Welcome to Via Sebastiano
Access to the Legal System, the Key to Equal Opportunities and Poverty Alleviation
In a world where access to justice is often hindered by social and economic barriers, VIA SEBASTIANO aims to bring about a fundamental change in how legal assistance is provided. This progressive digital platform, born out of the vision of Van Leeuwen Law Firm, believes that justice is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status or background. VIA SEBASTIANO focuses on supporting vulnerable and marginalized groups, who often have insufficient access to the resources necessary to protect their rights. The platform empowers them to take legal action without financial obstacles standing in their way. In this way, VIA SEBASTIANO not only provides legal assistance but also becomes a powerful engine for social justice and poverty alleviation, contributing to a society where everyone has equal opportunities to claim their rights. This initiative is an example of socially responsible business within the legal sector, where the value of responsibility extends beyond the courtroom, actively contributing to the removal of inequality and the promotion of an inclusive society where legal protection is not a privilege, but a right for every individual.
Legal Domains
Accessible Legal Aid for Every Situation
Police & Justice
When you become involved in a criminal case, whether as a suspect, witness, or victim, the legal process can quickly become overwhelming. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and confusion, especially if you are unsure how the system works or lack the resources to obtain the necessary legal assistance. Attorney B.A.S. van Leeuwen offers expert legal support for anyone dealing with police and justice, including cases of wrongful accusations, interrogation assistance, and unjustly imposed convictions.
Attorney B.A.S. van Leeuwen has years of experience working with clients who come into contact with the judicial system. He ensures that your rights are protected from the moment you come into contact with the police until your case is concluded. Whether it involves providing legal assistance during an interrogation or challenging unjustly imposed penalties, he stands by his clients to fight for fair treatment. This is especially crucial for individuals in socially vulnerable positions who may not know how to enforce their rights.
Family & Relationships
Family matters can be highly emotional and complex. Whether it’s about divorces, custody arrangements, alimony issues, or resolving conflicts over guardianship, Attorney B.A.S. van Leeuwen provides the necessary legal support to help individuals and families through these difficult times. The goal is not only to resolve legal issues but also to support family members in restoring a safe and healthy environment for themselves and their loved ones.
Attorney B.A.S. van Leeuwen understands that family and relationship conflicts go far beyond legal documents and procedures. It is about ensuring emotional well-being, safety, and fairness. Through his guidance, the attorney offers personalized support, tailored legal strategies, and assistance in negotiations to reach a solution that serves the best interests of all parties involved. This is essential for those in vulnerable positions who may be manipulated or disadvantaged in the process.
Debt Collection & Debts
Debts can be crippling. When individuals face a financial crisis, the consequences for their well-being and daily life can be immense. Attorney B.A.S. van Leeuwen offers legal assistance for people struggling with debt collection, debts, and the legal complications arising from financial problems. Whether it’s negotiating payment arrangements, contesting unjust claims, or providing assistance in bankruptcy proceedings, Attorney B.A.S. van Leeuwen ensures that no one is left behind in their battle with creditors.
The platform focuses on restoring the financial health of clients by finding realistic and sustainable solutions that help them get back on track. The attorney not only provides legal solutions but also practical advice and guidance, enabling clients to reduce their debts and create a solid plan for the future. It is a process of rebuilding, with the client at the center, where every effort is made to help them take a step forward in their financial life.
Access to Legal Aid for Everyone, Regardless of Wealth or Status
Your attorney is committed to ensuring equal access to legal aid, so everyone can uphold their rights, regardless of financial or social circumstances.
Inclusive Access to the Legal System
In a society where access to the legal system is often influenced by financial means, social status, and power dynamics, VIA SEBASTIANO introduces an innovative and socially responsible approach to addressing this inequality. This digital platform, an initiative of Van Leeuwen Law Firm, translates the firm’s social objectives into concrete action within a broader CSR policy. VIA SEBASTIANO is founded on the belief that justice should not be seen as an exclusive privilege but as a universal human right. The platform aims to provide legal support to vulnerable and marginalized groups without financial barriers preventing them from claiming their rights. In doing so, VIA SEBASTIANO contributes to an inclusive society where everyone—regardless of their socioeconomic status—can rely on legal protection and assistance. This initiative seamlessly aligns with the principle of Responsible Business, where the legal sector is not only a service provider but also a driving force behind social change and justice.
