‘The market leader in Belgium for corporate employment legal support’, specialist firm Claeys & Engels runs the gamut of work concerning human resources, including tax, data protection, and immigration. Its expertise regarding pensions is a particular standout, along with its longstanding experience in dismissals. Clients range from international and domestic corporates in the finance, insurance, food, and transport industries to an increasing number of public sector bodies. Collective dismissals are a particular area of expertise for Chris Engels, who also regularly represents clients in collective bargaining agreement negotiations, while Olivier Wouters supports clients through the strategic internal communications aspects of M&A and change processes, with notable experience in the gig economy. Sophie Maes and Inger Verhelst are also recommended.
Employment in Belgium
Claeys & Engels
Praxisleiter:
Chris Engels; Olivier Wouters
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Bart Adriaens; Luc Bihain; Ward Bouciqué; Isabelle De Somviele; Sophie Maes; Inger Verhelst
Referenzen
‘Unique combination of strict legal knowledge and deep understanding of day-to-day needs of the client, resulting in pragmatic advice and support.’
‘All individuals we worked with are professionals with the highest possible standards’
‘The market leader in Belgium for corporate employment legal support. Highly technically skilled team, vast experience, yet common-sensical and solution driven in their advice. One of the best firms we’re working with in Europe.’
Highlight-Mandate
A&O Shearman
Praised for its ‘abstract and theoretical capabilities in combination with practical and pragmatic solution finding’, the employment and compensation team at A&O Shearman regularly advises clients on compliance in highly-regulated environments. It takes on a range of complex HR transactions, including leadership changes, management reorganisations, collective dismissals, and employee transfers, as well as assisting clients in both internal and external investigations, and litigation before national and international courts and tribunals. Practice head Christian Bayart ‘understands the question behind the question’, with particular expertise regarding executive employment and compensation. Employee benefits and incentives are a key part of Inge Vanderreken‘s practice, and Virginie Vercheval is also recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Christian Bayart
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Inge Vanderreken; Bart Franceus; Mathias Vandenhoudt; Virginie Vercheval
Referenzen
‘Knowledge, expertise readily available so that most things can be addressed and solved immediately.’
‘Inge Vanderreken is an exceptional talented partner, with fast reaction, an understanding of our culture, and brings always good and fast solutions. Top to work with.’
‘We had to deal with a complex international employment situation. The A&O team delivered a workable solution, and tailored contractual documentation including a complex compensation scheme, in a short timeframe. That involved innovative structuring. The team was hands-on.’
ALTIUS
The ‘flexible, efficient, solution-oriented, and business-minded lawyers’ in ALTIUS‘ employment team handle a wide range of complex matters, with noteworthy expertise in cross-border work, workforce restructuring, collective bargaining, and migration law. The team’s experience in the sports and entertainment industry is particularly strong, often handling image rights deals. For multijurisdictional matters, practice head Philippe De Wulf is ‘invaluable’: regularly advising international clients in the Belgian market. Collective dismissals and employment litigation are areas of expertise for Sven Demeulemeester, whereas Emma Van Caenegem, who was made partner in September 2024, has notable experience in international labour and social security matters, and flexible employment set-ups.
Praxisleiter:
Philippe De Wulf
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sven Demeulemeester; Emma Van Caenegem; Grégory Ernes; Astrid Caporali
Referenzen
‘Altius’s employment team has one super big advantage over many other law firms: they understand me and my concerns. Their advice is top-notch, delivered swiftly, and helps me define my positions and strategy.’
‘Sven Demeulemeester clearly stands out from the pack. He is very approachable, delivers high-quality advice, and does so very quickly. His business acumen is remarkable: it is almost as if he is part of the company. And on top, he is very fun to work with. ’
‘Working with the Altius employment team is exceptional. They are very flexible, efficient, solution-oriented, and business-minded lawyers. They handle high-profile international projects. ’
Kernmandanten
4PX
ABE Clearing
Airplus International
Alight (NorthGateArinso)
Alliance Optique
Alstom
AniCura Group
Ascend Materials
Berry Superfos
C&A
Canon
Cigna
City Football Group
Club Brugge
Crisp
Dell Technologies
dsm-firmenich
GL Foods
G-Star
Hexagon
Innovia Films (CCL company)
Itab
KellyDeli
Lecta
Magnit
Marriott
McCain Foods
Media Markt
Miles Mobility
MSD (Merck Sharp Dohme)
Oracle
Precisely (former Vision Solutions)
Prem Group
Racing Genk
Royal Antwerp Football Club
RSC Anderlecht
Siemens
StepStone
The Cobalt Institute
The Nickel Institute
TI Automotive
Vanguard Logistics
Will Pharma
Winterhalter
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Innovia Films on the closure of its Belgian operation and associated collective dismissal of its workforce in Belgium, including negotiating and drafting the social plan CBA.
- Advised TI Automotive on the closure of a division, including assisting with the dismissal of a works council employee representative.
- Advised KRC Genk on the contract extension of their most valued player, MVP of the Belgian Pro League and Moroccan international, Bilal El Khannouss.
