The Amsterdam Council of Discipline has handed prominent attorney Geert-Jan Knoops a four-week conditional suspension. The ruling, issued on June 1, 2026, includes a two-year probation period.
Knoops will be barred from practicing law for four weeks if he commits another infraction during that time.
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The disciplinary tribunal found he failed to adequately inform a client about the risks of altering a legal statement.
The case involved a Gelderland businessman convicted of sexually abusing his au pair in France. An appeal verdict is scheduled for July 1.
A clear statement already existed in the case file when the client sought to change his account.
The disciplinary board noted that modifying a statement undermines a defendant's credibility, which is crucial in sex offense cases.
Knoops never provided written confirmation of these risks to his client.
Beyond the communication failure, the Council of Discipline criticized Knoops for charging an excessive amount for a relatively minor case.
An Amsterdam court ruling in April ordered him to repay over 100,000 euros.
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The tribunal found that Knoops did not provide a cost estimate beforehand, failed to communicate transparently, and did not supply hourly overviews despite a mutual agreement to do so.
The board labeled these financial actions as a serious disciplinary offense.
Knoops' legal partner and wife, Carry Knoops-Hamburger, also faced consequences because their law firm sent the excessive invoices to the client.
The council stated she acted in a disciplinarily culpable manner by not giving a cost estimate in advance, not providing transparent order confirmation and invoices, and not sending monthly overviews.
Because Knoops-Hamburger acknowledged the events, was not the handling attorney, and had no prior disciplinary record, the board issued her a reprimand instead of a suspension.
The well-known legal duo has handled multiple high-profile cases, recently representing Marco Borsato and convicted lawyer Inez Weski.
Knoops is also recognized for his work on the Deventer murder case.
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This ruling marks the first time a disciplinary measure has been imposed on Knoops. All parties have 30 days to file an appeal with the Higher Disciplinary Court.