A Holistic Approach to Equal Legal Protection
The legal landscape demonstrates that access to legal aid is often determined by factors unrelated to the merits of a case but rather by financial power and social connections. This results in those most reliant on legal protection—such as victims of police violence, individuals in complex family law situations, or people burdened with unsustainable debt—being systematically disadvantaged. VIA SEBASTIANO positions itself as an innovative player in this landscape by adopting a holistic and solution-oriented approach. The platform not only offers legal assistance but also focuses on strategic empowerment, enabling clients to actively participate in the legal process and regain control over their own situations. Through a combination of pro bono services, subsidized legal aid, and innovative collaborations with social organizations, legal barriers are systematically dismantled. VIA SEBASTIANO not only creates direct impact at the individual level but also contributes to structural improvements within the legal system as a whole, emphasizing accessibility, transparency, and effectiveness.
Sustainable Impact Through Structural Reform
Real change within the legal system requires more than incidental legal assistance; it demands a sustainable and structural approach that addresses the root causes of legal inequality. VIA SEBASTIANO is therefore committed to raising societal awareness and influencing policy, with the goal of making legislation and legal procedures more inclusive and just. This is achieved not only through direct legal aid to individuals but also through active involvement in legislative initiatives, partnerships with social organizations, and the development of innovative legal models that enhance access to justice. This aligns with the core principles of Responsible Business, in which the legal sector plays an active role in creating a fairer society. VIA SEBASTIANO serves as a catalyst for change, not only by providing legal support but also by advocating for broader systemic reforms. In doing so, it strengthens not only the individual legal position of its clients but also lays the institutional foundation for a legal system that truly protects everyone.
Justice as a Collective Responsibility
A just society can only exist when legal support is not dependent on financial capacity but is recognized as a fundamental right for every citizen. VIA SEBASTIANO is therefore committed not only to individual clients but also to a broader social movement striving for a fairer legal system. This platform functions as an innovative and socially driven enterprise within the legal sector, where the principles of social responsibility and sustainable impact take center stage. By collaborating with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders, VIA SEBASTIANO contributes to the systematic reform of the legal landscape, where solidarity, equality, and accessibility are the core values. The use of technology and digitalization plays a crucial role in this effort, making legal assistance faster, more efficient, and more accessible. VIA SEBASTIANO proves that legal services can be successfully combined with social responsibility and sustainable change. This platform is more than just a legal service provider; it is a movement for social justice, laying the foundation for a future where law is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.
The Role of the Attorney
With unwavering commitment, your attorney provides expert legal aid, with ethical standards and justice at the forefront, ensuring everyone, regardless of wealth or status, has fair access to the law.
My Commitment to an Accessible Legal System
As an attorney and forensic auditor, I am acutely aware of the obstacles that the legal system places in front of many people in vulnerable positions. For them, the legal world often seems opaque, inaccessible, and sometimes even hostile. The legal system is frequently seen as a complex maze in which access to assistance depends on the financial resources one has. The reality is that the legal system is essential for everyone’s well-being, but unfortunately, it is unavailable to many due to the costs and complexity of the procedures. I am convinced that the law should not be a privilege for the financially privileged or the socially powerful, but a fundamental right that benefits everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status. This conviction is a major driving force behind everything I do as an attorney and forensic auditor. The right to protection and justice must be accessible to everyone, without depending on their ability to hire an expensive attorney.
The idea that the legal system remains primarily in the hands of those with resources is a reality many of us are aware of, but action is not always taken. Too often, I see people in vulnerable situations—such as cases of social exclusion, discrimination, or financial problems—who do not receive the legal help they need because they cannot afford an attorney. This personally affects me, as I am aware that these individuals are often already under immense pressure due to circumstances beyond their control. What makes them even more vulnerable, however, is the notion that the laws that should protect them can actually work against them due to their social or economic situation. This insight has become the foundation of my practice and has fully shaped my approach to the legal profession. As an attorney, it is not just important to resolve legal issues for me; I also strive to understand and address the underlying causes of these issues so I can contribute to a more just society.
