A&O Shearman‘s disputes practice is ‘clear, efficient and to the point’ in its advice, covering all aspects of dispute resolution in Belgium, acting for major domestic and international companies in high-value disputes. The team has a dedicated arbitration practice, with knowledge of arbitrations under all main Belgian and international rules. The ‘great to work with, smart, accessible, and pragmatic‘ team is led by Thales Mertens, who has a practice covering corporate litigation, restructuring, and insolvency disputes. Managing partner Tom Schoors is ‘extremely knowledgeable, calm under pressure, and has extremely good industry knowledge’, and has vast expertise in energy disputes. Recently promoted partner Thomas Declerck leads the white-collar crime and investigations practice, with expertise in fraud, bribery, money laundering, and breach of financial regulations. Lauren Rasking is the key name at senior associate level and focuses on arbitration proceedings.

The practice at Loyens & Loeff is ‘available and collaborative’, and known for its complex cross-border litigation and international arbitration expertise. A wide range of mandates are expertly covered by the practice, including healthcare and life sciences work, insolvency and restructuring issues, data protection and privacy claims, and corporate investigations. Hakim Boularbah leads the ‘excellent and very reputed‘ team alongside Olivier van der Haegen, who ‘does an outstanding job‘ for his clients; the pair have expertise in collective redress and international arbitration respectively. Senior associate Maria-Clara Van den Bossche is ‘very knowledgeable, proactive, and quickly unravels the sensitivities in the case‘, and has a practice focusing on class actions, asset recovery work, and the enforcement of arbitral awards.

The ‘high-quality‘ disputes practice at NautaDutilh is commended for its ‘excellent strength in depth’ covering the whole array of commercial disputes spanning shareholder disputes, banking litigation, insurance claims and tort work, alongside insolvency-related litigation, and complex arbitrations. Sophie Jacmain leads the team with Stan Brijs, with the pair commended for being ‘tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills‘. Jacmain possesses knowledge across a range of litigation and arbitration work, with particular expertise in restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Karel De Smet is also noted, with a wide-reaching practice covering complex contractual disputes, contentious M&A issues, competition litigation, and enforcement disputes. Karen Paridaen and Gisèle Uwera are also key to the team.

Stibbe is the ‘go-to firm for international arbitration in Brussels‘, acting on the full range of disputes in civil and criminal courts. The full-service expertise of the department, along with its collaboration with the IP, TMT, finance, and competition practices at the firm, allows it to represent a number of high-profile clients in complex cases. The white-collar crime practice is also a key element of the team, with money laundering, fraud, sanctions, and extradition all areas of expertise. Hans Van Bavel sits at the helm of the practice, specialising in company-related criminal law. Also of note are ‘very tough litigator‘ Oliver Stevens, Nicolas Résimont, whose advocacy is ‘both persuasive and instils confidence in clients and tribunals alike’, and Sophie Bourgois, who is ‘meticulous‘ with expertise across international disputes, insurance claims, and private and public international law.

Clifford Chance is widely reputed for its ‘proactive approach and in-depth knowledge‘, representing major Belgian corporations, banks, public authorities, and international companies in a range of multifaceted litigation. Financial litigation, competition claims, and compliance disputes are all key strengths of the team that works closely with the global network of the firm, allowing it to provide multijurisdictional advice. Dorothée Vermeiren leads the team, and ‘brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table’, with extensive experience in litigation and arbitration proceedings. The ‘friendly and responsive team‘ also notably includes senior associates Nathan Tulkens and Ysaline Le Paige.

The dispute resolution practice at Crowell & Moring represents leading clients in high-profile cases, frequently acting in market-leading litigation linked to IP, data, competition, and corporate work. The team is led by Werner Eyskens, who is ‘bright, easy to deal with and an accomplished advocate to boot‘, and represents Belgian-based multinational companies and leading international companies in complex litigation and international arbitrations. Kristof Roox also leads the team, with particular expertise in intellectual property litigation, while Thomas De Meese‘s practice focuses on competition litigation, with expertise in the TMT sector.

The practice at Eubelius ‘combines excellent technical knowledge with a very personalised approach to the client’ and has notable expertise in bank liability, telecoms, class action, energy, real estate, and personal wealth litigation. The tax litigation team is widely renowned, and is commended for its high-profile work, along with its criminal and regulatory compliance prowess. Patrick Hofströssler, Ignace Claeys, Svjatoslav Gnedasj and ‘excellent lawyer‘ Tom Bauwens jointly head up the practice. At associate level, Monica Rodriguez is ‘one of the rising stars in white-collar crime litigation’.