CMS
The employment and pensions team at CMS ‘possesses an impressive depth of knowledge in employment legislation’, with the group’s expertise spanning social security, incentives, and pensions law. The department is experienced in cross-border matters and is frequently sought out by international corporates in the technology, retail, aviation, energy, transport, and pharmaceuticals sectors. In the pensions law space, it often acts for both domestic and pan-European funds – Elke Duden heads up this team. Gaël Chuffart, practice head, is noted for his ‘deep knowledge of international practices’ and experience in collective labour relations. Sophie Berg often assists international groups in establishing their operations in Belgium.
Praxisleiter:
Gaël Chuffart
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sophie Berg; Elke Duden; Karen Dereepere; Bertrand Simonart
Referenzen
‘Gaël Chuffart is a superb labor partner. Deep knowledge of international practices. ’
‘I would recommend CMS for their exceptional services in employment law. Their team consistently demonstrates remarkable speed of delivery, ensuring that all legal matters are handled promptly and efficiently. Their pragmatic approach to problem-solving is truly commendable, as they focus on practical solutions that meet their clients’ needs.’
‘CMS possesses an impressive depth of knowledge in employment legislation, which is evident in their thorough and accurate legal advice. They also exhibit a profound understanding of their clients’ businesses, allowing them to provide tailored and insightful guidance.’
Kernmandanten
Gilson International
Capgemini
Montana Aerospace
DPD
Primark
Qatar Airways
Accenture
Kautex
Pharma Belgium (Phoenix Group)
Imerys
BASF
Accor
Verhoek
Lufthansa
J&J Pension Fund
Sterigenics
AT&T
BNP Paribas
Exxon Mobil Petroleum & Chemical BV
Korn Ferry
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Montana Aerospace, a leading manufacturer of complex lightweight components and structures for the aerospace industry, in a recent case of whistleblowing where an employee discovered and shared sensitive information with a board member of the group while transferring between companies within the same group.
- Advising Accenture on the implementation of new working time models to align with the evolving market trends.
- Advised Kautex on very specific and complex questions in the decision-making process concerning the management of their personnel on a national scale.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper fields an employment team which is lauded for ‘the commerciality of their advice’, with notable strength in matters regarding corporate investigations and contingent workforce. The team has wide-ranging sector expertise, with particular experience in the logistics, life sciences, and financial services segments. Eddy Lievens and Laurent De Surgeloose co-head the team, Lievens is highlighted for his work in restructurings and corporate integration, along with the implementation of whistleblowing policies, while De Surgeloose regularly handles sensitive corporate investigations. Pierre Dion was promoted to partner in May 2024, ‘an exceptional lawyer’ primarily assisting clients with HR management matters.
Praxisleiter:
Eddy Lievens; Laurent De Surgeloose
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Pierre Dion; Toon Smelts; Frederic Brasseur
Referenzen
‘We rely on Pierre Dion to provide unparalleled technical depth and pragmatic solutions to our issues in Belgium. The key driver for us utilising DLA Piper is the commerciality of their advice .
‘Pierre Dion is an exceptional lawyer. Pierre is down to earth, super-friendly, and super-pragmatic, making him a pleasure to deal with. Pierre is always laser-focused on providing practical and pragmatic solutions, helping us navigate a notoriously difficult legal environment.’
‘The reactivity and agility of the team for urgent cases are of the highest standard.’
Kernmandanten
Anixter
Asbest Partners
Baxter
BD Media (previously BD myShopi)
Cepa
Dentsu Aegis
Compusoft / Cyncly
Dr Martens Airwair
Element Materials
Emirates
European Petrochemical Association (EPCA)
Extreme Networks
FMC Chemical
Hard Rock Café
Indeed
International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF)
Lonza
Lucid Motors
Mediq
Miraclon
Nielsen
Novus
Ontex
Pfizer
Perrigo
Prologis
PVH Europe
QBIC Investment Fund
Robert Half
Scania
Sodexo
SoftwareOne
Syneos
TD Synnex
The Cookware Company
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
World Courier
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Pfizer on the implementation and the handling of a collective dismissal process within its Anderlecht and Ixelles site.
- Advised Perrigo on a collective dismissal involving around 25 % of its workforce, including strategic advice on the interaction of this restructuring with other pending projects, the information and consultation procedure, the negotiations with the trade unions on the social plan, and the drafting of the documents necessary for the implementation of the collective dismissal.
- Advised Hard Rock Café on the closure of their Antwerp site and the collective dismissal of all their staff members in Antwerp.
Liedekerke
Liedekerke‘s employment and benefits team ‘provides high value expertise’ across HR issues and is recommended for its experience advising on hirings and dismissals, collective labour law, benefits and compensation, and social security. It offers specific expertise in collective dismissals, trade union negotiations, and discrimination law, working closely with the firm’s corporate criminal law team. Paul Geerebaert, team head, regularly negotiates individual and collective labour agreements, while Vincent Busschaert is recommended for his ‘strategic thinking’ in advising on incentive plans and fringe benefits, while the ‘smart and practical’ Bruno Aguirre specialises in whistleblowing litigation.
Praxisleiter:
Paul Geerebaert
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Vincent Busschaert; Loic Timmermans; Bruno Aguirre; Siemen Buttiëns; Leen Holvoet
Referenzen
‘Good practice, reactive and business oriented.’
‘The team is extremely well prepared, provides high-value expertise, and supports with concrete advice. The diversity of the team is also very positive both in terms of gender and seniority. The practices are treated with the highest competency and the team always works result oriented.’