VIA SEBASTIANO – A Step Towards Restoring the Balance
With VIA SEBASTIANO, I want to directly contribute to restoring the inequality within our legal system and access to legal assistance. VIA SEBASTIANO is not just a digital platform, but a substantial extension of the social goals of Van Leeuwen Attorneys. It is an integral part of our office’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy and embodies my deeply rooted belief that access to the law should not be a wish or luxury but a collective right that must be available to everyone. VIA SEBASTIANO provides people entitled to subsidized legal aid with the opportunity to receive legal assistance and advice, even when they do not have the financial means to hire an attorney. In today’s society, financial barriers are often the main reason people cannot obtain justice. This platform aims to break down these barriers by offering legal assistance to those who need it most but cannot afford it.
The mission of VIA SEBASTIANO is simple but powerful: to bridge the gap between the legal help required and the reality of financial limitations through technology. This platform allows people, regardless of their social status, to access legal assistance and claim their rights. This is a step towards a society where justice is not dependent on one’s bank balance, but on the fundamental rights every citizen should have. VIA SEBASTIANO is not merely a project; it is my response to the injustices that occur daily by building a bridge between the most vulnerable people and the legal system that should protect them. This is a concrete step towards a future where the law applies not only to the wealthy and powerful but to anyone who needs it. The platform embodies my belief that we all have the right to a fair chance to be heard in the courtroom, and that this right should never depend on one’s ability to pay.
Targeted at Those Entitled to Subsidized Legal Aid
Within VIA SEBASTIANO, I focus specifically on the target group entitled to subsidized legal aid. The right to legal assistance should not be something dependent on your ability to pay. It should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or social circumstances. In my view, everyone deserves to be heard, to defend their rights, and to rely on legal support when faced with injustice. Subsidized legal aid should therefore not be a privilege but a guarantee for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background. There are many people who find themselves in a socially or financially vulnerable position, and it is especially for these people that access to legal aid is essential. Without legal support, they often cannot obtain the protection they deserve against unjust accusations, abuse of power, or unjust administrative or legal procedures.
VIA SEBASTIANO offers these people the opportunity to have their voices heard and truly experience justice by providing them with legal guidance that might otherwise be beyond their reach. This is not just about legal help; it is about guiding clients through the often complicated, bureaucratic procedures of the legal system. I help them overcome administrative obstacles, offer a listening ear in times of uncertainty, and ensure they feel supported and valued during times of legal trouble. This goes beyond providing legal assistance; it is also about giving hope, confidence, and the resources to keep going. By investing in these individuals’ legal futures, I not only give them access to justice but also the chance to regain their dignity.
A Holistic Approach to Legal Support
My approach to legal support is holistic: I look beyond just the legal problem and focus on the broader situation of my clients. It is not only about solving a specific legal conflict but about restoring a sense of self-worth and empowerment for my clients. Many of the people I support are not only dealing with legal issues but also with financial, personal, or social challenges that make them vulnerable. They often feel powerless and isolated, especially when confronted with major obstacles beyond their control. My goal is to give these people control over their own lives again. It is not my role to simply solve a problem and move on; I am here to empower my clients, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed to come out stronger from their situation.
The focus of my work is on three central areas in which vulnerable people often face obstacles: police and justice, family and relationships, and collection and debt. In all of these areas, people often clash with authorities, face accusations or prosecutions that jeopardize their right to a fair trial, or see their personal well-being threatened by unjust accusations, financial oppression, or inhumane legal procedures. These people have the right to protection and fair treatment within the legal system, but the system is often too complex, too discouraging, or too impersonal to truly help them. My goal is to reach out to these people and help them overcome the obstacles that hinder them.
