 In the small world of Dutch high society, Grotius had clearly been identified as a young man going places. While in France, he had earned (or possibly just bought) a law degree from the University of Orléans. After returning to The Hague, he established a law practice and within a short time, his clientele included Oldenbarnevelt, the Dutch East India Company (V.O.C.) and Prince Maurice of Nassau. Apparently he impressed Maurice, for when the position of Attorney General of Holland, Zeeland and West Friesland became available in 1607, the Prince chose him over two other older and more experienced candidates. Grotius didn’t particularly enjoy the practice of law—in letters he voiced complaints familiar to today’s lawyers, bemoaning the tedium of the work and obstreperous clients—so he closed his firm upon being made Attorney General. Perhaps capitalizing on his new position and the healthy salary it paid, he soon married the redoubtable Maria van Reigersbergen, with whom he would eventually have three daughters and four sons.