A&O Shearman‘s disputes practice is ‘clear, efficient and to the point’ in its advice, covering all aspects of dispute resolution in Belgium, acting for major domestic and international companies in high-value disputes. The team has a dedicated arbitration practice, with knowledge of arbitrations under all main Belgian and international rules. The ‘great to work with, smart, accessible, and pragmatic‘ team is led by Thales Mertens, who has a practice covering corporate litigation, restructuring, and insolvency disputes. Managing partner Tom Schoors is ‘extremely knowledgeable, calm under pressure, and has extremely good industry knowledge’, and has vast expertise in energy disputes. Recently promoted partner Thomas Declerck leads the white-collar crime and investigations practice, with expertise in fraud, bribery, money laundering, and breach of financial regulations. Lauren Rasking is the key name at senior associate level and focuses on arbitration proceedings.
Dispute resolution in Belgium
A&O Shearman
Practice head(s):
Thales Mertens
Other key lawyers:
Tom Schoors; Thomas Declerk; Lauren Rasking; Astrid Lecomte; Bart De Bock; Eline Ulrix
Testimonials
‘Very positive experience: in-depth knowledge combined with pragmatic approach – highly reactive – clear, efficient and to the point.’
‘A&O lawyers are integrated team members, that engage with their legal expertise but even beyond with business and project expertise. They get familiar with company specifics quickly and understand business needs. The advice is clear, they drive the topics, raise the right questions to align on strategies. Young lawyers are well trained and promoted by partners with trust and reliability.’
‘Great to work with, smart, accessible, and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Cofinimmo
DEME
Scania
Waterland Private Equity
Loyens & Loeff
The practice at Loyens & Loeff is ‘available and collaborative’, and known for its complex cross-border litigation and international arbitration expertise. A wide range of mandates are expertly covered by the practice, including healthcare and life sciences work, insolvency and restructuring issues, data protection and privacy claims, and corporate investigations. Hakim Boularbah leads the ‘excellent and very reputed‘ team alongside Olivier van der Haegen, who ‘does an outstanding job‘ for his clients; the pair have expertise in collective redress and international arbitration respectively. Senior associate Maria-Clara Van den Bossche is ‘very knowledgeable, proactive, and quickly unravels the sensitivities in the case‘, and has a practice focusing on class actions, asset recovery work, and the enforcement of arbitral awards.
Practice head(s):
Hakim Boularbah; Olivier van der Haegen
Other key lawyers:
Clémence Van Muylde; Maria-Clara Van den Bossche
Testimonials
‘The team is young and diverse. They are available and collaborative.’
‘We had very good contact with Olivier van der Haegen and Clémence Van Muylder who have always been available, collaborative, serious and engaged in our files.’
‘The international arbitration department is excellent and very reputed.’
‘Olivier van der Haeghen does an outstanding job for us in international litigation.’
‘The firm has an excellent understanding of our business needs.’
‘The firm adapts themselves to our goals in the trial.’
‘When Loyens & Loeff Belgium’s dispute resolution team was handling our case, I had the feeling that no case would be too complex for them. They quickly get to the bottom of the dispute and clearly explain the procedural aspects and risks. They are super dedicated and easy to approach.’
‘A special call out for Maria-Clara Van den Bossche, who is very knowledgeable, proactive and quickly unravels the sensitivities in our case.’
Key clients
Blink Holding
Pfizer
Banque Degroof
Vidrala
Dishman Carbogen Amcis
AstraZeneca
BNP Paribas
John Cockerill – Cockerill Maintenance & Ingénierie (CMI)
Interpol
Porsche AG
Eurelec
Atenor
Meta Platforms
Yukos Oil
Sonaca
Klépierre
Chevron Corporation Inc. and Chevron USA Inc.
Dargaud-Lombard
Ryanair
Amazon
Amundi
Credendo
Yara Belgium
NautaDutilh
The ‘high-quality‘ disputes practice at NautaDutilh is commended for its ‘excellent strength in depth’ covering the whole array of commercial disputes spanning shareholder disputes, banking litigation, insurance claims and tort work, alongside insolvency-related litigation, and complex arbitrations. Sophie Jacmain leads the team with Stan Brijs, with the pair commended for being ‘tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills‘. Jacmain possesses knowledge across a range of litigation and arbitration work, with particular expertise in restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Karel De Smet is also noted, with a wide-reaching practice covering complex contractual disputes, contentious M&A issues, competition litigation, and enforcement disputes. Karen Paridaen and Gisèle Uwera are also key to the team.
Practice head(s):
Sophie Jacmain; Stan Brijs
Other key lawyers:
Karel De Smet; Karen Paridean; Gisèle Uwera; Nicolas Vande Velde
Testimonials
‘High quality team. Excellent strength in depth. Tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills.’
‘We have instructed a team led by partners Stan Brijs and Sophie Jacmain. Tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills. Associate Nicolas Vande Velde is talented junior with excellent case management skills.’
‘The service levels are very high and, as a client, we are extremely satisfied by the firm’s quick and timely responses to issues. The team are always responsive and pay attention to the client’s needs. The team has extensive experience and willingness to provide concrete solutions and dedicated efforts to our case.’
‘The individuals we work with are always quick to respond and provide an excellent service. They are dedicated, intelligent, supportive and proactive. I could mention Stan Brijs, Sophie Jacmain, Nicolas Vande Velde and Gisele Uwera. They are outstanding with a wide range and a high level of commitment, especially for complex and diverse topics.’
‘Well organised team of hardworking and skilled individuals.’
‘Each partner and associate is specialised in a specific area of law that is relevant in a banking environment. Karel De Smet deserves praise in his proactive approach.’
‘NautaDutilh has a strong litigation practice, which has become a key player in the Belgian market. They are involved in almost all the major French and Dutch litigation cases, which demonstrates their reputation. They have become a force to be reckoned with in the Belgian market, with one of the biggest and best teams.’
‘Excellent team that is efficient on a lot of legal matters.’
Key clients
ABN Amro Bank
Aoteb
Republic of Albania
Ascom
Connectis (part of Getronics)
Ghelamco
Port of Brussels
Kuehne Nagel
Liberty Liège-Dudelange (BE)
Lycops – De Beurme – Omnia
Sistem Teknik Industrial
Textron
Belfius Bank
Engie
Sibelco
Triodos Bank
KBC
AHDS
Work highlights
- Defending Sibelco in the context of a multi billion euro dispute and proceedings introduced by its most important minority shareholder (Quarzwerke).
- Represented the Republic of Albania in relation to the enforcement in Belgium of an ICSID arbitral award worth over €130m.
- Represented Anatolie and Gabriel Stati, Ascom, Terra Raf Trans Trading Ltd in relation to the enforcement proceedings against the Republic of Kazakhstan of an arbitral award worth over$500m.
Stibbe
Stibbe is the ‘go-to firm for international arbitration in Brussels‘, acting on the full range of disputes in civil and criminal courts. The full-service expertise of the department, along with its collaboration with the IP, TMT, finance, and competition practices at the firm, allows it to represent a number of high-profile clients in complex cases. The white-collar crime practice is also a key element of the team, with money laundering, fraud, sanctions, and extradition all areas of expertise. Hans Van Bavel sits at the helm of the practice, specialising in company-related criminal law. Also of note are ‘very tough litigator‘ Oliver Stevens, Nicolas Résimont, whose advocacy is ‘both persuasive and instils confidence in clients and tribunals alike’, and Sophie Bourgois, who is ‘meticulous‘ with expertise across international disputes, insurance claims, and private and public international law.
Practice head(s):
Hans Van Bavel
Other key lawyers:
Nicolas Résimont; Oliver Stevens; Sophie Bourgois
Testimonials
‘Oliver Stevens is a very tough litigator, goes the extra mile for his clients, is very proactive.’
‘Stibbe’s arbitration team is simply the best in Brussels. They have an impressive ability to understand large volumes of complex factual and legal information and to synthesise it in a way that can be understood by any tribunal.’
‘The stand out individuals in the team are Nicolas ésimont and Sophie Bourgois. Nicolas argues cases with a passion that is rare amongst his peers. Nicolas’ style of advocacy is both persuasive and instils confidence in clients and tribunals alike. Sophie is meticulous. Sophie can take the most complex facts and legal arguments and argue them passionately and persuasively before any tribunal.’
‘Stibbe are the go-to firm for international arbitration in Brussels.’
Work highlights
- Representing Brussels Airport Company in a large trail in which ten men stand accused of involvement in the March 2016 suicide bombings at the Brussels airport and the metro station – attacks authorities blame on the Islamic State militant group.
- Representing a private insurer in a critical dispute that has arisen shortly after its acquisition by its new shareholder, P&V Insurances. The client holds its former directors, managers and auditor responsible for a multi-million loss caused by a special fraud mechanism set up by the former shareholders and management of the client.
- Representing a group of cable companies against a claim brought by the historic telecom-provider Proximus in relation to the sale of its analogue and digital television distribution activities to Telenet.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is widely reputed for its ‘proactive approach and in-depth knowledge‘, representing major Belgian corporations, banks, public authorities, and international companies in a range of multifaceted litigation. Financial litigation, competition claims, and compliance disputes are all key strengths of the team that works closely with the global network of the firm, allowing it to provide multijurisdictional advice. Dorothée Vermeiren leads the team, and ‘brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table’, with extensive experience in litigation and arbitration proceedings. The ‘friendly and responsive team‘ also notably includes senior associates Nathan Tulkens and Ysaline Le Paige.
Practice head(s):
Dorothée Vermeiren
Other key lawyers:
Nathan Tulkens; Ysaline Le Paige
Testimonials
‘Friendly and responsive team.’
‘Dorothée Vermeiren is adept at making the client feel supported whilst being realistic about strengths and weaknesses of a case.’