‘Vincent Busschaert is a strong and gentle leader who impresses with extremely high legal preparation and strategic thinking. He is always very emphatic and kind and his positivity helps, also in hard times, to keep the client optimistic.’
Kernmandanten
Euronews
Grand Opticiens Belgium
IGVM (Institute for Equality of Women and Men)
LM Belgium
Argea
BelExpo
BioMérieux
Safestore Group
HCL Technologies Belgium BV
IMC Group
Reply Group
Amazon
Uber Eats
B&B Hotels
ECI Software
Michael Kors
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men (the Institute), a Belgian federal institution aiming to guarantee and promote the equality of women and men as well as fight against any form of gender-based discrimination and inequality, on various discrimination & harassment cases.
- Advised Coolblue Belgium on trying to remain subject to the Joint Committee n°200 (auxiliary joint committee for white-collar workers).
- Advised Michael Kors on the preparation and implementation of new working schedules and work rules for its Belgian stores, overtime work regimes, and several dismissal cases.
Loyens & Loeff
The employment, pensions and benefits team at Loyens & Loeff provides ‘exceptional’ support to clients across the transport, pharma, and financial services sectors, with particular emphasis on the combination of legal and tax expertise. Its growing experience in transformation and alternative remuneration schemes is a particular stand-out element of the practice, which regularly handles high-profile dismissals, pensions matters, and whistleblowing policies. The team is co-led by Filip Saelens, Kris De Schutter, and Joris Beernaert: Saelens a particular go-to for the employment aspects of cross-border transactions, while De Schutter is recommended for his ‘efficient and pragmatic approach’ to restructuring and downsizing operations and Beernaert frequently advises pension providers.
Praxisleiter:
Filip Saelens; Kris De Schutter; Joris Beernaert
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lucia Bellobuono; Etienne Pennetreau
Referenzen
‘Kris De Schutter is very approachable lawyer, can explain legal things in a very comprehensible manner.’
‘The Loyens &Loeff employment team has a good understanding of the client’s company culture and business. They’re providing legal advice that is an added value and if the case at hand allows, they’re recommending different options.’
‘Filip Saelens is a very experienced lawyer. He understands the issue very quickly and can guide his team to provide the client with high-value legal guidance.’
Kernmandanten
Decathlon
ING
Partena
CMA-CGM
Skytanking
Aviapartner
Nektari
Mediacité
Krefel
Allianz Belgium
Contassur
Barry Callebaut
Federal Institute for Human Rights
Ineos Pension Fund
Hino Motors Europe
Ghent University
BNP Paribas Fortis
Triodos
GXO
Goodyear
P&V Verzekeringen / Vivium
Pro Duo
Greenyard
Novartis
Legend Biotech
AXA
AG
Ackermans & Van Haaren
UCB
Colruyt
Amcham
Lunch Garden
Altrad
SD Worx
McKinsey
ZimmerBiomet
Brussels Airlines
CItrosuco
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Celanese on the closure of its Malines plant without any union action and within a tight schedule.
- Assisted Mediacité in fighting against union actions lasting for over six months.
- Assisted the Jordan Company (TJC) with the acquisition of and change of control within Delrin European pension Fund.
Lydian
Characterised by ‘a compelling blend of local expertise and international perspective’, Lydian‘s employment, pensions and benefits team offers expertise to both global and domestic clients. Its deep bench includes experts in pensions, internal investigations, and health and safety. Department co-head Jan Hofkens is regularly sought after for his longstanding expertise regarding internal workplace investigations and disciplinary proceedings against employees, and Alexander Vandenbergen, co-heading the team alongside Hofkens, takes the lead on pensions and benefits matters. Collective labour law issues are an area of focus for Jurgen De Vreese, and Kato Aerts takes on sensitive, multi-national mandates. The team’s cross-departmental health practice is led by Eveline Ankaert.
Praxisleiter:
Alexander Vandenbergen; Jan Hofkens
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jurgen De Vreese; Isabel Plets; Kato Aerts; Eveline Ankaert
Referenzen
‘High-end labour and employment team with a distinguished international profile, embedded in one of Belgium’s top law firms – in other words: the full package!’
‘Kato Aerts is a star not only in Belgium, but already in the international L&E community.’
‘I have a wonderful collaboration with Eveline Ankaert. She has an in-depth knowledge of employment-related themes.’
