We Settle
what's broken.
We Build
what lasts.
Big Law expertise without Big Law bills — or bureaucracy
SETTL is the employment law firm for entrepreneurial companies that need disputes resolved, not prolonged. We are built for founders, CEOs, and CFOs who value strategic thinking, transparent pricing, and senior-level expertise - without the overhead, junior associates, or billable-hour incentives of traditional Big Law.
Eliza Akopova
-
I’ve been a lawyer since 2011, and I’m the co-founder of Nor Law and the founder of SETTL. I specialise in advising and litigating on all aspects of employment law, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the workplace with confidence.
I have extensive experience in both individual and collective dismissal cases. I regularly assist companies with collective dismissals and the preparation that comes with restructuring or reorganizing. When it comes to individual dismissals, whether due to underperformance or long-term illness where reintegration is no longer possible, I guide employers through each step of the process, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.
In addition to dismissal cases, I advise companies on works council consultation and consent rights, a common issue in many businesses. I also have significant experience with collective labor agreements, helping companies navigate the complexities and potential complications that may arise.
I studied law at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam and further specialized in employment law through the PALA(+) program (Post-Academic Course in Labor Law). I’m an active member of the Association of Labor Law Lawyers Netherlands (VAAN) and the Association of Labor Law Lawyers Amsterdam (VAAA).
I am a Dutch-qualified lawyer and fluent in Dutch, English, Armenian, and Russian. I am dedicated to offering practical, effective solutions to my clients’ employment law challenges.
About SETTL
I launched SETTL because I saw a gap in the market: companies caught between expensive Big Law firms and small generalists who lack negotiation firepower. Businesses needed a third option - elite expertise applied pragmatically, with startup velocity and transparent partnership.
Trained at top-tier international law firms, I’ve handled complex, high-stakes employment disputes for premium brands. I've seen what breaks - poorly drafted contracts, vague policies, reactive HR practices - and have spent years cleaning up the mess. Now, I'm helping companies settle disputes strategically and prevent them from happening in the first place.
My Philosophy
Settlement isn't surrender - it's strategy.
It is my experience, that more than 90% of employment disputes settle. The question isn't whether yours will settle - it's whether it will settle favourably. I bring Big Law negotiation expertise to the table, securing optimal terms without the cost, uncertainty, and emotional toll of prolonged litigation.
I prepare every case as if it's going to trial - that's what gives us negotiating power. But I fight smart, not for the sake of fighting. If trial is truly in your best interest, I'll tell you. Most clients find that a well-negotiated settlement protects their business better than years of uncertain litigation.
What Makes SETTL Different
✓ Senior-led, always
No junior associates learning on your time. You work directly with experienced counsel from day one. Every strategy session, every negotiation, every settlement - handled by an expert who has done this hundreds of times.
✓ Outcome velocity
Time is money. I respond within 24-48 hours, deliver clear action plans, and resolve disputes efficiently. No unnecessary steps. No billable-hour padding. Just strategic execution that gets you back to business.
✓ Transparent partnership
No unnecessary legal jargon. No surprise bills. No hiding behind complexity. I explain things clearly, answer the phone when you call and respond to your emails.
✓ Strategic settlements
I don't prolong disputes - I resolve them. My expertise lies in knowing when to settle, when to push, when to walk away. I secure favourable terms through smart negotiation.
✓ Big Law calibre, boutique focus
You get the same level of expertise as with top-tier firms - without the bureaucracy, overhead, or inflated bills. A lean structure means cost savings that are passed on to you. A boutique focus means full attention to your case.
My Commitment
I’m deliberately selective about the clients I take on, because I want to devote myself fully to every case. If I take on your matter, you’ll have my direct mobile number and my undivided attention. I’d rather turn down work than compromise on quality or accessibility.
I’ll tell you the truth - even when it’s not what you’re hoping to hear. You’ll get a transparent risk analysis, realistic timelines, and clear strategic options. No glossy sales talk, no empty promises. Just practical advice you can actually use.
My Clients
I work with entrepreneurial companies - from fast-growing startups to established premium brands - who need employment law expertise that matches their ambition.
My clients value:
Strategic thinking over billable-hour incentives
Senior-level expertise over junior associate delegation
Transparent pricing over surprise bills
Fast resolution over prolonged litigation
Pragmatic outcomes over courtroom theatre
If that sounds like you, let's talk.
Contact us
Facing an employment dispute or need preventative advice? Contact us. We respond within 24-48 hours.