‘The team is responsive, straight to the point, and provides an excellent summary and advice for non-lawyers.’
‘Excellent teamwork; partner gets very involved.’
‘The dispute resolution practice stands out with its proactive approach and in-depth knowledge, delivering invaluable insights and strategic advice to its clients. Their commitment to client satisfaction is evident in their high level of availability and deep understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape. This practice’s ability to anticipate and address issues sets them apart as a client-focused legal partner. For those seeking proactive legal counsel with a forward-looking perspective, this practice is undeniably a top choice.’
‘I had the pleasure to work with Dorothée Vermeiren. Dorothée brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Her proactive approach and in-depth knowledge are truly remarkable, consistently providing invaluable insights and strategic advice. Dorotheé’s high level of availability and ability to anticipate and address issues sets her apart from competitors.’
Key clients
The Belgian State
Citibank
KONE
Liberty Steel Group
BNP Paribas Fortis
ING Belgium
KBC Bank
Patrizia AG
Eckes-Granini
Blockchain.com / Blockchain Luxembourg SA
Sibelgas
Monsotel
Atream
Aimco
Euroclear
Monsotel
Teneo Advisory Services
International Construction Group
Temasek
Unified Post
Work highlights
- Advising Euroclear on the implementation of Russian sanctions and defending it in various proceedings launched by and against it in Belgium and abroad in connection therewith.
- Representing Sanjeev Gupta’s LIBERTY Steel Group in connection with various insolvency proceedings launched by and against the Belgian subsidiary of the group, Liberty Liège-Dudelange.
- Representing KONE in various proceedings brought against it by the EU and by the Belgian railway authorities to seek damages for the alleged overcharge it would have paid as a result of a competition law infringement committed by KONE and three other major lifts manufacturers (Schindler, Otis and Thyssenkrupp).
Crowell & Moring
The dispute resolution practice at Crowell & Moring represents leading clients in high-profile cases, frequently acting in market-leading litigation linked to IP, data, competition, and corporate work. The team is led by Werner Eyskens, who is ‘bright, easy to deal with and an accomplished advocate to boot‘, and represents Belgian-based multinational companies and leading international companies in complex litigation and international arbitrations. Kristof Roox also leads the team, with particular expertise in intellectual property litigation, while Thomas De Meese‘s practice focuses on competition litigation, with expertise in the TMT sector.
Practice head(s):
Werner Eyskens; Kristof Roox
Other key lawyers:
Thomas De Meese; Matteo Mariano; Jan-Diederik Lindemans
Testimonials
‘Broad experience, professional, fast service.’
‘I appreciate that this is a large team with expertise in different legal areas. This leads to quick answers/solutions.’
‘Kristof Roox is great to work with!’
Key clients
Honeywell
SAirGroup (Swissair)
Imperial Tobacco
Telenet
DEME
Sandoz
D’Ieteren
Alychlo
Monument Insurance
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Port Autonome de Cotonou
Grafton Group
Eurobend
Golazo Sports
Live Nation Festivals
Uplift
Moore Corporate Finance
Belgian Eco Energy
Viabuild
The State of Hungary
Work highlights
- Acted for the State of Hungary in Brussels courts proceedings, where Hungary is sued by Pfizer for payment of substantial amounts under the €32bln Covid-19 vaccine program Purchase Agreement which was negotiated between the EU Commission and Pfizer.
- Acted for DEME in several arbitration matters in relation to ship building contracts and sub-contracting arrangements for land reclamation projects.
- Acted for D’Ieteren, the listed Belgian Volkswagen importer, in the ongoing Dieselgate proceedings.
Eubelius
The practice at Eubelius ‘combines excellent technical knowledge with a very personalised approach to the client’ and has notable expertise in bank liability, telecoms, class action, energy, real estate, and personal wealth litigation. The tax litigation team is widely renowned, and is commended for its high-profile work, along with its criminal and regulatory compliance prowess. Patrick Hofströssler, Ignace Claeys, Svjatoslav Gnedasj and ‘excellent lawyer‘ Tom Bauwens jointly head up the practice. At associate level, Monica Rodriguez is ‘one of the rising stars in white-collar crime litigation’.
Practice head(s):
Patrick Hofströssler; Ignace Claeys; Tom Bauwens; Svjatoslav Gnedasj
Other key lawyers:
Monica Rodriguez
Testimonials
‘The team is are well organised, very customer-oriented, and a real pleasure to work with!’
‘Tom Bauwens is an authority in Belgium, an excellent lawyer. He succeeded in building a high quality team!’
‘Monica Rodriguez really stands out, she is exceptional in many ways. She has a deep knowledge of criminal law, ensures that she always has perfect case knowledge and presents everything in a very clear and intelligent way. Very exceptional! A real pleasure to work with her! Someone you can 100% rely on and goes the extra mile for her clients!’
‘They have experts in all areas, which means they have the right person in the right place at all times. They make a very good assessment of the chances of success and give 100%. They strictly adhere to all deadlines and provide feedback in the meantime. They remain realistic in what they promise and listen very carefully to their customer’s feedback.’
‘Eubelius is very unique to me personally in their approach to lawsuits. They combine excellent technical knowledge with a very personalised approach to the client. They are also extremely innovative if there are not immediate solutions to certain obstacles in legal proceedings. When they are asked a question, you are guaranteed to have a very quick and complete answer. In other words, they offer an excellent service that can no longer be improved!’
‘Personally, I have worked with several of their lawyers in some very complex and lengthy proceedings. All of them were simply excellent both on a human level and in terms of their technical knowledge. They were able to explain things to me in a clear and simple way. They were always available and gave the kind of help that was more than just legal support!’
‘Outstanding knowledge, dedicated to stand for their clients day and night. Unmatched availability. Probably the best known team in Belgium in their field of expertise.’
‘Monica Rodriguez is one of the rising stars in white-collar crime litigation cases. She is a senior attorney of the criminal enforcement & compliance department and the right hand of Tom Bauwens. She is well regarded for her all-round procedural knowledge and great diligence. She is highly client-focused and is known for her very thorough case knowledge and extremely high availability.’
Key clients
VRT
The city of Antwerp
De Meuter – Holding DM
Belgian State – Minister for Energy
Work highlights
- Provided assistance and legal representation of the Belgian state (Minister for Energy) in several summary and then on the merits proceedings filed by two groups of pro-nuclear energy activists.
- Represented a numismatic expert accused of money laundering and leading a criminal organisation, where the integrity of the criminal proceedings against the individual were declared void by the court of appeal because of a violation of the right to a fair trial.
Janson
Janson‘s dispute resolution practice is commended for its ‘multidisciplinary and multilingual approach that is necessary in Belgium and at the border of different cultures’. White-collar crime work is a cornerstone of the team; Céline Masschelein has vast expertise across fraud, forgery, money laundering, and bankruptcy issues. Masschelein is part of the team's leadership, which consists of ‘fierce courtroom fighter‘ Dominique Blommaert, Cédric Alter, and Didier Bracke. Also of note is Lydie Van Muylem, who has extensive knowledge of banking and finance law; she is commended alongside associate Jens Benoot for being ‘client-driven and good practitioners‘.
Practice head(s):
Dominique Blommaert; Cédric Alter; Didier Bracke; Céline Masschelein
Other key lawyers:
Lydie Van Muylem; Jens Benoot; Ruth Declerck
Testimonials
‘Janson has the multidisciplinary and multilingual approach that is necessary in Belgium and at the border of different cultures.’
‘Long-lasting collaboration with the same people builds confidence and improves the quality of the advice they give.’
‘One of the largest litigation teams in the Belgian market, and a reference in corporate disputes. Built around Dominique Blommaert, who is the absolute rainmaker of Janson.’
‘Dominique Blommaert: fierce courtroom fighter, strong negotiator. Jens Bennoot: up and coming.’
‘Pragmatic, efficient, complementary, reacting very quickly, always searching for the best solution for clients.’
‘Dominique Blommaert and Ruth Declerck are very reactive, no-nonsense, think out of the box, and are very convincing. The feeling is that they really defend our rights in a very constructive and intelligent way without wasting any time.’
‘A team that is available and responsive. They are to the point and don’t waste time with pointless discussions.’
‘Jens Benoot and Lydie Van Muylem particularly stood out as they are client-driven and good practitioners who know their subject and know how to use the right arguments in litigation matters.’
Key clients
Belfius Bank
KBC Bank
AIG
Banque Degroof Petercam
ING Bank & Record Credits (subsidiary of ING Bank)
Sambrinvest
Banque de Luxembourg
Belfius Lease
Yoshi
Work highlights
- Acting as co-lead counsel to Belfius Bank in the collective action brought by the Arco-shareholders.
- Acting for the former CEO of the Euronext-listed retail fashion group FNG in a dispute with the regulator FSMA, minority shareholders and bondholders.
Jones Day
The ‘very strong practice‘ at Jones Day provides ‘excellent client service and high-quality strategic and commercial advice’ for its clients, and is highly capable of acting in cross-border litigation and arbitration proceedings. The team notably recently represented Mastercard in a landmark antitrust enforcement case, and has vast banking litigation and regulatory experience. ‘Excellent litigator‘ Sébastien Champagne is the head of the team, with a practice focusing on commercial issues, trade practices, regulatory work, competition claims, and private enforcement disputes. Michèle Grégoire has expertise in financial institution and investment fund-related litigation, and is key to the team along with Vanessa Foncke.
Practice head(s):
Sébastien Champagne
Other key lawyers:
Michèle Grégoire; Vanessa Foncke
Testimonials
‘Very strong practice. Excellent client service and high-quality strategic and commercial advice.’
‘Sébastien Champagne – excellent litigator. Dedicated, very thoughtful and thorough advice. Comfortable leading large and complex litigation without needing direction.’