Kernmandanten
Capgemini
Ethias
Bekaert
14 – Limited distribution –
AG Insurance
Unilever
Essenscia
Flanders Investment & Trade
Visit Flanders
Water-link
Scandinavian Tobacco Group
Landewyck Group
Nike
Walt Disney
UPS
Tereos Group
Henkel
AIG
Yokohama
McAfee
Royal & Sun Alliance
Nippon Express (Belgium) NV
Bloomberg
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Blackberry
DKV (Munich re)
British American Tobacco
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
Baloise
Société Wallonne des Eaux
Booking.com
Flemish Radio & Television Broadcasting Company
Generali Belgium
Airbus
Banijay Group
Centerparcs
Plukon Food Group
Radisson Blu Hotel Group
Van Der Valk hotels
Barry Callebaut
Ebury
Uniqlo
Stater
Keyence
LKQ
Wunderman Thompson
Solvay
Novelis
Carrefour
15 – Limited distribution –
Cargill
Puratos
Worldwide Flight Services
The Belgian Federal Ministry of Pensions
Citribel
Britvic
Retailors
Imperial
Saab
Euro Heat Pipes
Dejbox (Carrefour Group)
Goed Farma
Citribel
World Customs Organization
Orica
Harvey Nash
Cotac
Selecta
Brunello Cuccinelli
Wolford
Svens Handel
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Bilfinger
Mc Donald’s Belgium NV
Estée Lauder Cosmetics NV
Aperam Stainless Belgium NV
Ethias
MSC
ABB
Elke Van Hoof / Huis voor Veerkracht
Towers Watson LifeSight OFP
Neuhaus
T.C.R. Belgium / T.C.R. International
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting as compliance officer to Towers Watson LifeSight OFP, a multi-employer pension fund set up by WTW.
- Assisting Nike in all labor and employment matters on a daily basis.
Stibbe
Stibbe‘s employment law team has an ‘excellent practical and business oriented focus’, combining a comprehensive offering with particular niche expertise in supplementary pensions, sports law matters, social criminal law, and supporting clients in the public sector. Its litigation and arbitration offerings are also a standout element of the practice. Team co-head Elisabeth Matthys specialises in complex litigation matters, including those which involve social criminal law and in transfer of undertakings related matters, while co-head Jérôme Aubertin is recommended for his ‘sharp intellect’ and experience in company restructurings, including collective dismissals. For pensions law, specialist Jan Proesmans is the go-to.
Praxisleiter:
Elisabeth Mathys; Jérôme Aubertin
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jan Proesmans; Philip De Roo; Charlotte Mortiaux
Referenzen
‘Excellent practical and business-oriented focus in navigating the client through the intricacies of Belgian labour law.’
‘Jérôme Aubertin has a sharp intellect and is able to easily explain and deliver complex solutions.’
‘The team I work with is always accessible, very clear, and complete in their answers, I fully trust their advice as always aligned with our values and fairness.’
Kernmandanten
PostNL
The Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB/URBSFA)
Carpenter
Pension Fund of the Belgian Federal Parliament
Institute for the Equality of Women and Men
Kodak
Inbev
Baxter
X-Airservices
Sabena Aerospace
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisting PostNL in a criminal case regarding the employment law status of the couriers, which were initiated by the public prosecutor and is supported by the trade unions.
- Assisting the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB/URBSFA) in a claim brought by former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra before the European Court of Justice challenging the rules governing contractual relations between players and clubs.
- Assisting Cainaio regarding a complete blockade of the plant following an action organised by some climate activists.
Van Olmen & Wynant
The team of ‘experienced multilingual professionals’ in Van Olmen & Wynant‘s employment practice deliver ‘an outstanding expertise’, often supporting major international companies with their longstanding experience before labour tribunals and courts as well as specialised expertise in EU employment law and civil service law: the latter an area of expertise for Vincent Vuylsteke. Founding partner and team head Chris Van Olmen has notable experience of the employment issues arising out of restructuring and reorganisation, while Nicolas Simon has a focus on psychosocial risks, including harassment and violence. The team continues to grow in strength, adding to its rankings in October 2024 with Filip Van Beirendonck, formerly of Eubelius.
Praxisleiter:
Chris Van Olmen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Vincent Vulysteke; Gautier Busschaert; Nicolas Simon
Referenzen
‘They deliver outstanding expertise by experienced multilingual professionals.’
‘Chris Van Olmen, Vincent Vuylsteke, and Nicolas Simon are delivering exceptional legal services with a personal touch. They are business-minded, and looking for compliant business solutions. Extremely good litigators before Belgian labour and administrative courts.’
‘Unique investment in understanding the activity of the house and time taken to understand the specific needs’
Kernmandanten
Proximus
Bpost
NMBS-SNCB / HR Rail
Eurofins
Vivaqua
Loterie Nationale
STIB/MIVB
BICS
Farys
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted a large electronic appliances company with the restructuring of its organisation and the transfer of undertaking procedure.
- Assisted a multinational telecom player with the dismissal of its CEO after an internal conflict.
- Assisting a French multinational group into the set up of an international stock options plan for their employees.
Clifford Chance
Lauded for its ‘extremely innovative and client-focused thinking’, the employment team at Clifford Chance specialises in strategic and business-critical matters for both domestic and international clients, often in highly regulated sectors. Its areas of expertise include large-scale restructurings and downsizings, industrial relations, and cross-border matters. Collective downsizings and outsourcing transactions are key elements of team head Gert Cuppens‘ practice, which also covers the hiring and dismissal of senior executives, pensions, and employee benefits.
Praxisleiter:
Gert Cuppens
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Maxime Nyamabu
Referenzen
‘Extremely talented, responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘All of them are great, everyone excels.’
‘Competent and complementary team.’
Kernmandanten
Accor Invest
Deliverect
Credit Agricole Indosuez
Solvay
AXA
QNTM
Eurofiber
Liberty Steel Group
EQT
CVC Belgium
Software AG
EPCO
Azelis
Zoetis Belgium
Total Energies
Schroders
Fero Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Accor Invest on a complex employee transfer involving more than 50% of its Belgian personnel (spread over 10 hotels) to Covivio Hotels.
