like watching.

I benefit a lot from the case experience I gained during my professional training to become a lawyer. You learn to negotiate, to express your opinion, and to tell your story. This can be useful in the early stages of your own company. You are constantly busy telling the story of your company; In Pits Or when entering into a partnership.

Incidentally, there are interesting differences between the legal and sustainability world. In this way you always act against each other in the legal profession; Party a b. You fight for the interests of your customer. In the standard field, different parties do not see each other as rivals. Everyone is a little optimistic and you want to win. After all, we all work for a good cause; The same goal. “