Janson‘s dispute resolution practice is commended for its ‘multidisciplinary and multilingual approach that is necessary in Belgium and at the border of different cultures’. White-collar crime work is a cornerstone of the team; Céline Masschelein has vast expertise across fraud, forgery, money laundering, and bankruptcy issues. Masschelein is part of the team's leadership, which consists of ‘fierce courtroom fighter‘ Dominique Blommaert, Cédric Alter, and Didier Bracke. Also of note is Lydie Van Muylem, who has extensive knowledge of banking and finance law; she is commended alongside associate Jens Benoot for being ‘client-driven and good practitioners‘.

The ‘very strong practice‘ at Jones Day provides ‘excellent client service and high-quality strategic and commercial advice’ for its clients, and is highly capable of acting in cross-border litigation and arbitration proceedings. The team notably recently represented Mastercard in a landmark antitrust enforcement case, and has vast banking litigation and regulatory experience. ‘Excellent litigator‘ Sébastien Champagne is the head of the team, with a practice focusing on commercial issues, trade practices, regulatory work, competition claims, and private enforcement disputes. Michèle Grégoire has expertise in financial institution and investment fund-related litigation, and is key to the team along with Vanessa Foncke.

Liedekerke has a ‘great quality commercial and civil litigation team‘ with expertise across international arbitration, high-value commercial litigation, financial litigation and insolvency, and fraud and white-collar crime claims. Lawyers within the team are adept at acting for high-profile clients, particularly in the foreign mining, automotive, energy, and construction sectors, in proceedings spanning multiple jurisdictions. ‘Absolutely exceptional arbitration lawyer‘ Arnaud Nuyts leads the team along with ‘highly respected leader’ Olivier Vanden Berghe and Roel Fransis, who has a practice focusing on finance litigation and insolvency proceedings. Other noted practitioners within the team include Aimery De Schoutheete and Bruno Hardy, who was promoted to partner in January 2024.

Linklaters‘ litigation, arbitration, and investigations practice has cross-border capabilities, covering disputes spanning banking, capital markets, consumer protection, data privacy, competition and antitrust issues. Complex M&A disputes and insolvency-related litigation are key strengths of the practice, alongside professional negligence, commercial distribution, and product liability cases. Team head Stefaan Loosveld specialises in contentious regulatory and restructuring work, and is highly active in the firm’s sanctions work. Loosveld leads the group alongside Xavier Taton and Florence Danis, who is ‘simply the one you want defending your case in court’. Associate Gert-Jan Hendrix has vast experience in class actions work.

Lydian‘s litigation practice is well-versed in complex litigation, with expertise spanning the whole gamut of commercial and banking litigation work. The team is commended for its ‘regional focus which allows it to know the courts very well and consequently act efficiently’; it acts in leading cases across all industries, with particular knowledge of product and professional liability, unfair competition, and intellectual property work. The ‘very experienced‘ Hugo Keulers leads the team, with particular experience in reinsurance and insurance litigation. Yves Lenders is also key to the practice, with a focus on insolvency cases, and Jo Willems is praised by clients as ‘experienced and always on point‘.

Litigation boutique Quinz has vast expertise across dispute resolution, representing a wide array of prestigious clients in corporate litigation, white-collar crime mandates, banking and insolvency litigation, and arbitration proceedings. The team is adept at regulatory litigation and compliance work, with expertise in financial and healthcare law. ‘Great litigator‘ Benoît Allemeersch is the head of the team, specialising in commercial, financial, and corporate disputes. Stijn De Dier and Valérie Beckers are also key to the team.

Simont Braun fields a team of experts across litigation, international and domestic arbitration, and mediation, working closely with the IP, corporate, banking and finance, and real estate departments of the firm. The practice regularly acts in high-profile cases, notably representing the European Commission in a high-profile case against AstraZeneca concerning the Covid-19 vaccine. Paul Alain Foriers and Rafaël Jafferali, lauded for his ‘ great legal analysis, knowledge and court presence’, lead the team. Ann Frédérique Belle is also a key name, with extensive experience in civil and commercial proceedings, while Béatrice Thieffry acts for leading banking and real estate companies. Fanny Laune is the key name at counsel level.

The practice at Strelia is commended for its ‘very broad experience and excellent legal knowledge‘ with expertise across complex commercial litigation, along with knowledge of competition and regulatory, public procurement, and construction work. Post-M&A litigation and shareholder disputes are key focuses of the team, which also has a prominent arbitration practice. Jean-Pierre Fierens leads the team of ‘experienced and competent lawyers’, with specific expertise in disputes involving directors’ liability. Also of note are the ‘very reliable’ Gaetano Jannone, and the ‘extraordinary and extremely intelligent’ Joanna Kolber.

The ‘extremely knowledgeable and helpful‘ practice at Van Bael & Bellis has experience in domestic and international litigation, particularly across life sciences, competition, IP, and employment law. Public procurement issues, damages litigation, and regulatory disputes are key areas of focus for the team. ‘Quick thinker and amiable lawyer‘ Catherine Longeval leads the team with expertise across life sciences law, unfair market practices, product liability claims, and general commercial law. Koen T’Syen is recommended for his ‘considerable expertise in distribution agreements and related disputes‘ and for being a ‘very reliable partner‘.

