Working with both NFPs and corporate members of NFPs, ALTIUS is regularly engaged by a number of industry associations and sporting bodies for its capabilities in the full gamut of contentious and non-contentious work – from governance reviews to proceedings before the Court of Arbitration. Practice head Jérôme Vermeylen is a key figure for clients seeking assistance with strategically significant matters, including new incorporations and articles of association. The multilingual (English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, and German) Carmen Verdonck is noted for her competition expertise, and Olivier Vrins specialises in trademarks, anti-counterfeiting and geographical indication issues.

A strong line-up of industry associations and scientific institutions turn to Bird & Bird for the breadth of its capabilities in regulatory, compliance, and other technical advisory issues – often with a distinct cross-border aspect. Jointly steered by Paul Hermant and Brent Springael, the team frequently assists clients with articles of association filings, as well as corporate structuring and IP issues. Other key names to note include industry association specialist Anne Federle and counsel Cedric Berckmans, recommended for his expertise in organisational and structural concerns facing NFPs.

Noted for the depth of its healthcare sector expertise, Eubelius‘ cross-practice team is a key port of call for various hospitals, healthcare organisations, and care homes, operating both domestically and internationally. The group is also regularly engaged by various social housing organisations, industry associations, and educational institutes. Antwerp-based Frank Hellemans specialises in corporate and financial matters; Barteld Schutyser is noted for his expertise in public law – including public law litigation; Veronique Pertry is a key port of call for public sector employment law matters; while managing partner Matthias Wauters is especially well-versed in association law, ranging from governance structuring to Code of Companies implementation. 

In addition to a number of private foundations and third sector associations, EY Law notably works with a host of domestic and pan-European industry associations on a host of governance issues, particularly in the health, education, agriculture, and banking sectors. The practice is chaired by the ‘excellent‘ Antoine Druetz, an experienced non-profit lawyer especially noted for his capabilities in company and associations Code. Counsel Alix Degrez in an ‘impressive‘ adviser who works with a range of associations and foundations on the full gamut of incorporation and governance matters. Fellow counsel Valérie Havaux is also recommended.

intui‘s cross-practice team is noted for its specialist expertise in the non-profit sector, advising a range of sports federations, elderly care organisations and public institutions on both commercial and contentious matters. The practice is jointly chaired by the ‘pragmatic‘ Anneleen Steeno, CEPANI arbitrator Robbie Tas, and Caroline Hotterbeekx, an experienced disputes lawyer whose recent engagements include articles of incorporation reviews and care sector proceedings before the Belgian courts.

Loyens & Loeff‘s cross-disciplinary not-for-profit team works with an array of associations and foundations operating across a range of sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, aerospace, and chemicals. Helmed by market veteran Grégoire Jakhian, the group regularly advises on a host of governance compliance, employment, and other day-to-day advisory matters, as well as in proceedings before the domestic courts. Other names to note include highly experienced employment lawyer Filip Saelens, and senior associate Mélanie Schollaert, a specialist in corporate and contract law work.

Monard Law is a key port of call for numerous hospitals, universities, trade associations, and social non-profits operating in the Belgian market. The team is led by Bert Theeuwes, a specialist in employment and international law who is supported by procurement expert Wouter Moonen – both of whom are praised for their ‘expertise, availability, and practical, actionable advice.’ Antwerp-based senior associate Thomas Christiaens is also recommended for his public procurement practice.

Operating as a cross-practice subset of the corporate department, Osborne Clarke‘s Brussels-based practice works with a host of companies from the tech, research, healthcare, and education sectors on governance reviews and regulatory analyses, among other issues.  The practice is chaired by ‘stellar‘ counsel Ruth Wirtz, a multilingual specialist in cross-border corporate deals and contractual disputes within the sector.