Restoring Dignity Alongside Legal Support
What drives me in my work as an attorney and forensic auditor is the realization that through my work, I do more than just resolve legal problems. I give my clients something that is often invisible to the outside world: their dignity. When people face unlawful police violence, family conflicts that threaten the well-being of parents and children, or impending debt that jeopardizes the future of an entire family, it is not enough to merely win the legal case. These people deserve not only legal help but also a renewed sense of self-worth and respect. What I strive to achieve is that my clients feel heard again, regain control over their situation, and ultimately find new hope for their future. Unjust treatments should not be insurmountable obstacles, but should instead present opportunities to show the power of solidarity, justice, and equality within the legal system.
Through VIA SEBASTIANO, I offer not only legal support but create a platform for justice and equality. It is a digital bridge that helps bridge the gap between the necessary legal assistance and the financial reality of those who need it most. The ultimate goal is to create a society in which everyone has access to the law, regardless of their economic situation or social standing. This is not a utopia, but a concrete possibility. VIA SEBASTIANO is the means to make this possibility a reality.
Commitment to Structural Change Beyond Legal Procedures
My work does not end with the legal procedures I undertake. I look beyond the case itself and dedicate myself to structural changes that can help address the root causes of my clients’ legal problems. My work goes beyond winning individual cases; I strive to create sustainable solutions that address the broader societal issues. VIA SEBASTIANO is, for me, a movement, an advocacy for solidarity, individuality, and justice. It is not just a project but a vision that reflects the core of my work. With full dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in equal rights, I work every day to improve society by making a difference for the people who need it most. Through this platform, I am committed to a future where no one is excluded from the legal system, where justice is not just a theoretical ideal but a tangible reality for anyone who needs it.
What is Subsidized Legal Aid?
If you have a legal issue that you cannot resolve on your own and need the help of a lawyer but cannot afford one, the government may sometimes cover part of the costs. This is known as subsidized legal aid, ensuring access to justice for all, regardless of financial situation.
Subsidized Legal Aid in the Netherlands
The system of subsidized legal aid in the Netherlands is a fundamental component of the legal system, designed to make legal assistance accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. It provides the opportunity to receive legal support without imposing a significant financial burden on the individual. This system plays a critical role in promoting social justice by bridging the gap between socio-economic groups and enabling people to defend their rights even when they otherwise could not afford it. Subsidized legal aid ensures that the law is not just a tool for those who can financially afford legal proceedings, but becomes a means of ensuring equality and justice for all citizens of society.
Subsidized legal aid allows the most vulnerable groups in society to initiate legal proceedings when they face legal disputes, such as conflicts with employers, disputes over rental contracts, or even when accused of a crime. It ensures that the law applies to everyone and protects against legal and financial exclusion, which could otherwise lead to greater inequality in society. In doing so, the system plays a vital role in maintaining the rule of law and promoting social cohesion by ensuring that no one loses their rights due to a lack of financial resources.
Requirements
To be eligible for subsidized legal aid in the Netherlands, several conditions must be met. These conditions are outlined in the Legal Aid Act (Wrb), which aims to ensure fair and equitable access to justice, particularly for individuals with limited income or assets. The main requirement is that the applicant’s income and assets must be below a specific socio-economic threshold, which is set annually by the government. It is crucial that this threshold is accurately determined to ensure that the right individuals, who are genuinely in financial difficulty, receive support.
In addition to the income and asset limits, the nature of the case also plays a role. When someone applies for subsidized legal aid, the legal enforceability of the case is assessed, meaning the likelihood of success. The system is not intended to automatically grant legal assistance to everyone, but rather targets those who have a legitimate interest in pursuing legal action and whose chances of success are reasonable. Furthermore, the application for subsidized legal aid must always be submitted through a lawyer who is registered with the Raad voor Rechtsbijstand (Legal Aid Council) to ensure the quality and legality of the provided legal support. This guarantees the applicant that they will receive professional support in their legal matter.
Another key requirement is the obligation to pay a personal contribution, which is determined based on the applicant’s income and assets. This personal contribution is a way to ensure that the subsidized legal aid system does not unduly burden taxpayers and that the system is not misused by individuals who can afford legal assistance. This system ensures that the costs are distributed fairly, with those who are financially better able to contribute to their legal costs doing so, while those who cannot afford it are relieved of the burden.