ALTIUS fields a ‘solid dispute resolution practice with experience in the Belgian market‘ with cross-jurisdictional expertise across cartel damages claims, arbitrations, enforcement proceedings, and supply chain disputes. The practice is also adept at handling intricate insolvency and insurance related matters. Alexander Hansebout, who is a ‘calm, reassuring voice in the midst of the sound and fury of litigation‘, acts as the head of the team alongside Christophe Ronse.

Independent dispute resolution firm Arcas Law covers all types of disputes from complex litigation and arbitration to mediation proceedings for clients ranging from SMEs and international corporations to foreign states and state entities. The firm is well-versed in multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution and represents clients before all courts, including the highest appellate court in Belgium, as well as handling ICC arbitral proceedings. It continues to be engaged in various high-profile class actions. Karel Schulpen specialises in corporate litigation and liability issues; Bart Volders has expertise in cross-border commercial and public law disputes; and Joost Verlinden rounds off the leadership trio with his over 30 years of experience as litigator across a broad range of areas.

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL has ‘unique expertise in dispute resolution and a deep knowledge of the complex political landscape‘, with experience acting in complex proceedings for leading clients; the team notably represents Google, Harley-Davidson, and Apple Belgium. Gregory Lebrun and Koen De Winter lead the team, with a focus on the construction, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. Also of note is Elisabeth Dehareng who is ‘dedicated, available and provides swift legal analysis’, and Nastassja Walschot, who is active in the disputes practice and complements it with international trade experience.

CMS acts for clients in complex and cross-border litigation spanning shareholder rights issues, unfair trade practices, banking disputes, and insolvency and restructuring work. The firm is adept at handling cases concerning technology elements, acting for clients including Amazon, Deliveroo and Meta, and has a capable cross-firm arbitration practice. Renaud Dupont and Tom Heremans lead the team that consists of ‘stellar EU law and litigation counsel‘ Dirk Van Liedekerke and Matthieu Van Lierde and Alexis Laes, who are commended for being ‘strong lawyers with great client management skills’.

The practice at DLA Piper represents a wide range of clients in high-profile matters, with expertise in energy, insolvency, white-collar crime, and regulatory mandates. The team is frequently involved in high-value arbitration proceedings, and often appears in the ECJ in cross-jurisdictional cases. Leading the department are Ilse Van de Mierop and Bob Martens, who have experience in commercial litigation and insolvency law, and administrative law respectively. Antwerp-based Pierre Berger is a key name, acting in complex regulatory issues and fund structuring matters. Also of note is Laurent Geelhand, who brings competition litigation knowledge to the team.

Fieldfisher has a ‘fast growing team and practice that is extremely committed and dynamic‘, representing clients in high-profile court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations. Shareholder disputes, regulatory compliance issues, and asset management work are all strengths of the team, which has capabilities across the full gamut of dispute resolution services. Maxime Berlingin leads the team, and is commended alongside Jean-François Germain for having ‘very sharp legal knowledge and analysis, and excellent judgment and outstanding negotiation skills’. The ‘extremely committed and dynamic‘ practice also notably includes Koen Van Den Broeck and Isabelle Moens de Hase.

The ‘excellent, knowledgeable, shrewd and responsive team’ at intui handles a wide range of litigation, acting in shareholder disputes, directors liability cliams, and post-acquisition litigation. The team is adept at acting across sectors, representing market-leading clients in the finance, real estate, leisure, and construction industries. Based in Leuven, Caroline Hotterbeekx leads the practice, alongside Anneleen Steeno and Robbie Tas, who split their time between Leuven and Brussels. Naomi Glibert is commended for her ‘fantastic work ethic‘ and has expertise in banking, financial, and corporate law.

The disputes practice at Osborne Clarke is ‘responsive, agile and proactive‘, and covers high-value matters across corporate and commercial litigation. Shareholder, post M&A, distribution, and product liability disputes are all mainstays of the work of the team, and the group notably acts for leading tech clients and major retail companies. Mediation and arbitration proceedings are also key strengths of the practice, with Marie Canivet regularly sitting as an arbitrator. Stefan Deswert leads the team, which is ‘knowledgeable and flexible in its approach‘.

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’.

Schoups has a ‘proactive, diligent and creative team’, which acts in disputes across private construction, public procurement, real estate, and environmental law. Multijurisdictional disputes are also a strength of the practice, frequently representing high-profile clients across sectors. The leadership of the team includes Marco Schoups, Geert De Buyzer, Benjamin Marchandise and Kris Lemmens, among others.