- Acting as Deliverect’s exclusive employment counsel, whereby we are assisting Deliverect with all their strategic employment matters and are also coordinating such assistance for all other 11 jurisdictions where Deliverect is currently active.
- Advised Credit Agricole Indosuez on the integration of their Belgian work force into Bank Degroof Petercam.
Deloitte Legal
Delivering a ‘no-nonsense approach’ with ‘immediately usable advice’, the Deloitte Legal people law team draws on its Deloitte network to support clients internationally, with experience across workforce transformation, flexible employment and rewards, international mobility, and social sustainability: the final a particular area of expertise for Stefanie Van de Perre. Clients praise team head Stijn Demeestere‘s ‘excellent knowledge’, which spans individual and collective dismissal, corporate restructuring, harmonisation of salary and working conditions, and social compliance. Former co-head Alexis Ceuterick departed the team in April 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Stijn Demeestere
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Stefanie Van de Perrel; Karel De Schoenmaeker; Thomas De Donder
Referenzen
‘The team spends time in understanding the concrete needs of the client, works hands-on, and is result oriented. They are also good at coordinating and synthesizing the contributions from various international Deloitte teams.’
‘No-nonsense approach with immediately usable advice. Clear comments with knowledge of the client’s situation and applicable legislation.’
‘Stijn Demeestere is pragmatic and to the point. Excellent knowledge ’
Kernmandanten
Ackermans & van Haaren
Air Liquide
Allianz Technology
AMP
Beaulieu International Group
Borealis
Kaneka Belgium
Matexi
Scandinavian Tobacco Group
Showpad
TVH
Wonen in Limburg
What’s Cooking
Unica
Mainfreight
VDAB
Oleon
Logos
City of Antwerp
University Hospital of Ghent
Toyota Motor Europe
Milcobel
De Watergroep (Vlaamse Maatschappij voor Watervoorziening)
Deloitte
Nintendo
Picanol
Tomorrowland
Bekaert
Severfield
AZ Groeninge
Johnson Controls
Sobeltax
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised What’s Cooking, Unica, and Borealis on social compliance by its suppliers and lower-tier suppliers, ensuring the safeguarding of human rights throughout the supply chain.
- Advising Wonen in Limburg on the merger of 19 entities into one social housing company.
- Advised Beaulieu International Group on a significant downsizing of its business operations in Belgium entailing multiple dismissals.
Eubelius
Eubelius‘ employment team is lauded for being ‘well-versed in the legal intricacies’ and ‘providing practical solutions’ to clients’ issues, with an emphasis on strategic legal HR advice and representation in settlements and litigation. Liesbet Vandenplas is ‘top of the league’, leveraging longstanding experience of the sector including experience in social security law, pensions, and discrimination matters to support high-profile clients. Sam De Voogt has experience handling supplementary pensions, along with individual and collective employment law, and Inger De Wilde has notable expertise regarding public sector employment.
Praxisleiter:
Liesbet Vandenplas
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sam De Voogt
Referenzen
‘Collaboration is very open and transparent: the team listens and solutions are worked out together as equal partners.’
‘Top-notch lawyers that master the art of answering the question you did not ask, but actually should have asked.’
‘Liesbet Vandenplas is top of the league.’
Kernmandanten
Thalys – Eurostar Group
European Payments Initiative Group (EPI)
Fedrus International Group
ASEVA (Agence de Stockage Energétique – Energie Voorraden Agentschap)
Claire’s Group (Claire’s Belgium)
bpost Group
De Lijn
Crelan Group (Crelan, AXA Bank & Europabank)
Impextraco Group
VDAB
Federal Public Services for Employment, Mobility, Social Security and Pensions
Flemish government
Oxiteno Group
Lyreco
European Trade Union Cooperation (ETUC)
Telifra Group
Elia Group
Stork Group – Stork Technical Services Belgium
Salvator Group
SD Worx Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisting EPI in all different aspects related to the staffing strategy and setting-up of an HR organisation in Belgium, France, Germany, and Spain.
- Providing the Fedrus Group with day-to-day HR legal advice as well as HR legal strategic advice and assistance, including restructurings of the Fedrus Group and acquisitions.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher‘s HR law group is praised for its ‘pragmatic approach and expertise’, combining expertise in international employment, social security, and business migration. Its experience handling restructuring and reorganisation matters is particularly notable, as is its work regarding diversity, equality, and discrimination. Stefan Nerinckx heads the team and is highlighted for his ‘thorough knowledge’ of the market: from whistleblowing matters to cross-jurisdictional social security law. Anne Kamp and Tim Perdieus are also recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Stefan Nerinckx
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Anne Kamp; Tim Perdieus
Referenzen
‘The personal follow-up of the partner and the communication abilities to inform the client are unique.’
‘Stefan Nerinckx is unique as a partner, with a thorough knowledge of employment law. He is always up to date with the changes that occur in his field.’
‘Tim Perdieus is a very open, highly skilled council.’
