Justice is a right.
Not a privilege.
Your rights. Your dignity. Our commitment. When the law shapes your future, financial circumstances should not become an insurmountable barrier to legal protection.
Justice should be accessible. Especially when life becomes complicated.
Via Sebastiano is Van Leeuwen Law Firm’s social justice initiative for people who need legal support but face meaningful financial barriers.
The gravity of your legal concern — not your ability to pay — deserves to be the starting point.VIA SEBASTIANO / MANIFESTO
A legal system must do more than formally promise equality. It must enable people to understand, protect and enforce their rights.
Access
Clear legal orientation and an individual assessment of available routes, including subsidised legal aid where appropriate.
Dignity
Behind every legal dispute is a person, family or future worthy of serious consideration.
Action
Careful assessment, attention to deadlines and a proportionate plan for the next legal step.
Eight legal areas. One clear focus.
Our initiative addresses eight areas of law. Every request is assessed individually; subsidised legal aid is not available for every matter.
Criminal Law
Representation and procedural protection during investigations, questioning, detention and criminal proceedings.
Explore this legal areaAdministrative Law
Legal remedies against public decisions, objections, administrative appeals and enforcement measures.
Explore this legal areaFamily & Youth Law
Careful handling of family disputes, parental responsibility, children’s interests and protective measures.
Explore this legal areaPrivacy Law
Protection of personal information, data access, unlawful processing and privacy-related conflicts.
Explore this legal areaContract Law
Review of contractual rights, breached agreements, liability and appropriate legal remedies.
Explore this legal areaDebt Collection & Debt Problems
Responding to contested claims, collection measures, enforcement action and serious debt concerns.
Explore this legal areaIT Law
Legal questions about digital services, online disputes and technology-related agreements.
Explore this legal areaRemoval of Negative BKR Records
Assessment of potentially inaccurate or disproportionate adverse credit registrations.
Explore this legal areaImportant: Not every matter in these areas qualifies for subsidised legal aid. The Dutch Legal Aid Board makes the statutory decision.
From uncertainty to a clear next step.
An individual, careful process focused on facts, urgency, legal options and transparent arrangements.
Tell us what happened
Explain the principal facts, relevant documents and any approaching deadlines.
Legal assessment
We assess the issue, urgency, available remedies and whether we can accept the matter.
Legal aid eligibility
Where appropriate, an authorised lawyer may apply to the Dutch Legal Aid Board.
Targeted assistance
After acceptance and clear cost arrangements, we agree on the appropriate legal steps.
Five commitments. One principle of justice.
Access to justice must be a meaningful opportunity to understand rights, challenge injustice and seek effective legal protection.
Access to Justice
Reducing practical, financial and informational barriers that may stand between individuals and legal protection.
Explore this commitment NLEquality Before the Law
Advancing equal legal standing irrespective of wealth, background or social position.
Explore this commitment NLSocial Cohesion
Strengthening trust in the rule of law and the role that fair legal processes play in society.
Explore this commitment NLCommunity Empowerment
Promoting legal awareness, early support and the ability of communities to act on their rights.
Explore this commitment NLEthical & Professional Responsibility
Recognising that legal expertise entails professional duties and a broader social responsibility.
Explore this commitment NLJustice is a right. Not a privilege.
Our values. Our responsibility. Our action.
Legal excellence and social responsibility are complementary obligations. Via Sebastiano brings those commitments into our professional approach.
Social responsibility is not separate from legal practice. It is part of how we understand our professional duty.VIA SEBASTIANO / VAN LEEUWEN LAW FIRM
Integrity & Professional Standards
Independent judgement, confidentiality, consistent principles and transparent professional conduct.
Holistic Legal Support
A broader view of prevention, facts, advice, response, negotiation and litigation when appropriate.
Sustainable Social Commitment
A responsible balance between long-term continuity of the practice and meaningful social engagement.
The Evolving Role of the Profession
Responding to changing social expectations about the accessibility and legitimacy of legal services.
Understand eligibility. Know the costs. Protect your position.
Learn how the Dutch subsidised legal aid framework works, what may affect eligibility, and which costs or later reviews may be relevant.
Eligibility & Assessment
How applications are assessed, and what to do if financial circumstances have changed.
Contributions & Financial Support
Understand potential personal contributions, discounts and forms of additional support.
Reviews & Financial Consequences
Understand later reassessments and particular circumstances in which costs may become recoverable.
The linked source articles were written in earlier years and may contain outdated amounts or rules. Eligibility, contributions and exceptions are subject to the rules applicable at the relevant time. This information is general, not a guarantee of a grant or a substitute for individual advice. Check the current rules with the Dutch Legal Aid Board.
Check current rules — Dutch Legal Aid BoardYour rights deserve careful consideration.
If your legal question falls within one of our practice areas, send a concise description of the facts, the relevant dates and the assistance you are seeking.
A first enquiry does not create a lawyer–client relationship and does not suspend legal deadlines. Engagement and any costs are confirmed separately.