‘The team is dedicated and has a deep understanding of our needs.’
‘Vanessa Foncke is dedicated to your case, takes initiative and she is an amazing and true problem solver.’
Key clients
American Industrial Partners
Belfius
BioMarin
Bpost
Crédit Mutuel
HeidelbergCement
Telenet
Sogepa
MasterCard International
Nethys
Groupe Mestdagh
Liedekerke
Liedekerke has a ‘great quality commercial and civil litigation team‘ with expertise across international arbitration, high-value commercial litigation, financial litigation and insolvency, and fraud and white-collar crime claims. Lawyers within the team are adept at acting for high-profile clients, particularly in the foreign mining, automotive, energy, and construction sectors, in proceedings spanning multiple jurisdictions. ‘Absolutely exceptional arbitration lawyer‘ Arnaud Nuyts leads the team along with ‘highly respected leader’ Olivier Vanden Berghe and Roel Fransis, who has a practice focusing on finance litigation and insolvency proceedings. Other noted practitioners within the team include Aimery De Schoutheete and Bruno Hardy, who was promoted to partner in January 2024.
Practice head(s):
Arnaud Nuyts; Olivier Vanden Berghe; Roel Fransis
Other key lawyers:
Aimery De Schoutheete; Bruno Hardy; Jonas Vansevenant
Testimonials
‘Excellent lawyers, who will go to the very end to defend their client’s interests.’
‘Always available. Excellent lawyers, working as a team.’
‘Olivier Vanden Berghe is the highly respected leader of the team. Jonas Vansevenant is also a good litigator.’
‘Great quality commercial and civil litigation team, advising their clients wisely so as to achieve the best possible outcome.’
‘Arnaud Nuyts is a star.’
‘There is a good coherence between the team and any team member is able to provide a relevant update at any point in time. They balance their innate legal knowledge with a quick learning of industry/sector knowledge of the client.’
‘Arnaud Nuyts is definitely one of the most hands-on senior partners and head of practice lawyers that I have worked with. An absolutely exceptional arbitration lawyer.’
Key clients
Gécamines
Republic of Poland
Republic of Kazakhstan
DP World
CCC
TotalEnergies
Intermarché Belgium
Decathlon
Brussels Airlines
INNO
MCCAIN
Intersport
GFG Alliance
Value8
PROXIMUS
Basra Oil Company
Work highlights
- Representing the Republic of Poland before the Belgian Courts in proceedings for the setting aside (annulment) of an UNCITRAL arbitral award, in proceedings administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in favor of Manchester Securities Corporation, a subsidiary of Elliott Associates L.P. and Elliott International, L.P. Group, on the basis an alleged violation of the US – Poland Bilateral Investment Treaty.
- Advising Intersport Belgium BV in relation to the recovery of its €400,000 claim in the bankruptcy proceedings of its former Ghent-based member Axi-Sport (Intersport Ghent) and against the former director of Axi-Sport who provided a personal guarantee for the debts of the company towards Intersport.
- Representing the CEO and Chairman of GFG Alliance in litigation against ICP Origination I LLC and American Industrial Partners, a PE firm based in NY which act as secured lender to ALVANCE Aluminium Duffel.
Linklaters
Linklaters‘ litigation, arbitration, and investigations practice has cross-border capabilities, covering disputes spanning banking, capital markets, consumer protection, data privacy, competition and antitrust issues. Complex M&A disputes and insolvency-related litigation are key strengths of the practice, alongside professional negligence, commercial distribution, and product liability cases. Team head Stefaan Loosveld specialises in contentious regulatory and restructuring work, and is highly active in the firm’s sanctions work. Loosveld leads the group alongside Xavier Taton and Florence Danis, who is ‘simply the one you want defending your case in court’. Associate Gert-Jan Hendrix has vast experience in class actions work.
Practice head(s):
Stefaan Loosveld; Xavier Taton; Florence Danis
Other key lawyers:
Gert-Jan Hendrix; Guillaume Croisant
Testimonials
‘All the people involved, especially Xavier Taton and Guillaume Croisant, operate like clockwork together. They have always supported us from a multidisciplinary perspective, without the person who started working with us at the beginning (Guillaume) ever losing sight of the whole.’
‘Their response times are unbeatable, the quality of all documents delivered and the quality of their interventions are something I have never seen before working with other firms. It is as if they were all one and we never have the feeling that there was a question left unanswered. On the contrary: they go above and beyond and always manage to surprise us with their ability to anticipate potential problems.’
‘Guillaume Croisant has been working on this issue with us since the beginning and it is amazing how easily he is able to recall and pick up on issues that have been in the works for years.’
‘Xavier Taton has shown himself to be a privileged mind, with a capacity for conviction and persuasion (without losing his serenity) that I have never seen before: he can summarise the essence of all the issues so well that it is simply impossible to disagree with him.’
‘Strong legal insights and tactical approach in settlement negotiations.’
‘Florence Danis is simply the one you want defending your case in court.’
Key clients
The Bank of New York Mellon
Lhoist
ORES
Wilhelm & Co Group
Republic of Mauritius
ITM Alimentaire Belgium SA
Novartis Pharma SA and Novartis AG
Ageas
Work highlights
- Appointed by Bank of New York Mellon in the context of a garnishment order by the Enforcement Judge at the Dutch speaking Court of First Instance in Brussels.
- Successfully representing ITM in an appeal brought by Carrefour Belgium before the Brussels Court of Appeal, challenging the Belgian Competition Authority’s decision to approve ITM’s acquisition of Mestdagh.
- Representing CAF in a successful long-lasting mediation process having led to the conclusion of new agreements between the public authority and the private parties regarding the €600m PPP tramway project of the City of Liège.
Lydian
Lydian‘s litigation practice is well-versed in complex litigation, with expertise spanning the whole gamut of commercial and banking litigation work. The team is commended for its ‘regional focus which allows it to know the courts very well and consequently act efficiently’; it acts in leading cases across all industries, with particular knowledge of product and professional liability, unfair competition, and intellectual property work. The ‘very experienced‘ Hugo Keulers leads the team, with particular experience in reinsurance and insurance litigation. Yves Lenders is also key to the practice, with a focus on insolvency cases, and Jo Willems is praised by clients as ‘experienced and always on point‘.
Practice head(s):
Hugo Keulers
Other key lawyers:
Yves Lenders; Jo Willems; Marijn De Ruysscher; Tim van Landeghem
Testimonials
‘Lydian has one of the largest litigation teams in the Belgian market which allows them to deal with all sort of litigation matters. It is very convenient to have a direct entry point for all litigation matters. Moreover Lydian has a regional focus which allows them to know the courts very well and consequently act efficiently.’
‘Hugo Keulers is very experienced, always seeing the greater picture, innovative, and has your interests at heart.’
‘Jo Willems is experienced, acts in your interests and is always on point.’
‘I worked with Marijn De Ruysscher on a cross-border file that involved Luxembourg aspects. He was always available and keen to assist us with any difficulty.’
‘Yves Lenders is a go-to partner who can assist you in any matter regarding litigation.’
‘Tim van Landeghem and Jo Willems provided very pragmatic advice on the spot in a timely and very precise manner.’
‘Lydian is very experienced in handling complex matters and taking care of your interests.’
‘Lydian is very accessible, quickly available, has a wide variety of expertise available and manages to efficiently mobilise the necessary resources for the benefit of the case at hand. We find that Lydian’s lawyers quickly familiarise themselves with the file and provide to-the-point feedback at short notice. Lydian connects well with its clients and looks for their needs and values in order to respond to them as well as possible when handling the case.’
Key clients
5N Plus
AIG Europe SA
Alfasigma Belgium BV / Cophana NV
Allianz Global Corporate
AMC NV
Arte NV
AXA SA / AXA XL / AXA SEGUROS
Axima NV
Axis
BB Government Services GmbH
Belfius Bank
Brown Forman
Canopius
Carglass / Belron
CNA Insurance
CooperSurgical
Colruyt/Colim
Datwyler Pharma Packaging Belgium NV
Energyst B.V.
Epam
Ethias SA
Ethos Energy
Exyte AG
Fagerhult BV
Gcube
Gilles Hennessy / Sinels
Gunvor Petroleum Antwerp
GVFI Europe B.V.
Hasselt University
HDI Global SE / HDI GLOBAL SPECIALTY SE
Henkel Global Supply Chain BV / Henkel Belgium
Hilton Food Group
Hiscox Europe Underwriting Limited
House of HR NV
Honeywell NV
HTI Toys UK Limited
HRG Hotels Group
Immopro and Mathieu Gijbels
IPS Belgium NV
KBC Bank NV
Keyence International (Belgium) NV/SA
Tremec
McDonald’s Belgium
Manchett Group Limited
Mediamarkt
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
MS Amlin
Nationale Nederlanden
Nemeco
Pizza Hut Europe
Salvator Welzijnscentrum
Suntrade / Bunge
RSA Nederland / Unica
Rutronik Bauelemente GmbH
Smits and Luckey Establishment
STIB-MIVB
Sweco Belgium NV
Transmisiones y Equipos (Tremec)
Tractebel Engineering
TÜV Rheiland AG
XL Catlin / XL Catlin Insurance Company SE / XL Catlin Services
Banijay Belgium (formerly known as Zodiak Belgium)
Zurich Insurance Plc
Witteveen+Bos Raadgevend Ingenieurs BV
Work highlights
- Acted for KBC Bank in legal proceedings against the bankrupt Carrefour franchisee Nomac BV regarding credit loans.
- Represented Schneider Electric in a dispute against Allnex concerning the execution of an energy management service agreement for the purchase of energy on the German market.
- Acting for a French company active in the canned beverage industry, Nemeco, in a dispute against the Belgian company Konings regarding a payment and product liability issue.