Kernmandanten
Enovis
Boortmalt (Axereal)
Campari
EHMA
Embuild
Europelink Media
Oregon Tools
Nishimura
Certifer Belgorail
BioFirst Group
Illycaffé
Invitae
Lincoln International
Parakar
Magotteaux
Mersen
Methanex
NuSkin / NSE Products
Région de Bruxelles Capitale
Security Masters
Shurgard Europe
Tax Consult
Créations Fusalp
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Enovis on the merger between Mathys Orthopaedics and LimaCorporate including different aspects in respect of transfer of undertaking (TUPE), contract negotiation, and termination of contracts.
- Advised Shurgard Europe on the set-up of a salary structure for the C-level across 6 EU member states involving cross-jurisdictional employment, social security, tax and immigration law capabilities.
- Challenging the social security authorities in a high-level case involving the principles of international social security.
Linklaters
Linklaters fields a team of specialists in its employment and incentives practice, often handling large scale litigation across dismissals, discrimination, whistleblowing, and termination disputes as well as restructurings and transactions. The firm’s ESG expertise extends to HR aspects of the green transition, and pay disparity matters. Jennifer Granado Aranzana is a particular go-to for such ESG-related queries. Nele Van Kerrebroeck was promoted to partner in May 2024, taking over as head of the team following Luc Vanaverbeke‘s retirement in June 2024: she ‘fills big shoes in a remarkable way’, often handling complex incentives matters for large-scale clients.
Praxisleiter:
Nele Van Kerrebroeck
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Caroline Borgers; Thierry L’Homme; Jennifer Granado Aranzana
Referenzen
‘Very up to date about trends and new developments’
‘Proactive reach out to clients on changing regulation and landscape. Pragmatic and knowledgeable.’
‘Nele Van Kerrebroeck fills big shoes in a remarkable way, with an impressive depth of expertise and a high level of empathy & client understanding.’
Kernmandanten
Colruyt & Korys
NHV
Galapagos
bpost
CA Indosuez/Degroof Petercam
Carrier
CACEIS
IQVIA
Fluxys
GSK
INEOS
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised bpost on acquisition of Staci – including extensive Belgian and global employment and incentives aspects.
- Advised Carrier on the carve-outs of their fire and security business and Access Solutions to Honeywell, including a collective restructuring in Belgium.
- Advised Fluxys on the determination of the applicable joint sector committees for their new activities and representative legal entities.
NautaDutilh
NautaDutilh‘s employment team finds ‘imaginative solutions’ to employment and pension issues related to complex, international M&A transactions and restructuring proceedings. It also regularly advises clients on harassment, discrimination, and employee privacy matters. Team head Philippe François focuses on corporate employment law issues, with notable experience supporting clients with the transfer of undertakings, while Thierry Duquesne has particular experience in corporate social law, including collective labour law, and the field of well-being at work.
Praxisleiter:
Philippe François
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Thierry Duquesne
Referenzen
‘Philippe François is partner in the ND Employment team. He is good, reliable, fast and knowledgeable. He delivers what is expected.’
‘Very good lawyers and very pleasant persons.’
‘Philippe François and Thierry Duquesne are very good lawyers , good for finding imaginative solutions which comply with client’s requirements.’
Kernmandanten
Abilis
Banque Transatlantique
Basic-Fit
Beltaste
Carpenter Technology Europe
Cerba Healthcare
Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc
Colruyt
Courir
Dynaco Europe
Engie
Exki
Fiege Logistik
Herbalife
Hugo Boss
Izipizi
Kering (Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Gucci)
Lineage
Nyxoah
Purmo
Schneider Electric
Thales
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised ENGIE on employment law in the largest restructuring project in the Belgian energy market over the past 20 years.
- Advised Colruyt on the employment aspects of the acquisition of 57 competitor stores.
- Represented Getronics successfully in five post-acquisition discrimination claims.
Osborne Clarke
The employment team at Osborne Clarke leverages the firm’s wider sector expertise to ‘tailor solutions’ to clients’ needs in the TMC, retail, and life sciences sectors. Its experience of technology matters stretches to digital transformation in HR, along with notable experience working with recruitment and staffing businesses. Thierry Viérin heads the team, advising both local and international clients with a specialism in workforce solutions. Vinciane Rysselinck is a key contact for immigration matters, and Bernd De Marrez regularly handles pensions matters.
Praxisleiter:
Thierry Viérin
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Vinciane Rysselinck; Bernd De Marrez; Julien Verbeke
Referenzen
‘It’s a real pleasure to collaborate with them. They are professional, helpful, and engaging.’
‘They are precise, engaging, professional, they respect deadlines and do everything they can to give you the best support when you have an urgent request.’
‘Know their client’s business very well, are always available in very short time to tackle unexpected issues coming up.’
Kernmandanten
LTIMindtree
Xerox
Zambon
Aspria
HH Global
Anaplan
Compass Lexecon
Air Canada
Veritas Technologies
Diageo
GB Food
Elo Touch
Stericycle
Careerminds
Isabel
Avalara
FBAA
Capgemini
G2V
Inditex
FTI
Godiva
ToolStation
Karl Storz
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Bolt on strategic employment matters, including implementing new reward plans for its drivers in Belgium.
- Assisting Godiva with a restructuring resulting from a shift in Godiva’s EMEA operations.
- Advised Eurostar’s management on pan-European employment, social security, and tax issues related to the merger of its operations in the EU and the UK.