Discount at the Juridisch Loket (Legal Desk)
The Juridisch Loket plays an important role in making legal assistance accessible to the entire society. It provides easy access to legal information and advice, allowing anyone, regardless of their background or education level, to understand legal problems and find solutions. The Juridisch Loket was established to ensure an accessible legal system and is therefore a key part of promoting legal equality. It serves as the first point of contact for individuals who have legal questions but do not want or cannot afford to immediately hire a lawyer. The Juridisch Loket offers advice and support, often in the form of an initial orientation meeting, and refers clients to specialized lawyers or other legal professionals when needed.
One important initiative of the Juridisch Loket is to provide a €59 discount on the personal contribution for clients who are referred to a lawyer or legal service provider via telephone. This discount is significant for individuals who might otherwise hesitate to seek legal assistance due to the cost of the personal contribution. The discount lowers the threshold for accessing legal support, enabling people with modest incomes or limited financial means to obtain professional legal help. This initiative promotes social inclusion by ensuring that legal assistance is not only available to the wealthier segments of society but also accessible to all those eligible for legal support.
Special Support
Special Support is a benefit in the social safety net of the Netherlands, designed specifically for people facing temporary extraordinary expenses. These could be unexpected costs that an individual cannot bear due to their limited financial situation. The aim of Special Support is to prevent people from falling into greater financial difficulties due to unforeseen necessary expenses, such as sudden medical costs, additional expenses for legal assistance, or costs arising from unforeseen events like a fire or the loss of a pet.
Special Support plays an important role in the subsidized legal aid system, as it can help cover the personal contribution that is charged to a client when applying for legal assistance. This makes legal help more accessible for people temporarily in difficult financial circumstances but still eligible for support in resolving their legal matters. Therefore, Special Support can serve as a safety net for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford their legal costs. The system ensures that no one is excluded from legal help due to temporary financial setbacks, thus promoting social justice within the legal system.
Shifting the Reference Year
The regulation for shifting the reference year is an important provision in the subsidized legal aid system. It offers individuals the opportunity to use their income from a previous year as the basis for their eligibility for support when their financial situation has temporarily worsened. This is particularly important for individuals whose income has been reduced due to unforeseen circumstances, such as job loss, illness, or other temporary issues. By using the income from a previous year as the reference, this provision ensures that a temporary drop in income does not exclude individuals from receiving subsidized legal aid, which could otherwise result in an unjust loss of access to legal assistance.
The system for shifting the reference year ensures that subsidized legal aid always takes into account the actual situation of the affected person. If someone temporarily earns less, for example due to unemployment, it can be a significant burden to pay the personal contribution for legal support. By shifting the reference year, this person can still qualify for support based on their higher income from the previous year, ensuring they do not find themselves in a position where they cannot access legal help due to temporary financial setbacks.
Retroactive Income Verification
The retroactive income verification in the subsidized legal aid system serves to ensure transparency and fairness in the process of granting assistance. After someone has received legal help based on provisional income statements, a check is conducted after a certain period (usually two years) to verify whether the reported income and assets actually match the data held by the tax authorities. This control is necessary to prevent the system from being exploited by individuals who unlawfully receive subsidized legal aid while actually having more income or assets than reported.
Retroactive income verification ensures that subsidized legal aid is always granted in a fair and responsible manner. If discrepancies are found between the reported data and the actual situation, adjustments may be made to the granted assistance or even a repayment of the subsidy may be required. This system helps ensure that only those who genuinely qualify for subsidized legal aid receive it.
Repayment of Subsidy after Conviction
The regulation that has been in place since March 1, 2017, states that individuals who have received subsidized legal aid and are eventually convicted may, in some cases, be required to repay the subsidy received. This applies to individuals who have received legal aid under the provision of provisional detention and are later found guilty. The repayment of the subsidy is intended to prevent individuals who can afford to pay for their legal assistance from unlawfully taking advantage of the subsidized system. This ensures a fair distribution of public funds and helps prevent abuse of the subsidy system.