Quinz
Litigation boutique Quinz has vast expertise across dispute resolution, representing a wide array of prestigious clients in corporate litigation, white-collar crime mandates, banking and insolvency litigation, and arbitration proceedings. The team is adept at regulatory litigation and compliance work, with expertise in financial and healthcare law. ‘Great litigator‘ Benoît Allemeersch is the head of the team, specialising in commercial, financial, and corporate disputes. Stijn De Dier and Valérie Beckers are also key to the team.
Practice head(s):
Benoît Allemeersch
Other key lawyers:
Stijn De Dier; Valérie Beckers; Anne-Sophie Houtmeyers
Testimonials
‘The Quinz dispute resolution team is able to attract blue-chip clients, and that is because they are really excellent in their work. They are able to explain complicated issues in a very simple manner, not only to their clients but also to courts and arbitral tribunals. And they win the cases that should be won, but also cases with smaller chances, just because they present it in an excellent way.’
‘Stijn De Dier is a very down-to-earth partner at Quinz with whom you can have open and honest discussions.’
‘Benoît Allemeersch is truly outstanding; a very analytical legal mind and great litigator.’
‘Benoit Allemeersch is a leading light in the area and he has the skill to be able to see when and how a deal or compromise can be reached.’
‘Stijn De Dier is an excellent adviser and has an eye for the detail of a complex case. At the same time he is able to cast a complex series of arguments and events into a cohesive and logical strategy.’
‘Anne-Sophie Houtmeyers – Highly responsive, very customer and solution-oriented, precise, very pragmatic approach.’
Key clients
Famatown Finance
Becchetti, Francesco
State of the Netherlands
Euroclear
McDonald’s Belgium
Quarzwerke & LL Holding
Ghelamco Invest
BNP Paribas Fortis
KBC Bank
ING Belgium
Nyrstar
Belfius Bank
Gemeentelijke Holding/Holding Communal
Work highlights
- Assisting Quarzwerke GmbH and LL Holding GmbH, long-term German shareholders in SCR-Sibelco NV, with safeguarding their minority rights following the merger of Sibelco subsidiary Unimin with Fairmount Santrol, resulting in the creation of Covia Holdings Corporation.
- Representing Euronext-listed Nyrstar in the litigation fall-out from its 2019 restructuring.
- Representing Famatown Finance and other companies linked to an individual in arbitration proceedings in relation to the failed combination between NYSE and NASDAQ listed oil tanker company Frontline and its Euronext Brussels and NYSE listed competitor Euronav.
Simont Braun
Simont Braun fields a team of experts across litigation, international and domestic arbitration, and mediation, working closely with the IP, corporate, banking and finance, and real estate departments of the firm. The practice regularly acts in high-profile cases, notably representing the European Commission in a high-profile case against AstraZeneca concerning the Covid-19 vaccine. Paul Alain Foriers and Rafaël Jafferali, lauded for his ‘ great legal analysis, knowledge and court presence’, lead the team. Ann Frédérique Belle is also a key name, with extensive experience in civil and commercial proceedings, while Béatrice Thieffry acts for leading banking and real estate companies. Fanny Laune is the key name at counsel level.
Practice head(s):
Paul Alain Foriers; Rafaël Jafferali
Other key lawyers:
Ann Frédérique Belle; Béatrice Thieffry; Fanny Laune
Testimonials
‘Rafaël Jafferali is excellent. Great legal analysis, knowledge and court presence.’
‘Excellent at arbitration matters before Belgian courts.’
Key clients
Test-Achats
Belgian State (FPS Finance)
NewB
Ebury
European Commission
Work highlights
- Represented the European Commission and the 27 Member States of the European Union against AstraZeneca for the late delivery of vaccines against Covid-19.
- Represented Test Achats on behalf of more than 40,000 passengers in a class action against Ryanair for late or cancelled flights.
- Represented the cooperative bank NewB in extreme emergency proceedings against an ex-parte suspending a general meeting and the powers of board of directors of the bank.
Strelia
The practice at Strelia is commended for its ‘very broad experience and excellent legal knowledge‘ with expertise across complex commercial litigation, along with knowledge of competition and regulatory, public procurement, and construction work. Post-M&A litigation and shareholder disputes are key focuses of the team, which also has a prominent arbitration practice. Jean-Pierre Fierens leads the team of ‘experienced and competent lawyers’, with specific expertise in disputes involving directors’ liability. Also of note are the ‘very reliable’ Gaetano Jannone, and the ‘extraordinary and extremely intelligent’ Joanna Kolber.
Practice head(s):
Jean-Pierre Fierens
Other key lawyers:
Gaetano Jannone; Joanna Kolber; Sofie Onderbeke
Testimonials
‘On top of extensive legal expertise, Gaetano Jannone is very reliable, always available, and has a great insight of his clients’ needs. It is a pleasure to work with him.’
‘As a company working in a very specific field, we appreciate that Strelia invested the time in getting to know our products in order to advise us accordingly. Strelia has always been a highly professional law firm on which we can count whenever we have a specific question. We appreciate their responsiveness and pragmatic hands-on approach.’
‘Joanna Kolber is an extraordinary and extremely intelligent partner of Strelia, thinking out of the box, constantly seeking the right arguments and position in court cases. She sees connections where others don’t see them, her communication is highly transparent and clear and she strives for perfection. She has a high IQ and EQ and is extremely engaged in going the extra mile for her clients.’
‘Sofie Onderbeke is a highly motivated associate of Strelia, genuinely interested, pleasant to work with, and motivated to deep dive into the documentation and additional information to strengthen our cases. She is the perfect tandem with Joanna Kolber.’
‘Joanna Kolber was extremely responsive, proactive and helpful. Joanna provided very commercial and reasonable advice to a client in a sensitive commercial dispute.’
‘Experienced and competent lawyers.’
Key clients
ABN Amro
ACER
Ansul
Becchetti
Belgian State
Canon Belgium
Carrefour
City of Brussels
Credendo
Eneco
Engie
Ethias
French Republic (Ministry of Culture)
Gunvor
ING Bank
Kone
Lineas
Lunch Garden
Neo
NSD
Optima Bank
PCS Innotec International
Rexel
TotalEnergies
Tractebel
Triumph Motorcycles
Vesalius Biocapital
Work highlights
- Acted in landmark litigation concerning withdrawal by NSD on behalf of its clients of €22.5bn worth of securities from Euroclear in the aftermath of the European sanctions on Russia and of the Russian countermeasures.
- Acted as co-counsel in a dispute concerning the enforcement of a multimillion ICSID award against Albania against Albanian assets held with an international organisation with a seat in Belgium.
- Acted in litigation concerning the termination of surface right agreements on which a new landmark national football stadium was planned for the European soccer championships in 2020.
Van Bael & Bellis
The ‘extremely knowledgeable and helpful‘ practice at Van Bael & Bellis has experience in domestic and international litigation, particularly across life sciences, competition, IP, and employment law. Public procurement issues, damages litigation, and regulatory disputes are key areas of focus for the team. ‘Quick thinker and amiable lawyer‘ Catherine Longeval leads the team with expertise across life sciences law, unfair market practices, product liability claims, and general commercial law. Koen T’Syen is recommended for his ‘considerable expertise in distribution agreements and related disputes‘ and for being a ‘very reliable partner‘.
Practice head(s):
Catherine Longeval
Other key lawyers:
Koen T’Syen; Vincent Reijns
Testimonials
‘The team is relatively small but very stable and of excellent quality. Both Catherine Longeval and Vincent Reijns are smart, flexible and fun to work with. I’m impressed by their work ethics and dedication.’
‘They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Clear in quotes and prompt in updates.’
‘I worked with Koen T’Syen. He has demonstrated considerable expertise in distribution agreements and related disputes. Koen is extremely clear when it comes to looking at all possible scenarios and coming up with effective solutions. He is a very reliable partner. ’
Key clients
ABO Infinium Americas Opco
Allianz
Amphenol
AstraZeneca
Bidfood
Cavagna Group
Coca-Cola Euro-Pacific Partners
Elicio
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Malysse
Mars
Scholt Energy
Schwabe Pharma
Voo (formerly Nethys)
Work highlights
- Acting for a Dutch water management authority within the context of complex and high-stakes legal proceedings valued at approx. €70m.
- Acting for two private equity funds in several legal proceedings initiated against a Belgian life sciences company by minority shareholders in relation to a disputed reverse stock split, judicial restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings.
- Acting for a major insurance company in complex litigation initiated by a software developer against several insurance companies in relation to alleged exclusionary market practices.
ALTIUS
ALTIUS fields a ‘solid dispute resolution practice with experience in the Belgian market‘ with cross-jurisdictional expertise across cartel damages claims, arbitrations, enforcement proceedings, and supply chain disputes. The practice is also adept at handling intricate insolvency and insurance related matters. Alexander Hansebout, who is a ‘calm, reassuring voice in the midst of the sound and fury of litigation‘, acts as the head of the team alongside Christophe Ronse.
Practice head(s):
Alexander Hansebout; Christophe Ronse
Testimonials
‘Partners and in general lawyers collaborate very well with peers of other disciplines or sub-specialisations. Partners in charge are fully aware of what is going on in other areas of their firm.’
‘Alexander Hansebout is an outstanding lawyer and is very responsive.’
‘Solid dispute resolution practice with experience in the Belgian market.’
‘Alexander Hansebout stands out as an efficient partner, able to cut through complex litigation and deal with core issues.’
‘Altius advised us on a complex, high value contentious matter. They delivered a service of very high quality.’
‘Alexander Hansebout led the Altius team. He is a calm, reassuring voice in the midst of the sound and fury of litigation. He succeeded in effectively neutering the grandstanding approach adopted by the other party’s lead lawyer, and did so in a way that reduced the temperature of the discussions all round and paved the way for an ultimately successful settlement between the parties.’
