Three new faces at De Groote – De Man
Blog
24 March 2026
Marthe Annaert – Lawyer Corporate Law
Marthe Annaert joins the corporate law team. Anyone who listens to her for a while immediately understands why she belongs here. She describes De Groote – De Man as critical, dynamic and entrepreneurial, three words that apply just as much to herself. As a starter eager to deepen her knowledge, she was looking for an environment with real room for initiative. The strong focus of De Groote – De Man on innovation and client-oriented work made the difference for her.
Corporate law has fascinated her since her very first university classes. What attracts her is its constructive nature: not only analysing what goes wrong, but also helping to shape what can grow. As a corporate lawyer, you contribute to possibilities that go beyond the individual dispute, and that is, for Marthe, the essence of the profession.
The cases she looks forward to most are the key moments for entrepreneurs: investments, acquisitions, restructurings. These are exactly the moments where you can translate a complex legal framework into clear choices and real progress. Building the next phase of a project together, that is what she is eager for.
She keeps herself up to date through a healthy mix of podcasts and reading. On busy mornings, De Zeven, De Afspraak or the Financial Times News Briefing are her regular companions.
Outside of work, Marthe enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, reading a good book or watching a strong film, and spending time with friends. But most of all, she likes to explore unknown places. Winter forest walks or crossing the desert: she does not pass it up.
She prefers to start her day with the song Wicked Game, the version by Celine Dion and Chris Isaak.
Goedel Vandepitte – Team Office
Goedel Vandepitte joins the office team. She comes from a completely different world, the hospital, but immediately felt at home at De Groote – De Man. Dynamic, energetic and professional: these are the three words she uses to describe our firm. She was looking for a temporary challenge in a new sector. Here, she found a warm environment where she can truly be herself.
In her role, what appeals to her most is the variety. Assisting clients, working together with lawyers, following up administrative tasks: every day is different. For Goedel, that is not a challenge, but exactly what makes the job worthwhile.
The skills she brings fit well with that versatility. She works in a structured way, likes a tidy desk and swears by to-do lists. From her hospital experience, she is used to multitasking and problem-solving, qualities that are certainly valuable in a firm where every detail matters.
Outside of work, Goedel recharges in and on the water. Swimming, sailing on the Grevelingenmeer or diving in the Oosterschelde. A good book, a solid walk or a nice coffee bar also do the trick.
At De Groote – De Man, she wants to learn as much as possible about the legal system and the role of an office team in a law firm. But there is also a personal goal: strengthening her self-confidence and taking initiative more often. She expresses this with remarkable honesty, which immediately says a lot about who she is.
She starts her day with Coastin’ by Zion I & K.Flay, or with Spotify’s upbeat playlist. Positive and in a good mood, that is how Goedel walks in every day.
Laura Arnaut – Legal Practice Intern
Laura Arnaut joins De Groote – De Man as a legal practice intern, and she immediately describes the atmosphere as it is: relaxed and familial. It was a calm and pleasant introductory meeting that convinced her. Everyone is approachable and asking questions is always encouraged. That sense of openness made it clear right away that this was the right place for Laura.
What Laura brings is a combination of precision and legal knowledge. She works very meticulously, which is no luxury in this environment. In addition, her education already gives her a certain understanding of the law, allowing her to grasp the context of tasks and cases more quickly.
Outside of her internship hours, Laura can be found on a terrace, in a coffee bar or in the front row at a concert. She also enjoys bowling, although according to her, the ball ends up in the gutter more often than it hits the pins.
What she hopes to gain from her time at De Groote – De Man is above all more confidence in herself. The doubt about whether she is good enough is something she wants to leave behind by the end of her internship. An honest and likeable goal.
The advice she would give her younger self: take a good look at all the options available, because there are many more than you think. And once you make a choice, just go for it, regardless of what others think.
She starts her day with The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. A classic.
