Philippe & Partners > Liege, Belgium > Firm Profile

Philippe & Partners
BOULEVARD FRERE-ORBAN 34/32
4000 LIEGE
Belgium

Belgium > Dispute resolution Tier 3

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.

Belgium > Industry focus: Energy Tier 3

Philippe & Partners handles litigation and transactional work arising from the energy sector and stands out for its work for the likes of Engie Electrabel and Tractebel on matters concerning the energy transition. Practice head Denis Philippe, who is a director of the Belgian Nuclear Association, is respected for his work in both international and domestic arbitration. Mathieu Clément de Cléty is a key adviser on contentious matters concerning constitutional, administrative, and energy law.

Practice head(s):

Denis Philippe

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Engie Electrabel

Tractebel

Work highlights

  • Advised a major energy supplier in criminal proceedings initiated in the context of sabotage of a nuclear power plant.
  • Acted for a major energy supplier in a claim against distribution system operator that failed to fulfil its legal obligations due to a problem that occurred during the migration of an IT system.

Belgium > Insurance Tier 3

Philippe & Partners‘ insurance team, which is noted for its ‘professionalism and collaboration‘, handles a range of advisory and contentious work in the insurance sector, with the group singled out for its competence in insurance products and distribution services, as well as its ability to assist with insurance-related regulatory, corporate and tax issues. Life insurance specialist Marc Gouden, who divides his time between Brussels and Luxembourg, heads up the practice alongside Pierre Moreau, whose diverse practice extends to group insurance and the development of life and non-life policies; Moreau divides his time between Brussels, Luxembourg and Mons.

Practice head(s):

Marc Gouden; Pierre Moreau

Other key lawyers:

Isabelle Cirriez; Ihsan Karatas

Testimonials

‘ The team stands out for its professionalism and collaboration.’

‘A professional approach.’

‘Outstanding service. Quick and pragmatic. They know their and our business.’

‘Marc Gouden is a responsive and pragmatic lawyer.’

Why does Philippe & Partners do what it does? Philippe & Partners is convinced that innovation needs to be prioritised as a driver of progress. What it does is inspired by the root value guiding any law firm’s social role: making the clients’ projects a success.

How does it work? Its foremost priority is to understand the client and what they want. In doing so, it does not see the role of a law firm as solely applying legal rules and regulations, but also as a source of practical solutions in compliance with the law and helping clients achieve their goals. Many of its staff have spent time working in companies, making it easier for them to understand how their customers ‘tick’.

Anticipating legal developments is a further stepping stone contributing to the long-term viability of any legal solution. This is why the firm is not only made up of specialist lawyers, but also maintains very close links with the academic world, with a number of lawyers teaching at major universities across Europe.

Philippe & Partners operates in several countries and all of its lawyers speak several languages. Over the years, it has developed privileged partnerships with international legal networks, who share its own humanist values. This set-up allows the firm to support client projects throughout the world. Philippe & Partners is a completely independent firm, not too large to lose human touch, and guided by top-notch professionalism. While taking care to maintain a healthy financial footing, the firm is able to offer an attractive level of fees.

What does it offer? Philippe & Partners provides an all-round high-quality service in the majority of legal fields. Its in-depth specialised knowledge of law, accompanied by attention to detail, both spiced with a creative approach and a touch of audacity, allow the firm to offer clients what it calls ‘fine art in legal practice’.

By developing specialised teams for each practice area, Philippe & Partners offers tailor-made solutions (eg outsourcing programmes) to national and international companies, public authorities, non-profit organisations and private persons in all main business areas.

Areas of practice: Philippe & Partners is convinced that the knowing the person who asks the question is as important as knowing the answer to the question. That’s the reason why the firm focuses on different industries: insurance; banking and finance; energy; inventors; gambling; tax and estate planning

Department Name Email Telephone
ADR, litigation and arbitration Victor-Vincent Dehin
Belgian, European and international inheritance Victor-Vincent Dehin
Intellectual property, trade marks and patents Victor-Vincent Dehin
Public law and procurement Mathieu Clément de Cléty
Number of lawyers : 31
at this office : 5
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Luxembourgish
Portuguese
Slovak
Spanish
IAG
LNI
Interleges
Other offices : Brussels
Other offices : Luxembourg
Other offices : Mons
Other offices : Namur
Other offices : Paris
Other offices : London