‘I was referred to Alexander Hansebout as one of the best lawyers in enforcement matters and I have not been disappointed. Alexander has been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, available and obtained great results.’
‘Alexander Hansebout is bright, straight forward, clear in his advice with an exceptional knowledge of enforcement proceedings in Belgium. He is a go-to person for this kind of matter.’
Key clients
Siemens Mobility
UEFA
MARS
Gilead
Merck Sharp & Dohme
Daikin
ELIA Group
Novartis
Work highlights
- Assisting Gebr. Geens, the Belgian developer and producer of the Knikmops multifunctional loader, in multiple sets of court proceedings in Belgium and the Netherlands regarding the termination of the relationship with its Dutch distributor.
- Acting for several creditors against sovereigns and sovereign entities from the Republic of Congo, Greece, Iraq, Lesotho and Mali.
- Representing Siemens in follow-on damages claim proceedings initiated by Infrabel (the Belgian railway infrastructure manager).
Arcas Law
Independent dispute resolution firm Arcas Law covers all types of disputes from complex litigation and arbitration to mediation proceedings for clients ranging from SMEs and international corporations to foreign states and state entities. The firm is well-versed in multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution and represents clients before all courts, including the highest appellate court in Belgium, as well as handling ICC arbitral proceedings. It continues to be engaged in various high-profile class actions. Karel Schulpen specialises in corporate litigation and liability issues; Bart Volders has expertise in cross-border commercial and public law disputes; and Joost Verlinden rounds off the leadership trio with his over 30 years of experience as litigator across a broad range of areas.
Practice head(s):
Karel Schulpen; Bart Volders; Joost Verlinden
Key clients
AB Inbev
AGCO
Atos
AXA XL
Barry Callebaut
Brambles Ltd. (including CHEP)
Deloitte
Equans (part of Engie, today part of Bouygues Group)
EY (Ernst & Young)
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen
ING
Johnson & Johnson
Kuwait Petroleum
McCain
Montea
Orange
SGS
The Cronos Group
UCB
UPS (United Parcel Services) No
Veolia
Work highlights
- Representing the interests of one of the Big Four in the case against the Nyrstar minority shareholders following the restructuring of Nyrstar’s worldwide mining and metal business for which the client acted as auditor.
- Representing the Belgian consumer organisation (Test Aankoop / Test Achats) in a multi-jurisdictional benchmark class action against Apple Inc. relating to planned obsolescence of iPhones.
- Representing BAVP a major litigation procedure involving, among others, various cable TV distributors regarding a claim for rights (compensation).
Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL
Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL has ‘unique expertise in dispute resolution and a deep knowledge of the complex political landscape‘, with experience acting in complex proceedings for leading clients; the team notably represents Google, Harley-Davidson, and Apple Belgium. Gregory Lebrun and Koen De Winter lead the team, with a focus on the construction, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. Also of note is Elisabeth Dehareng who is ‘dedicated, available and provides swift legal analysis’, and Nastassja Walschot, who is active in the disputes practice and complements it with international trade experience.
Practice head(s):
Gregory Lebrun; Koen De Winter
Other key lawyers:
Elisabeth Dehareng; Nastassja Walschot
Testimonials
‘Quick reaction times, and expertise in litigation in front of Belgian courts.’
‘The team has proved to have unique expertise in dispute resolution and a deep knowledge of the complex political landscape in which our organisation is evolving.’
‘Elisabeth Dehareng: Dedicated, available and provides swift legal analysis.’
Key clients
Google Inc. (an Alphabet affiliate)
Harley-Davidson Europe Limited
Axa XL Insurance
Orange Belgium SA
Apple Belgium SRL
Solar Turbines Europe SA (Caterpillar Group)
Procomcure Biotech GmbH
Menarini International Operations Luxembourg SA
Chanel SRL
Inetum Real Dolmen
Potiez-Deman
Eurocontrol
VF Europe
M&G Real Estate
Nidec Industrial Automation Belgium SA
Veolia
Axa Belgium
Al Zayani Investments
Work highlights
- Acting for Harley-Davidson in a high-value litigation related to retaliatory tariffs applicable within the European Union, involving proceedings before the General Court of the European Union and before the Brussels Court of First Instance.
- Representing Google in high-value international arbitration and litigation against Mace International Construction, in relation to the construction of one of its Data Centres in Belgium.
- Acted for Orange Belgium in a very complex and high-profile public procurement dispute against Proximus SA before the Belgian Council of State, in relation to the award of the ‘Irisnet 3’ multi-year contract to Orange Belgium.
CMS
CMS acts for clients in complex and cross-border litigation spanning shareholder rights issues, unfair trade practices, banking disputes, and insolvency and restructuring work. The firm is adept at handling cases concerning technology elements, acting for clients including Amazon, Deliveroo and Meta, and has a capable cross-firm arbitration practice. Renaud Dupont and Tom Heremans lead the team that consists of ‘stellar EU law and litigation counsel‘ Dirk Van Liedekerke and Matthieu Van Lierde and Alexis Laes, who are commended for being ‘strong lawyers with great client management skills’.
Practice head(s):
Renaud Dupont; Tom Heremans
Other key lawyers:
Dirk Van Liedekerke; Matthieu Van Lierde; Alexis Laes
Testimonials
‘Dirk Van Liedekerke is a stellar EU law and litigation counsel. He works with two excellent associates: Matthieu Van Lierde and Alexis Laes, who are both strong lawyers with great client management skills.’
‘I work with this team for its focus on EU law litigation. Its breadth of knowledge on the topic is impressive and its ability to adapt to different local proceedings enables it to use their EU prism in a variety of local matters.’
‘Dirk Van Liedekerke is simply impressive. He is the best EU advocate I have worked with, on litigation and regulatory matters. What distinguishes him from his peers is the combination of second to none knowledge of EU law, strategic thinking and sound judgement as well as his ability to communicate with his clients in light of their needs and priorities. Besides this, he is the most reactive partner I work with.’
Key clients
Amazon
Deliveroo
Meta
FIFA
Airbnb
Proximus
Horeca Totaal
Barry-Callebaut
Hori
Volvo Cars (BMT International)
Deliveroo
Delvaux
Mestdagh
Work highlights
- Representing two US entities of Amazon in trade mark infringement proceedings against Christian Louboutin before the Brussels Court and in the proceedings for preliminary ruling at the European Court of Justice.
- Acted in a historical case for Deliveroo regarding the status of riders who will remain independent contractors and not employees.
- Representing Meta in a case regarding the use of cookies and pixels.
DLA Piper
The practice at DLA Piper represents a wide range of clients in high-profile matters, with expertise in energy, insolvency, white-collar crime, and regulatory mandates. The team is frequently involved in high-value arbitration proceedings, and often appears in the ECJ in cross-jurisdictional cases. Leading the department are Ilse Van de Mierop and Bob Martens, who have experience in commercial litigation and insolvency law, and administrative law respectively. Antwerp-based Pierre Berger is a key name, acting in complex regulatory issues and fund structuring matters. Also of note is Laurent Geelhand, who brings competition litigation knowledge to the team.
Practice head(s):
Ilse Van de Mierop; Bob Martens
Other key lawyers:
Pierre Berger; Laurent Geelhand
Testimonials
‘Dedicated, focused and available team with great experience in dispute resolution.’
Key clients
Achema
AG Insurance
Argenta Spaarbank (ASPA)
Arco Group
Atos
NV Belfius Bank
bpost
Brunswick
City of Antwerp
Flemish Public Broadcasting Company (VRT)
Fresenius Kabi
ING België
Katoen Natie
Sabena
skeyes (formerly Belgocontrol)
SodaStream International
Wise Europe
TUC Rail
Groupe Forrest International
Cegeka
Accenture
Worldline
Legio Group
CBRE
UGI
SA Standard de Liège
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Belfius Bank, one of the largest Belgian banks, against several fraudsters in criminal and civil actions following the largest internal bank fraud committed in Belgium by a trader.
- Representing skeyes (formerly Belgocontrol), the Belgian air navigation and air traffic service provider, in various proceedings by airlines, airports and other companies in the aviation industry following strikes and absence for medical reasons by air traffic controllers, causing Belgian airspace to be closed on several occasions.
- Representing Givaudan in litigation against ChemCom with respect to the outcome of the liquidation of a Belgian joint venture, TechnoScent, which was active in the development of specific molecules in the olfactive domain.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher has a ‘fast growing team and practice that is extremely committed and dynamic‘, representing clients in high-profile court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations. Shareholder disputes, regulatory compliance issues, and asset management work are all strengths of the team, which has capabilities across the full gamut of dispute resolution services. Maxime Berlingin leads the team, and is commended alongside Jean-François Germain for having ‘very sharp legal knowledge and analysis, and excellent judgment and outstanding negotiation skills’. The ‘extremely committed and dynamic‘ practice also notably includes Koen Van Den Broeck and Isabelle Moens de Hase.
Practice head(s):
Maxime Berlingin
Other key lawyers:
Jean-François Germain; Koen Van Den Broeck; Isabelle Moens de Hase; Esther Lanotte
Testimonials
‘This was our first dispute in the EU/Belgium. Fieldfisher was critical in helping us navigate the dispute. The dispute required cooperation between the commercial and disputes teams, and Fieldfisher handled this cooperation flawlessly.’
‘Maxime Berlingin and Esther Lanotte make a formidable, commercial, efficient and effective team. They collaborate across the expertise within the firm to help drive dispute outcomes that are favourable to the client and they take a proactive role in driving matters forward and looking for opportunities to resolve issues. Patient and thorough, they take the time required to understand the business drivers and ensure weaknesses and vulnerabilities are understood and taken into consideration as things progress.’
