Van Bael & Bellis's employment team handles a wide range of matters, including restructurings, collective dismissals, redundancies, and other contentious matters, such as workplace discrimination and harassment claims. Team head Sara Beutels was promoted to the partnership in February 2025 and specialises in pensions and labour law litigation, while also advising on cross-border employment and social security law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The individuals I’ve worked with are distinguished by their strategic mindset, accessibility, and clarity. They don’t just advise—they partner with you.’
- ‘One of the top employment law services. Outstanding in terms of response time, business mindset, and understanding of clients' needs.’
- ‘Sara Beutels is a pragmatic lawyer with substantial practical experience. A single phone call with her is often sufficient to identify the key legal issues and potential pitfalls.’
- ‘The team distinguishes itself with a proactive mindset and a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach. They are very responsive and efficient, combining pragmatism with deep substantive expertise and a strong client focus. It is always a pleasure to work with the Van Bael & Bellis team.’
- ‘This practice distinguishes itself through a unique combination of deep sector expertise and a client-oriented approach. The team is known for its responsiveness and pragmatic advice, balancing technical legal knowledge with commercial understanding. Clients particularly value the accessibility of the lawyers and their ability to provide clear, solution-driven guidance even in complex matters.’
- ‘Sara Beutels is highly responsive, smart, and solution-oriented, and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
- Avanade
- Alliance for Regenerative Medicine
- DiaSorin
- EPAM
- Exact
- European Advanced Carbon and Graphite Materials Association
- Gedeon Richter
- Goodix
- Hyundai Motor Company Brussels
- Imprivata
- iSTAR Medical
- Nissha Metallizing Solutions
Work highlights
Advised NYSE-listed company Trane Technologies and its industry-leading Thermo King brand on the transfer of all employees linked to the Gradius Business of Equans NV to Thermo King BELUX, as part of the acquisition of the Gradius business.
Advising Nissha Metallizing Solutions on all their employment queries, including the drafting of collective labour agreements, employment litigation matters, and a variety of individual and collective employment matters, such as assistance in relation to dismissals, disciplinary sanctions, health and safety compliance on the work floor, and drafting of training plans for employees.
Advised Survitec on the closure of its Ostend site, involving the dismissal of all employees employed at this location.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Sara Beutels
Other key lawyers
Sander Duriau; Diego Serré