Boutique firm Impact lawyers advises nonprofits, impact entrepreneurs, and social enterprise companies on restructurings and mergers, setting up cooperative structures, and helping hybrid structures in obtaining social enterprise certifications. Marleen Denef has established expertise in handling governance matters, while Coralie Mattelaer advises not-for-profit companies on M&A and real estate transactions. Benoit Spitaels is equally adept at handling transactional work, and Xanne Holvoet is a key name to note for IP and data protection issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Our collaboration with IMPACT Advocaten has been consistently outstanding. The team, and in particular Benoit Spitaels, demonstrates a deep understanding of our legal needs and provides high-quality, tailored advice that reflects both expertise and strategic insight. Their ability to translate complex legal matters into clear, actionable guidance is invaluable.'
- 'What makes them different is their ability to listen carefully, understand our needs, and provide advice that is both correct and workable. Together, they make complex issues manageable and ensure our association feels well supported.’
- 'Xanne Holvoet brings intelligence and creativity, often offering innovative and practical solutions that go beyond the standard legal view.'
- 'Marleen Denef is an outstanding legal expert in governance and strategy, combining technical depth with an emphatic, forward-looking style that builds trust.'
- 'They stand out through their deep specialisation in nonprofit and social-profit law, which makes them highly efficient. Innovations we value include transparent billing, a collaborative and impact-driven way of working, and their consistent investment in understanding the client’s sector.’
- ‘Impact Advocaten is unique in combining strong legal expertise with a very pragmatic, hands-on approach. They understand the nonprofit context immediately and provide tailored advice rather than generic solutions. Their strengths are clear communication, constructive engagement in meetings with members, and the ability to translate complex governance questions into workable outcomes.'
Key clients
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB)
- UNISOC
- SOM
- Vlaams Welzijnsverbond
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Marleen Denef; Coralie Mattelaer; Benoit Spitaels
Other key lawyers
Xanne Holvoet