‘Maxime Berlingin and Esther Lanotte were indispensable in helping us prepare for and complete the mediation process. Esther’s discovery process was thorough, and Maxime’s counsel helped us resolve the dispute through mediation. From strategy to execution, Maxime and Esther served as exceptional partners, and their counsel was perfect.’
‘Jean-François Germain is very competent and specialised in dispute resolution and civil law.’
‘Jean-François Germain is specialized, academic and practical.’
‘Jean-François Germain and Esther Lanotte have great experience in arbitration which they conduct in a thoughtful and pragmatic manner.’
‘Fast growing team and practice that is extremely committed and dynamic.’
‘ I know Maxime Berlingin and Jean-François Germain in particular have very sharp legal knowledge and analysis – excellent judgment and outstanding negotiation skills.’
Key clients
Skeyes
Beebonds Investors
Colnago
Swissair
Casinos Austria Group
Work highlights
- Representing several groups of investors who invested in bonds for several projects via the European crowdfunding platform, BeeBonds.
- Representing Skeyes (former Belgocontrol, the Belgian air navigation and traffic service provider) in its proceedings against BAM group (main contractor) and some subcontractors in relation to the liability for the electric power breakdown in May 2015, which caused an entire lockdown of air traffic.
- Representing Swissair in liquidation against Sabena Bankruptcy.
intui
The ‘excellent, knowledgeable, shrewd and responsive team’ at intui handles a wide range of litigation, acting in shareholder disputes, directors liability cliams, and post-acquisition litigation. The team is adept at acting across sectors, representing market-leading clients in the finance, real estate, leisure, and construction industries. Based in Leuven, Caroline Hotterbeekx leads the practice, alongside Anneleen Steeno and Robbie Tas, who split their time between Leuven and Brussels. Naomi Glibert is commended for her ‘fantastic work ethic‘ and has expertise in banking, financial, and corporate law.
Practice head(s):
Robbie Tas; Anneleen Steeno; Caroline Hotterbeekx
Other key lawyers:
Naomi Glibert; Pieter Van Braband
Testimonials
‘Robbie Tas is the best in Belgium in dispute resolution. He is very tactical, very intelligent and pragmatic. He can be patient to estimate what the adverse party will do, can be assertive when needed and is very good at finding solutions. The results he obtained so far are fantastic. Caroline Hotterbeeckx is very knowledgeable, has a fantastic style of communication and is very efficient.’
‘Excellent knowledgeable, shrewd and responsive team. Have great insight in the legal matters at hand and apply a very sensible strategy to obtain the best possible outcome for the client.’
‘Naomi Glibert: fantastic work ethic, very responsive, incredibly detail-oriented. Goes the extra mile and doesn’t hesitate to take any action to get/keep things moving. Robbie Tas: vast experience in dispute resolution, especially in corporate law. Aggressive when appropriate, but also balanced and cautious when needed. Has surrounded himself with a very capable team with the right mix of skills, who he empowers to work independently and take initiative, which is a sign of great leadership.’
‘Robbie Tas is an excellent, experienced litigator who combines thorough legal knowledge with strong soft skills and knows how to build a strong case. Caroline Hotterbeekx is very solid, she knows her files and is very responsive.’
‘Robbie Tas is a eminent leading partner and authority in Company Law, very well assisted by Pieter Van Braband, a skilful and communicative counsel.’
‘Very good availability. Not only profound legal knowledge, but also very helpful in light of discussing the general tactic to achieve a specific result. Very good reputation in the market for representing minority shareholders.’
‘Robbie Tas has strong academic roots. He also is a seasoned litigator, and simply one of the brightest lawyers out there. Caroline Hotterbeekx is very pragmatic, yet thorough and sensitive to the client’s needs. She is top-notch.’
Key clients
Quarzwerke GmbH
Bangaram BV
KBC Bank
Puratos Group
Ghelamco
LRM
Easypay Group
Adecco Group
Werpax
Work highlights
- Acting for Quarzwerke GmbH and LL Holding GmbH (a German mineral producer) in a liability procedure against the directors of SCR-Sibelco NV/SA following the merger of Sibelco’s subsidiary Unimin with Fairmount Santrol and its subsequent bankruptcy.
- Representing the former legal counsel of Optima Bank, a Belgian bank which was declared bankrupt in 2016, in connection with several director’s liability claims.
- Acting for KBC Bank nv in all its procedures related to fraud and phishing in any form.
Osborne Clarke
The disputes practice at Osborne Clarke is ‘responsive, agile and proactive‘, and covers high-value matters across corporate and commercial litigation. Shareholder, post M&A, distribution, and product liability disputes are all mainstays of the work of the team, and the group notably acts for leading tech clients and major retail companies. Mediation and arbitration proceedings are also key strengths of the practice, with Marie Canivet regularly sitting as an arbitrator. Stefan Deswert leads the team, which is ‘knowledgeable and flexible in its approach‘.
Practice head(s):
Stefan Deswert
Other key lawyers:
Marie Canivet; Philippe Brabanders
Testimonials
‘The team is responsive, agile and proactive. They are knowledgeable and flexible in their approach.’
‘Stefan Deswert is always there to help at a very short notice. We value his calm, measured advice.’
‘Responsive, down-to-earth team, strong presence across jurisdictions offering equivalent level of services.’
‘The Osborne Clarke team has proven to be efficient, helpful and personable throughout the handling of our case. Their legal insight and pragmatism has been much appreciated.’
‘The team strike the right balance between affability and professionalism which makes them a pleasant team to work with.’
‘Very good counseling on dispute approaches. Very good knowledge about case law. Always available and very quick answers. A high percentage of wins in litigation.’
Key clients
Généthon
Rema Tip Top
Xerox
G2V
Coopervision
TCR
Bose
Curzon
American Express
Work highlights
- Advising Bose on dealing with the commercial relationship with its EU resellers, in particular with the termination of certain resellers and the related disputes.
- Assisting American Express with Belux Debt Services.
Philippe & Partners
Philippe & Partners‘ disputes practice is commended for its’ ‘industry knowledge, client-centric approach, responsiveness, and dedication to client satisfaction’, with vast experience across civil and commercial litigation. Insurance litigation, class actions, and commercial arbitration are all key strengths of the team, which represents leading insurance companies, energy suppliers, and financial institutions. Founding partner Denis Philippe leads the practice with Marc Gouden, who has particular expertise in insurance and energy work. Also of note are Pierre Moreau and Dirk Clarysse, who is noted for his ‘exceptional accessibility and responsiveness’.
Practice head(s):
Denis Philippe; Marc Gouden
Other key lawyers:
Pierre Moureau; Dirk Clarysse; Charlotte Romaen
Testimonials
‘The understanding of Philippe & Partners of both the industry and the specific needs and values of their clients sets them apart in the legal field.’
‘One of the standout qualities of Phillipe & Partners is their ability to align their approach with the values and style of their clients. They take the time to understand the client’s objectives, ensuring that the legal strategy is not only legally sound but also harmonises with the client’s values and goals. This level of service shows their commitment to their client’s satisfaction.’
‘What truly sets Philippe & Partners apart is their responsiveness and hands-on mentality. They are always readily available to address concerns, answer questions, and provide guidance. Moreover, Philippe & Partners’ dedication to their clients extends beyond the resolution of a dispute. Their excellent follow-up ensures that the client’s interests remain protected even after the case has concluded. This long-term commitment is truly commendable.’
‘The industry knowledge, client-centric approach, responsiveness, and dedication to client satisfaction make Philippe & Partners unique.’
‘Our company has been working with Dirk Clarysse for several years. His experience with our organisation has given him an exceptional insight into not only our business but also our core values and objectives. This familiarity has proven to be an invaluable asset in our collaboration.’
‘What sets Dirk Clarysse apart is his exceptional accessibility and responsiveness. Whether we require quick insights for minor matters or comprehensive assistance for substantial projects, Dirk Clarysse’s prompt and knowledgeable responses have made an impact. His experience allows him to navigate complex issues, making him an important partner for our company.’
‘Charlotte Romaen has consistently demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment. Her dedication is particularly evident in her outstanding follow-up and communication. Her insight into our priorities allows her to provide tailored solutions and guidance.’
Work highlights
- Acted for the European Union in anti-trust damages actions against the elevator cartel.
- Successfully acted for major energy supplier Electrabel in a claim against a distribution system operator which failed to fulfil its legal obligations due to a problem that occurred during the migration of an IT system.
- Acted as legal counsel on behalf of Electrabel in a criminal investigation regarding the sabotage of a nuclear power plant.
Schoups
Schoups has a ‘proactive, diligent and creative team’, which acts in disputes across private construction, public procurement, real estate, and environmental law. Multijurisdictional disputes are also a strength of the practice, frequently representing high-profile clients across sectors. The leadership of the team includes Marco Schoups, Geert De Buyzer, Benjamin Marchandise and Kris Lemmens, among others.
Practice head(s):
Marco Schoups; Geert De Buyzer; Benjamin Marchandise; Kris Lemmens; Maarten Somers; Els Op de Beeck; Liesbeth Truyens
Testimonials
‘Proactive, diligent and creative team. Very knowledgeable and experienced.’
‘Marco Schoups is a very competent lawyer with a lot of expertise in real estate and construction. Respected in the market by all actors which helps in negotiations, charming person and good negotiator.’
‘Schoups brings forward thinking experience and professionalism to the table and applies a collaborative approach in its case-handling. The team is accessible and capable of handling complex legal problems.’
‘Maarten Somers: experienced, leadership and resourceful; Els Op de Beeck: organised, detail-oriented and collaborative.’