The ‘very diverse and bright team‘ at White & Case LLP acts in high-profile corporate disputes, particularly across the financial services, private equity, and technology sectors. The practice is adept at multijurisdictional matters, working for leading Belgian and international companies. Alexandre Hublet and Thierry Bosly lead the team, which notably includes Irina Trichkovska, who is ‘always extremely tenacious, efficient and committed to the client’s cause’.

The disputes practice at Andersen acts for leading national and international companies in disputes across a broad spectrum of sectors, with expertise in the tech, IT, real estate, and healthcare industries; the team also has knowledge of public sector and real estate issues. Praised as ‘strategically very strong‘, Koen De Puydt leads the team alongside Roeland Moeyersons, who has expertise in commercial, economic, and construction law. Other noted practitioners include Aline Heyrman, along with the ‘reliable, proactive and highly competent‘ Steve Griess, and Thibault Caeymaex.

The disputes practice at ASTREA is ‘extremely available and reliable, with the ability to come up with creative solutions‘. The team acts across a wide range of industries, with experience representing high-profile clients in commercial disputes, insolvency claims, and bankruptcy litigation. A particular areas of expertise for the department lies in transport and logistics work, with team head Marc Van Looveren possessing vast knowledge in this area, including in complex international disputes. Van Looveren is joined at leadership level by distribution law expert Olivier Van Fraeyenhoven.

 

contrast is praised for its ‘strong, solid legal know-how combined with active business and solution-oriented thinking‘; the group has experience representing Belgian and international companies, trade authorities, and public authorities in M&A-related disputes and directors’ liability matters. Unfair trade practices, IP issues, and distribution law are additional strengths of the the team, which works closely with the competition practice of the firm. Filip Tuytschaever, Bart Bellen, Milena Varga and Sébastien Engelen jointly lead the practice.

Cresco Advocaten acts in intricate domestic and international disputes, with expertise in litigation regarding sale and purchase agreements, tech contracts, shareholder issues, and the dissolution of companies. The firm also has a focus on matters linked to the tech, real estate, hospitality, non-profit, and banking sectors. Antwerp-based Steven Daems leads the practice, bringing vast experience in insolvency and restructuring mandates to the team, while Natalie Lemense focuses on contentious commercial contract and private shareholder work.

Deloitte Legal fields a ‘approachable team with expertise and drive‘ that offers a range of services for its clients across litigation and arbitration proceedings. Jürgen Egger leads the team, with experience representing leading Belgian and international companies in civil and criminal disputes, with a focus on distribution law, insolvency issues, tort law, and white-collar crime matters. Other key practice heads include ‘superb leader’ Annick Visschers, who has expertise in tax litigation; Mathieu Ex, who leads the private client team; and Glenn Hansen, who focuses on commercial litigation. Egger and Hansen are also key names in the firm’s arbitration practice.

The ‘reactive and knowledgeable team‘ at Laurius handles litigation for domestic and international clients across a wide range of industry sectors, with a particular focus on shareholders’ disputes, director’s liability claims, and post-acquisition disputes; banking litigation is another key strength of the team. Bert Luyten, a co-founding partner of the firm, leads the team with extensive knowledge of financial liability and fraud claims. Fellow co-head Karen Vermaere is skilled across commercial litigation, mediation, and arbitration proceedings.

Monard law, joined by Buyle is, according to clients, a ‘beacon of pragmatism and efficiency‘, with a range of experienced practitioners that have expertise across the spectrum of disputes. The firm notably has a focus on ESG litigation, with Jeroen Raskin active in this space, alongside M&A litigation and directors liability matters. In Brussels, Daan De Jaeger is a key name, acting for domestic and international clients in complex commercial and intellectual property disputes. Other noted practitioners within the Brussels team in addition to De Jaeger include Sebastien Verva, who leads the French practice of the firm. In Hasselt, a range of accomplished litigators form the team's leadership, including Erik Monard, Natalie Ulburghs, Nicole Segers, Kristof Zadora, Geert Hayen, and Kris van der Beek.  In Ghent, Stephane Criel and Charles Claeys are noted.

Simmons & Simmons‘ disputes practice acts in high-profile litigation and arbitration, with particular expertise in the life sciences and financial sectors; the chemicals, fashion, and hospitality industries are also key areas of strength for the team. Olivier Mignolet and Annabelle Bruyndonckx lead the team, and are praised for being ‘very competent lawyers with a high attention to detail‘. Also of note is Jérémie Doornaert, who brings ‘strong knowledge of the pharma sector‘ to the practice.

Verhaegen Walravens acts in disputes across a wide range of industries, with expertise across the entertainment, tech, construction, and mining sectors. ‘Very experienced lawyer’ Philip Walravens leads the team, and focuses his practice on white-collar crime and restructuring mandates. Paula Martins Costa and Julie Borgerhoff are further key names in the team.