Reliance | Littler
Reliance | Littler, boutique labour and employment firm, ‘stands out due to its client-centered approach’, supporting private and public sector clients across legal human resources matters. It often advises clients on the employment elements of cross-border transactions, collective redundancy plans, and transfers of staff. The team is co-headed by Koen De Bisschop and Edward Carlier. De Bisschop is a particular go-to for immigration matters, and Carlier often advises clients in the staffing industry. Fabienne Raepsaet joined the team in October 2023 from Claeys & Engels.
Praxisleiter:
Koen De Bisschop; Edward Carlier
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Anne-Valerie Michaux; Stéphanie De Ridder; Fabienne Raepsaet; Yne Machiels; Stefaan Diels; Pierre Van Achter
Referenzen
‘Always pragmatic, solution focused clear and concise explanation to the whole audience. Prompt and always reliable service explain all options and risk associated.’
‘Edward Carlier is always clear and pragmatic advice able to explain in “plain” language outlining risks and options (which can be commercial). reassuring conversation, expert advice. ’
‘The firm stands out due to its client-centered approach, leveraging a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges to deliver tailored legal solutions.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising a multinational listed corporation on two complex, high-value multijurisdictional transactions with a value above €1bn.
- Advising a private equity fund on the legal HR aspects of its cross-border acquisition.
- Advising an international corporation on a major cross-border restructuring plan involving a collective redundancy.
Sotra
‘A high-quality law firm specialised in social law’, Sotra runs the gamut of employment law, with expertise in international employment, social security law, public sector law and HR-related GDPR questions. It offers specialist expertise in restructurings, including transfers of undertakings, collective redundancies, and cross-border transactions. Olivier Rijckaert, team co-head, is developing the firm’s alternative conflict resolution offering, while co-head Marian Dewaersegger has specific knowledge of the logistics, aviation, and retail sectors.
Praxisleiter:
Olivier Rijckaert; Marian Dewaersegger
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Noël Lambert; Valentin Hanquet; Karel Devloo
Referenzen
‘Deeply specialised in social law.’
‘Strong expertise in social law. Great attention to meet the customers’ expectations: take time to understand the business and provide tailored advice from A to Z to ensure a smooth run of the project.’
‘Marian Dewaersegger is very talented, committed, and responsive. Talent to understand the business needs and provide the ad hoc reply. Can deal with our files in French, Dutch, and English.’
Kernmandanten
Heidelberg materials
Province de Hainaut
Talent.Brussels
Centre Hospitalier Jean Titeca
Touring
ASL Airlines
ikanbi
Cost Association
Analis
Atradius
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted a multi-national in the logistics sector with a TUPE operation with an impact on + 80 employees, including drafting the transfer-CBA.
- Defending several companies in different sectors in several court procedures in the context of the 2024 social election campaign.
- Assisted Touring, with strategic advice in union-negotiations, and several projects, such as ESG and specific procedures regarding employees on long-term sick-leave.
Younity
Boutique firm Younity provides an all-round service in human resources law, with expertise in M&A support matters internationally alongside deep pension knowledge; its pensions experience extends to longstanding relationships with major insurance companies. Jean-Philippe Cordier co-heads the team, specialising in co-determination within large corporations and overall well-being in the workplace. Corinne Merla, co-head, is a key contact for occupational pensions, state pension plans, and individual insurance plans. For litigation, Brecht Cops is the go-to, recommended for his ‘very practical solutions’ to clients’ issues.
Praxisleiter:
Jean-Philippe Cordier; Corinne Merla
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Brecht Cops; Aurore Guérit; Manon Denis; Kevin Della Selva
Referenzen
‘Jean-Philippe Cordier, Manon Denis, and Corinne Merla perform their duties in an excellent way and are also great personalities.’
‘Very strategic in their approach; collaborated creatively with multiple partners on the same deal.’
‘We worked primarily with Brecht Cops who had a good command of the law and had very practical solutions for issues that came up.’
Kernmandanten
Axa Belgium
BNP Paribas Fortis
ByMyCar Brussels
Carrefour Belgium
CMA CGM AIR CARGO HOLDING
Colisée Group (Armonea)
EASI
Elia
European Region of the Airports Council International
Exki
Federal Chamber of Representatives
Groep Waaslandia
Home Invest Belgium
ING
Keolis Belgium
Michelin
Mint Tandartsen
MSF (Médecins sans Frontières)
MyData-TRUST
Nordex
Orelia
Petit Forestier
Pexip
Politico
Red Cross Flanders
Safe Brussels
Sandvik
Sprimoglass
TIP Group
TÜV Nord
UBER
UCB
Walloon Parliament
Zadig & Voltaire
Zeeman
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Uber on litigation and social inspections regarding the self-employed status of its drivers and its couriers.
- Advised Michelin on negotiations of a social plan with the unions after the decision to close a plant.
- Representing insurance company Axa Belgium in litigation opposing the Federal Pension Service and various of its former executives following FPS decision to reduce the statutory pension of the executives.
AKD
The ‘highly responsive, highly knowledgeable’ employment and pensions team at AKD provides both day-to-day support and targeted advice regarding the employment elements of restructurings, M&A, and financial regulation. Julien Hick, team head, is ‘a brilliant mind’ and a particular go-to for corporate employment matters, with specific experience in the financial services industry and data protection related matters. For pensions work, Heleen Franco is the go-to.