‘High level of client proximity with a close follow-up on the pending cases of both the senior associates as well as the partner working on the case. Good team work of those teams members that are involved in the matter. High response rate. Great experience with arbitration proceedings and large network of arbitrators to ensure a qualitative procedure always with the client’s interest at the forefront.’
‘Marco Schoups – The experience of this partner with arbitration proceedings and dispute proceedings in general is of great value for the clients. The partner knows the specifics and key elements of the matter very well, even for highly complex cases. High availability and response rate for clients.’
‘Geert De Buyzer has great experience with all types of dispute resolution and deep knowledge of the law. He is able to explain complex legal matters in a clear and understandable manner. He has excellent communication skills, both in written and verbal communication. He is willing to go the extra mile for his clients and able to think outside the box and provide creative and effective legal solutions to complex problems.’
‘Kris Lemmens is a true expert in his domain and is very approachable.’
Key clients
Carrefour
CFE Bouw Vlaanderen – MBG
CFE Infra / Aannemingsmaatschappij
Cordeel
Fincimec
White & Case LLP
The ‘very diverse and bright team‘ at White & Case LLP acts in high-profile corporate disputes, particularly across the financial services, private equity, and technology sectors. The practice is adept at multijurisdictional matters, working for leading Belgian and international companies. Alexandre Hublet and Thierry Bosly lead the team, which notably includes Irina Trichkovska, who is ‘always extremely tenacious, efficient and committed to the client’s cause’.
Practice head(s):
Alexandre Hublet; Thierry Bosly
Other key lawyers:
Irina Trichkovska
Testimonials
‘Irina Trichkovska is always extremely tenacious, efficient and committed to the client’s cause.’
‘Very diverse and bright team, which deploys great legal strategies. We really enjoyed working with Irina Trichkovska on a number of dispute resolution cases, which had great court outcomes.’
‘Irina Trichkovska is an incredibly smart and dedicated lawyer, and also great with strategizing and achieving the best outcome for her cases. It is a great pleasure working with her.’
Key clients
British American Tobacco
Confédération marocaine de l’agriculture et du développement rural
Cargotec
KT-Kinetics Technology
Lenovo
Meta
WhatsApp Ireland
Work highlights
- Representing the Moroccan agricultural interests before the European Court of Justice in cases relating to international treaties between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco in relation to Western Sahara.
- Representing the Micula parties, which succeeded in obtaining an award of damages of approx. €200m against Romania from an ICSID Arbitral Tribunal based on the Romania-Sweden bilateral investment treaty.
- Representing Meta (including Facebook and WhatsApp) in relation to disputes and defence strategies in Belgium, as well as in several EU regulatory compliance matters and related liability risks.
Andersen
The disputes practice at Andersen acts for leading national and international companies in disputes across a broad spectrum of sectors, with expertise in the tech, IT, real estate, and healthcare industries; the team also has knowledge of public sector and real estate issues. Praised as ‘strategically very strong‘, Koen De Puydt leads the team alongside Roeland Moeyersons, who has expertise in commercial, economic, and construction law. Other noted practitioners include Aline Heyrman, along with the ‘reliable, proactive and highly competent‘ Steve Griess, and Thibault Caeymaex.
Practice head(s):
Koen De Puydt; Roeland Moeyersons
Other key lawyers:
Aline Heyrman; Steve Griess; Thibault Caeymaex; Ulrike Beuselinck
Testimonials
‘Koen De Puydt and Aline Heyrman are trilingual and active in the 3 parts of the country (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels), allowing them to combine all the new trends and case law. This gives them an important added value.’
‘The dispute resolution team of Seeds of Law is a pleasure to work with. They are open minded, always questioning every step to assess what is in the best interest of the client, with a clear goal in mind. They work, think along and interact with the client and share all information, which helps the client to make the right decisions.’
‘Koen de Puydt is strategically very strong and will not easily give up. He goes for it and will fight in the interest of the client. Ulrike Beuselinck is able to convince the judges and courts, and drives them into the right direction. She is straightforward and can give clear messages to the clients, an approach they appreciate. She is energetic and enthusiastic.’
‘Roeland Moeyersons is a very practical no-nonsense litigator. Straight forward, and knows the tips and tricks of the courts. Steve Griess, although a very good litigator is a recognised and reputed mediator with the French speaking bar. As a mediator he is open and empathic, which allows him to bring disputing parties together to reach a solution and terlinate the dispute.’
‘Steve Griess and Thibault Caeymaex took a very pragmatic and efficient approach to the case. They are reliable, proactive and highly competent.’
‘Koen de Puydt is our main point of contact. Always available, quick response times.’
Key clients
Conseils Vins SA
Willemen NV
Belleheide Center NV
Holiday Home Experts
Moneygram Payment System INC
Get Air Belgium
Ring Pharma
Profile Belux
Menouquin
Destination Rally
X-RIS SRL
All-WAYS SA
Gaming 1 SRL
Intrasoft International SA
Immopass SRL
Federale Real Estate Investment Management NV
SA Electro Depot Belgium
Multipharma SC
Sucaba nv
ATF nv
Erasmus Hogeschool
Work highlights
- Acted for Get Air Belgium in its dispute with CBRE regarding the payment of lease during the pandemic and following forced closures.
- Acting for Destination Rally in a dispute about the scope of the legislation on package holidays, as a matter of principles.
ASTREA
The disputes practice at ASTREA is ‘extremely available and reliable, with the ability to come up with creative solutions‘. The team acts across a wide range of industries, with experience representing high-profile clients in commercial disputes, insolvency claims, and bankruptcy litigation. A particular areas of expertise for the department lies in transport and logistics work, with team head Marc Van Looveren possessing vast knowledge in this area, including in complex international disputes. Van Looveren is joined at leadership level by distribution law expert Olivier Van Fraeyenhoven.
Practice head(s):
Marc Van Looveren; Olivier Van Fraeyenhoven
Other key lawyers:
Ruud de Houwer; Barbara Terriere
Testimonials
‘Strong and professional team. Taking the time to analyse the customers needs. Lots of experience.’
‘Always happy to help, available and very professional.’
‘The team is extremely available and reliable with the ability to come up with creative solutions.’
Key clients
Alfa Bank
Arcadia Commodities Trading – Seatankers
BHP Billiton Marketing AG
Liebherr GmbH
Music Hall Group
KMDA
Coface
Belgian Federal Government
Lukoil Benelux BV
Spliethof, Transfennica
Skuld P&I
AG-TEC
Hilaire Van Der Haeghe NV
Mast Diagnostics Gmbh
Byd
Creaton Benelux NV
Jaguar Land Rover Belux
Mazda Motor Belux
Hyundaï Construction Equipment
Osudio Belgium
Ford Motor Company (Belgium)
Nissan Belux
Toyota Belgium NV
Argenta NV
Work highlights
- Acting for Arcadia Commodities Trading, the commodities trading branch of the Seatankers group, in seeking appeal against an arbitration award of December 2021.
- Acting for HCEE, a manufacturer of heavy truck, in litigation against a French distributor which was terminated and is claiming different indemnities.
- Acting for Trau Bros in respect of a dispute about a commercial transaction, in which bills of exchange were issued by the now bankrupt diamond trader Exelco.
contrast
contrast is praised for its ‘strong, solid legal know-how combined with active business and solution-oriented thinking‘; the group has experience representing Belgian and international companies, trade authorities, and public authorities in M&A-related disputes and directors’ liability matters. Unfair trade practices, IP issues, and distribution law are additional strengths of the the team, which works closely with the competition practice of the firm. Filip Tuytschaever, Bart Bellen, Milena Varga and Sébastien Engelen jointly lead the practice.
Practice head(s):
Filip Tuytschaever; Bart Bellen; Milena Varga; Sébastien Engelen
Other key lawyers:
Kristof De Wael
Testimonials
‘Very pleasant to work with.’
‘Bart Bellen and his team are very responsive and were invaluable in every project we engaged them in.’
‘Their strong solid legal know-how combined with active business and solution oriented thinking. They listen well and think actively with the customers to find solutions.’
Key clients
Belgian Competition Authority
The Football Forum
Belgian Ministry of Economy
European Union, represented by the European Commission
Royal Excelsior Virton
Recytyre
K+S
Orange Belgium
Royal Belgian Billiard Federation
Energetica Natura
Work highlights
- Successfully acted as external legal counsel to the Belgian Competition Authority in the appeal introduced before the Brussels Market Court by four tobacco manufacturers (Philip Morris Benelux, British American Tobacco Belgium, Japan Tobacco International Company Netherlands, and Imperial Tobacco) against a decision imposing fines of more than €36m.
- Successfully acted for Orange Belgium in the interim measures case and investigation on the merits by the Belgian Competition Authority (as well as the Belgian Institute for Post and Telecommunications) into the strategic joint venture between Orange Belgium and Proximus for the roll-out of 5G in Belgium following a complaint by Telenet.
- Represented the Belgian Ministry of Economy in the appeal procedure filed by Proximus with the Brussels Market Court against the fine of €66m imposed by the Belgian Competition Authority on Proximus for abuse of dominance.
Cresco Advocaten
Cresco Advocaten acts in intricate domestic and international disputes, with expertise in litigation regarding sale and purchase agreements, tech contracts, shareholder issues, and the dissolution of companies. The firm also has a focus on matters linked to the tech, real estate, hospitality, non-profit, and banking sectors. Antwerp-based Steven Daems leads the practice, bringing vast experience in insolvency and restructuring mandates to the team, while Natalie Lemense focuses on contentious commercial contract and private shareholder work.
Practice head(s):
Steven Daems
Other key lawyers:
Natalie Lemense; Amber Sampana
Testimonials
‘Steven Daems: good collaboration, result driven. Amber Sampana: punctual, result driven, capacity to keep overview of complex realities.’
‘Steven Daems: I really appreciate the highly professional approach.’
