Marry is corporate and public governance lawyer and an expert in the field of governance and regulation. She is involved in research and regulatory matters and specialises in public economic law and corporate governance for large companies and public and semi-public institutions. She is also considered a trusted boardroom advisor, focusing on the governance dynamics between executive boards and supervisory boards, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Besides that, Marry is a member of Houthoff’s multidisciplinary governance team.

Marry combines her legal work with non-executive director roles, including as supervisory board chair at Conclusion Group. In addition, Marry provides study programmes for supervisory board members at Erasmus University Rotterdam (Erasmus Governance Institute) and at the Governance Academy. She co-authored a chapter on boardroom dynamics in Handboek Corporate Governance and organises round table meetings for supervisory board members.

In the past, Marry served as a supervisory board member for De Nederlandsche Bank, KLM, Royal HaskoningDHV, GVB Amsterdam and health insurer VGZ, as well as chair of Stichting Topvrouwen.nl and VNO-NCW Metropoolregio Amsterdam.

Mediation

Marry is an IMI Certified Mediator (International Mediation Institute). With her expertise and experience, she can offer an even wider range of dispute resolution options. Mediation is often an efficient way for parties to resolve their disputes.

  • Advises First Dutch Innovations (FDI), an investment fund, on its acquisition of Intravacc B.V..
  • Representing the Italian (veterinary) pharmaceutical company Innovet (part of Epitech Group) in patent litigation proceedings, relating to both validity and infringement of its patent relating to pharmaceutical compositions containing micronized compounds.
  • Representing Tata Steel, one of Europe's largest steel plants, on their most important environmental permits and enforcement procedures.
  • LL.M. Law (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
  • Business mediator (International Mediation Institute)
  • Specialist course on tenancy law
  • Admitted to the Bar in the Netherlands in 1988

Expertises

Public Law
The growth in Dutch and European regulation has an effect on all sectors. The relationship between government bodies and market parties is governed by regulation in areas such as financial and other supervision, the environment, spatial planning, land, procurement, health and safety, and tax.
Governance
Governance and supervision within large corporations and (semi-)public institutions require careful consideration. Supervisory board members often find themselves in a complex position: they must remain sufficiently involved in the company’s management while also maintaining their independent role. Striking the right balance is essential, especially when the pressure is high and the stakes are significant.
Real Estate
The real estate market is constantly evolving, driven by urban growth, sustainability goals, complex financing, and shifting regulations. For companies, investors, and developers, these challenges are rarely simple - making knowledgeable legal advisors essential throughout the real estate lifecycle.
Mediation
Business conflicts are inevitable and nothing new. However, they are becoming more commonplace in the wake of developments in society, as an increasingly diverse group of stakeholders exerts pressure in the boardroom and society is growing more juridified. To resolve these conflicts, parties increasingly explore alternative methods.
ESG & Sustainability
Behind the daily headlines on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues hide complex challenges such as permitting, subsidies, funding and reporting obligations. These matters affect the expectations and demands of all corporate stakeholders.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector is under pressure. Due to an ageing population and smarter but more expensive treatment methods, costs are increasing, while further rises in healthcare spending are frowned upon. That is why the government has introduced regulated market forces.
Public Law
The growth in Dutch and European regulation has an effect on all sectors. The relationship between government bodies and market parties is governed by regulation in areas such as financial and other supervision, the environment, spatial planning, land, procurement, health and safety, and tax.
Governance
Governance and supervision within large corporations and (semi-)public institutions require careful consideration. Supervisory board members often find themselves in a complex position: they must remain sufficiently involved in the company’s management while also maintaining their independent role. Striking the right balance is essential, especially when the pressure is high and the stakes are significant.
Real Estate
The real estate market is constantly evolving, driven by urban growth, sustainability goals, complex financing, and shifting regulations. For companies, investors, and developers, these challenges are rarely simple - making knowledgeable legal advisors essential throughout the real estate lifecycle.
Mediation
Business conflicts are inevitable and nothing new. However, they are becoming more commonplace in the wake of developments in society, as an increasingly diverse group of stakeholders exerts pressure in the boardroom and society is growing more juridified. To resolve these conflicts, parties increasingly explore alternative methods.
ESG & Sustainability
Behind the daily headlines on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues hide complex challenges such as permitting, subsidies, funding and reporting obligations. These matters affect the expectations and demands of all corporate stakeholders.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector is under pressure. Due to an ageing population and smarter but more expensive treatment methods, costs are increasing, while further rises in healthcare spending are frowned upon. That is why the government has introduced regulated market forces.

"Marry de Gaay Fortman is an excellent lawyer with great social involvement and drive."

Chambers Europe

Public Law (2025 Edition)

"Marry de Gaay Fortman is very service and customer-oriented. She always has an eye on the human aspects and is very strategic."

Chambers Europe

Public Law (2025 Edition)

Ranked

Chambers Europe

Public Law (2025 Edition)

Recommended

Legal 500

Environment and Planning (2024 Edition)
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Upcoming
event

Houthoff Corporate Ladies Event: Succes is a human endeavour Event

Houthoff Corporate Ladies Event: Succes is a human endeavour

29 September 2025
Amsterdam

Publications

26 May 2025
26 May 2025
Waarom commissarissen tijdig (her)benoemd moeten worden. Goed Bestuur & Toezicht.
14 November 2024
14 November 2024
General Counsel: belangrijke schakel in boardroomdynamiek. General Counsel Netherlands.
31 October 2024
31 October 2024
Aansprakelijkheidsrisico’s bij onbehoorlijke taakvervulling RvC. F. Peters, Reputatiemanagement voor commissarissen en toezichthouders. Boom 2024.
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