Quadrant is a boutique firm with a strong international orientation, recognised for its extensive expertise in transport, logistics, trade, customs, liability, insurance and insolvency. Dirk Noels brings specialist knowledge in transport matters, while Patrick Rubens contributes over 25 years’ experience in maritime law and transport insurance. Pierre Bogaerts adds further depth in maritime issues, and Valerie Diercken offers broad expertise across contract, liability, corporate law, international trade, logistics and road transport.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Patrick Rubens is a rarity. He is a thorough specialist in his fields of expertise and serves us with 100% attention, dedication and outstanding advice. When urgent or important, Patrick makes himself available at short notice. Thanks to a straightforward and open dialogue, in combination with an anticipative business approach, we manage to minimise our exposures.’
- ‘Patrick Rubens is very open in his communication and highly engaged with the case. Cases are followed up meticulously and punctually. Concrete information or heads-ups are clearly communicated our way. In short, communication and knowledge are key—and these are certainly present.’
- ‘We have a direct connection with the lawyer that goes beyond a specific file. We reflect together on our common goal, jurisprudence in general. It remains a people business, and our clients' needs are met.’
- ‘Very knowledgeable in the maritime business, technical know-how available which helps tremendously in building a water-tight case.’
- ‘The specific professional knowledge, in combination with high-level communication & analytical as well as emphatic skills, makes the Quadrant team so unique.’
- ‘Dirk Noels' team is known for its pragmatism and vast experience in the sector. It is very helpful for a client not to need to explain every detail of a sector as complicated as ours when asking for legal counsel.’
Key clients
- ICC Belgium
- BSV - Belgian Shipping Federation
- PSA Antwerp
- Euroports Group
- JAS Logistics Worldwide Belgium
- Manuport Logistics
- CEVA Logistics
- AXA Belgium
- Northstar
Work highlights
Assisted an insured in resolving a dispute arising from the total loss of three containers of weaving machines during typhoon-related flooding in Tuticorin, India.
Advised the Belgian Shipping Federation, major Antwerp container terminal operators and the Ministry of Finance on implementing the EU-mandated NCTS P5 system at the Port of Antwerp.
Represents NST and Sea Gate GmbH following 2025 fire aboard the MS Grande Brasile en route from Antwerp to West Africa.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Dirk Noels; Patrick Rubens; Pierre Bogaerts; Kristin Verhaegen; Jan Everaerts; Valerie Diercken; Véronique Biscop; Jan Delen