The repayment of the subsidy is a necessary mechanism to maintain the equality and fairness of the system. It prevents individuals who are able to afford the costs of their legal support from receiving subsidized legal aid. Moreover, it ensures that subsidies are used efficiently and justly, making sure that they are only available to those who genuinely need financial assistance to defend their rights.
Personal Contribution
The personal contribution, which is part of the subsidized legal aid system, is a key element of the system. It ensures that the costs of legal support are fairly divided between the affected individual and the state. The amount of the personal contribution is based on various factors, including the applicant’s income and assets. The higher the income or assets, the higher the personal contribution that must be paid. The personal contribution system aims to prevent individuals who can afford to pay for their legal support from unfairly taking advantage of subsidized legal aid.
The establishment of a personal contribution ensures that subsidized legal aid is funded responsibly, without overly relying on public funds. It ensures that the help truly benefits those who need it the most, while preventing the system from being exploited by individuals who could afford to pay for their own legal assistance.
Embracing Corporate Social Responsibility in Legal Practice
In today’s interconnected world, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goes beyond ethical obligations, representing a fundamental economic and ethical mandate. Van Leeuwen Law Firm embodies this principle by aligning its practices with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating CSR and SDGs into its operations to ensure a fairer and more sustainable future through its legal services.
Get In Touch Directly
Access to Legal Support with Dedication and Integrity.
Van Leeuwen Law Firm
Stadsplateau 27
3521 AZ Utrecht-Stad
Nederland
T: +31 85 06 07 520
F: +31 30 605 15 51
E: info@vanleeuwenlawfirm.eu
KVK: 68274491
RSIN: NL857370844B01
If you prefer a traditional way of communicating and receiving legal advice, attorney Bas A.S. van Leeuwen offers the opportunity to schedule an in-person consultation at his office. This option is especially suitable for those who value direct contact and personal interaction that comes from face-to-face meetings. An in-person meeting in an office environment not only promotes communication but also fosters a strong and trusting relationship between attorney and client. This is crucial as it allows for an open and honest dialogue, leading to a deeper and more complete understanding of your unique legal challenges. As you step into attorney…
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If you are looking for a more flexible and time-saving alternative to traditional meetings, it is an excellent idea to book a video conference with attorney Bas A.S. van Leeuwen. This modern communication method allows you to receive comprehensive legal support without the need to travel. This makes it a practical and effective solution, especially in our increasingly digital world, where physical distance is increasingly not a barrier to quality interactions. Video conferences are not only efficient; they also provide the opportunity to save time in your busy schedule, enabling you to discuss legal matters at a time that suits…
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For those who prefer a simple and flexible communication method, attorney Bas A.S. van Leeuwen also offers the possibility of telephone consultations. This method is particularly designed to accommodate your busy lifestyle, allowing you to discuss your legal issues conveniently from home, the office, or any other location you desire. This makes it a particularly practical option, as traveling is eliminated, saving both time and effort, which is especially advantageous in a world where efficiency is increasingly important. You do not need to worry about traffic or travel time; you can simply pick up the phone and talk to your…
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If you have a specific question or need a clear written response, you can easily contact attorney Bas A.S. van Leeuwen via email. This method is particularly beneficial for those who prefer to articulate their thoughts and concerns in writing and may not require an immediate response. In your email, it is advisable to provide as much relevant information as possible about your inquiry or concern. This precision enables the attorney to accurately analyze your situation and provide an appropriate and precise response tailored to your needs. It also allows you the opportunity to think carefully about your questions and…
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Finally, attorney Bas A.S. van Leeuwen offers a user-friendly online application form where you can quickly and easily request legal assistance. This is a very accessible option, particularly for clients who prefer the convenience of digital communication and want to submit their request at any time of the day. The online application form is designed to provide a smooth and efficient way to contact the attorney, allowing you to fill out all the necessary information without the need to reach out to them immediately. This reduces barriers to seeking legal help, which is especially advantageous for individuals who may hesitate…
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