‘I really like the Cresco approach with a real ‘can do’ mindset. The expertise and the way the team makes you feel comfortable was very relieving.’
Key clients
ROXELL
CHG-Meridian Belux
BNP Paribas Fortis
SPACEWELL – MCS
KEMIN EUROPA
Eurobrillance
Work highlights
- Acting for a major Belgian company in post-acquisition and commercial dispute matters against a global company.
- Assisting a director with disputing their liability in major Belgian bankruptcy proceedings.
- Successfully acted for the shareholders of a major Belgian company in a shareholder dispute.
Deloitte Legal
Deloitte Legal fields a ‘approachable team with expertise and drive‘ that offers a range of services for its clients across litigation and arbitration proceedings. Jürgen Egger leads the team, with experience representing leading Belgian and international companies in civil and criminal disputes, with a focus on distribution law, insolvency issues, tort law, and white-collar crime matters. Other key practice heads include ‘superb leader’ Annick Visschers, who has expertise in tax litigation; Mathieu Ex, who leads the private client team; and Glenn Hansen, who focuses on commercial litigation. Egger and Hansen are also key names in the firm’s arbitration practice.
Practice head(s):
Jürgen Egger; Annick Visschers; Mathieu Ex; Glenn Hansen
Other key lawyers:
Stefanie Denorme
Testimonials
‘Deloitte has a broad team with diverse knowledge. They also easily collaborate with other teams for cross border related things.’
‘Excellent Litigation Team with superb leader, Annick Visschers!’
‘Very personalized approach and swift follow-up.’
‘I personally work a lot with Stefanie Denorme. She is easily accessible and makes herself available. She really knows her stuff and is always searching for solutions. She knows how to stay calm and collected in every situation and will try to de-escalate when necessary. She will always weigh the risks of every operation against the beneficial effects. This makes sure you have a clear view of everything and do not go blindly into an operation.’
‘An approachable team with expertise and drive.’
Key clients
Willemen Groep
Lehman Brothers
Hansard Europe Designated Activity Company
Work highlights
- Representing the administrators of Lehman Brothers in Belgian court cases to recover as many assets as possible.
- Acting for a Belgian organiser of dance festivals in the framework of the international roll-out of its festival concept and the impact of Covid-19 on the organisation of festivals.
Laurius
The ‘reactive and knowledgeable team‘ at Laurius handles litigation for domestic and international clients across a wide range of industry sectors, with a particular focus on shareholders’ disputes, director’s liability claims, and post-acquisition disputes; banking litigation is another key strength of the team. Bert Luyten, a co-founding partner of the firm, leads the team with extensive knowledge of financial liability and fraud claims. Fellow co-head Karen Vermaere is skilled across commercial litigation, mediation, and arbitration proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Bert Luyten; Karen Vermaere
Other key lawyers:
Stephanie Joris
Testimonials
‘Laurius’ dispute resolution practice fields a reactive and knowledgeable team led by Bert Luyten. They are capable of analysing a situation with a holistic approach and therefore suggest technical and adequate means to solve existing and potential problems that clients are facing.’
‘Solutions offered and suggested to clients are tailor-made by a team who knows how to listen to clients.’
‘Excellent knowledge, a business mindset, and fast responses.’
‘The team is very practical and strategic in one. I have worked with them on several files and in each case their approach was solid and realistic, and the follow-up was always speedy.’
‘Bert Luyten and Karen Vermaere; both are very sharp minded litigators; knowledgeable, practical and creative, which is a wonderful combination. They know the Belgian litigation market extremely well and this helps in the guidance one needs as a client. A top go-to team!’
‘Bert Luyten has vast experience in litigation, is very smart, creative and practical.’
‘Stephanie Joris is an amazing person who supported my case, my business, my team, my partner and myself in the best way possible. Her overview on all procedures, in depth knowhow of all details, understanding of the business, honest and fast feedback. She is a smart and wise person in general that every entrepreneur would like to have in his/her team.’
Monard law, joined by Buyle
Monard law, joined by Buyle is, according to clients, a ‘beacon of pragmatism and efficiency‘, with a range of experienced practitioners that have expertise across the spectrum of disputes. The firm notably has a focus on ESG litigation, with Jeroen Raskin active in this space, alongside M&A litigation and directors liability matters. In Brussels, Daan De Jaeger is a key name, acting for domestic and international clients in complex commercial and intellectual property disputes. Other noted practitioners within the Brussels team in addition to De Jaeger include Sebastien Verva, who leads the French practice of the firm. In Hasselt, a range of accomplished litigators form the team's leadership, including Erik Monard, Natalie Ulburghs, Nicole Segers, Kristof Zadora, Geert Hayen, and Kris van der Beek. In Ghent, Stephane Criel and Charles Claeys are noted.
Practice head(s):
Jeroen Raskin; Erik Monard; Natalie Ulburghs; Nicole Segers; Daan De Jaeger; Kristof Zadora; Stephane Criel; Geert Hayen; Kris van der Beek; Sebastien Verva; Charles Claeys
Other key lawyers:
Willem De Vos
Testimonials
‘Monard Law’s advice is “on the spot” and always highly appreciated by clients.’
‘Efficient, high expertise, to the point.’
‘Daan De Jaeger and Willem De Vos: efficient, high expertise, to the point, takes responsibilities, open to feedback and ready to excel.’
‘I am absolutely thrilled to share my extremely positive feedback about Monard Law, the exceptional law firm that has consistently exceeded my expectations.’
‘I am delighted to provide some positive feedback about Kristof Zadora, whose exceptional qualities and dedication have truly stood out in my experience. Mr. Zadora possesses a unique set of qualities that sets him apart from his competitors in the legal field. Mr. Zadora’s in-depth legal knowledge and expertise are truly impressive.’
‘Monard Law: A beacon of pragmatism and efficiency.’
‘Natalie Ulburghs is the paragon of advocacy.’
Key clients
ACA Holding NV
ACA IT-Solutions NV
Adria Benelux
BergHOFF Worldwide
Bosal
Brand Jan
Continental Benelux
Copaco
D’Ieteren & D’Ieteren Sport (Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Yamaha)
Eurautomat
Fluvius System Operator
Group a (Belisol&Kwadro)
Hyundai Belux
Hedin Automotive
Investor Protection
IVECO
Napoleon Games
Primagaz Belgium
Quanteus Group
Rolex
Rolex Benelux
s. Oliver
Suzuki Belgium
Tomorrowland
Van Cranenbroek
Trixxo
Leuven Air Bearings
Work highlights
- Acting for several minority shareholders of Nyrstar NV in relation to alleged fraud and mismanagement involving Nyrstar and claims damages.
- Represented the Nicklaus Companies against Jack Nicklaus with respect to an infringement of IP rights as Jack Nicklaus entered into an agreement with Golazo Sports to support its European Tour Golf tournament.
- Acting for Rolex in anti-counterfeiting issues and oversees Rolex’s (including Tudor) anti-counterfeiting practises in the Benelux.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons‘ disputes practice acts in high-profile litigation and arbitration, with particular expertise in the life sciences and financial sectors; the chemicals, fashion, and hospitality industries are also key areas of strength for the team. Olivier Mignolet and Annabelle Bruyndonckx lead the team, and are praised for being ‘very competent lawyers with a high attention to detail‘. Also of note is Jérémie Doornaert, who brings ‘strong knowledge of the pharma sector‘ to the practice.
Practice head(s):
Olivier Mignolet; Annabelle Bruyndonckx
Other key lawyers:
Jérémie Doornaert
Testimonials
‘The team is always available and able to provide high level legal assistance.’
‘Olivier Mignolet and Annabelle Bruyndonckx are very competent lawyers with a high attention to detail and the ability to provide business-oriented legal advice.’
‘Jérémie Doornaert: available, strong knowledge of Pharma sector.’
Key clients
Align Technology
Banque Centrale de Guinée
Depharm
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA
Grant Thornton / ARF
Ordre des pharmaciens
Work highlights
- Represented Ecnavla 8 UK Limited as well as its sole asset, Alvance Aluminium Belgium, in a number of proceedings concerning the control on Alvance Aluminium Belgium and Alvance Aluminium Duffel.
- Representing Ordre des Pharmaciens in litigation against the Belgian Data Protection Authority before the Markets Court.
Verhaegen Walravens
Verhaegen Walravens acts in disputes across a wide range of industries, with expertise across the entertainment, tech, construction, and mining sectors. ‘Very experienced lawyer’ Philip Walravens leads the team, and focuses his practice on white-collar crime and restructuring mandates. Paula Martins Costa and Julie Borgerhoff are further key names in the team.
Practice head(s):
Philip Walravens
Other key lawyers:
Paula Martins Costa; Julie Borgerhoff
Testimonials
‘Philip Walravens is an expert in his field. He also has an excellent team. He’s committed to his clients.’
‘The firm delivers steady quality in business law, and is very dedicated to its clients.’
‘Philip Walravens is a very experienced lawyer with good common sense and understanding of non-legal factors that are important to solve a case.’
Key clients
Columbus Holdco
IBO
Procter & Gamble
Altrad
Eastman
Kamera Express
Tesa
Ferranti
Orange
Van Reeth
AIM Recycling Belgium
Monus
Atmosphere Architects
Fusiref
EG RETAIL Belgium
Wecandance
Maisons Compère
Work highlights
- Acting for AIM RECYCLING Belgium, a joint venture company, in a major dispute that arose between its shareholders (a Canadian parent and Belgian minority shareholder).
- Representing a number of music festival organisers (all subsidiaries of the Atmosphere Architects group) which have challenged tariffs levied by SABAM (the Belgian association of authors, composers and publishers).
- Acting for technology company FERRANTI in relation to a dispute arising from the roll-out of a software package provided to ORES, an electricity grid operator.