Praxisleiter:
Julien Hick
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Heleen Franco
Referenzen
‘Highly responsive, highly knowledgeable, very easy-going.’
‘Julien Hick is my go-to lawyer for anything employment related in Belgium.’
‘Availability, very high responsiveness, strong listeners, real business enablers, excellent sparring partners, pragmatic approach. What I strongly value is that their client’s interests come first.’
Kernmandanten
AG Real Estate
Medtronic
CFE Group
Wasserman
Securitas
Louis Delhaize Group
Spadel
Ncardia
Barilla
Allseas
Hyundai Merchant Marine
Marks & Clerk
Auto1 Group
Babyliss
Redevco
Nuxe
Socotec
Dessange
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted Medtronic with a redundancy exercise.
- Assisted an insurance company with the reorganisation of its management committee.
- Assisting a multinational food wholesaler with the redesign of its transport services, including cross-border work issues.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird‘s international HR services practice group works closely with colleagues from the firm’s global offices to handle day-to-day support, strategic advice on large-scale transactional matters, and disputes. It has a notable sector focus in technology, including data privacy matters. Pieter De Koster and Anton Aerts co-head the team; De Koster is experienced in high-profile employment litigation and cross-border matters, while Aerts regularly handles transfer of undertakings, corporate restructurings, and redundancies.
Praxisleiter:
Pieter De Koster; Anton Aerts
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Cecilia Lahaye
Kernmandanten
Cadence Design Systems
C&A
Colgate-Palmolive
Straumann Group
Cooper Consumer Health
Vlerick Business School
Neste
Patria Oyj
Elanco
Salesforce
Workday
VF International
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Elanco on the full process of setting up a European works council, governed by German law. The assistance included benchmarking contract details towards industry standards, advising on strategic issues, and securing management positions in contract negotiations.
- Assisted Straumann Group, a Swiss-based group in the dental care industry, with the set-up of a European works council, incl strategic issues on governance, composition, governing law etc.
- Assisted Zoom with both collective and individual labour law issues.
Crowell & Moring
Crowell & Moring‘s labour and employment team has experience spanning individual and collective labour matters, restructuring advice, privacy and data protection, and outsourcing arrangements. Sector strengths for the team include telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and aerospace. Team co-head Emmanuel Plasschaert is often sought after for complex restructurings and collective labour law disputes, and co-head Evelien Jamaels has growing experience in international employment and global mobility.
Praxisleiter:
Emmanuel Plasschaert; Evelien Jamaels
Referenzen
‘This is a solid team of employment lawyers, led by Emmanuel Plasschaert and Evelien Jamaels. They have a large portfolio of clients and are active in both individual and collective employment matters. They also have a solid practice as litigators.’
‘Emmanuel Plasschaert is a natural leader with solid experience in all aspects of employment matters.’
‘Evelien Jamaels is getting experience and visibility as a recent partner.’
Kernmandanten
Adecco
Audax Management Co. LLC
Delhaize Le Lion (Ahold)
Ingersoll Rand
Liga voor Mensenrechten
Mobileum
Oxera Consulting
Sandoz
Sun Chemical
The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)
Vias institute
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising longstanding client Oxera on challenges related to their Belgian operations, particularly providing day-to-day employment law advice and applying for single permits for non-EU employees and interns.
- Advising the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) on a range of global mobility and international employment issues, as well as advice on the work rules.
- Assisting Sandoz in dealing with sensitive employment-related issues as well as providing day-to-day employment law advice.
Eversheds Sutherland
The ‘reactive and business-oriented’ employment, labour, and pensions team at Eversheds Sutherland works closely with colleagues across the Benelux region, providing strategic ongoing HR law advice to its clients along with capabilities in collective dismissal matters. These collective labour matters are an area of strength for team co-head Stefan Corbanie, while co-head Céline Wauters is experienced in the employment elements of Belgian market entries and global reorganisations.
Praxisleiter:
Stefan Corbanie; Céline Wauters
Referenzen
‘The team is very reactive and business-oriented. They are always looking for a pragmatic and practical solution to all issues. The team also has great experience and skills in collective bargaining and restructuring. ’
‘Stefan Corbanie is a unique and highly-skilled lawyer, with exceptional skills in managing industrial relations, negotiations, and people management. He is also a wonderful person with a great sense of humor, who always treats his colleagues and peers with the utmost respect. ’
‘They have been a great help to all our employment files. ’
Kernmandanten
Ryanair
Pentair
G4S
Rockwell Automation
GXO Logistics
Orange
Eaton
Newell
Dornan
UPL (Arysta)
Avery Dennison
Nokia
Expedia
Certis Belchim
Johnson Controls International
Parker Manufacturing
Paul Smith
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted Ryanair on a one-year social conflict with its pilots.
- Advised a manufacturing client on the collective dismissal process.
EY Law
EY Law fields a growing team of specialists in its employment law practice, handling day-to-day labour law and HR challenges, individual dismissals, compensation and benefits matters and collective labour law. Practice head Barbara François advises clients both domestic and international on their reorganisation and restructuring projects, along with support during employment and social security audits.
Praxisleiter:
Barbara François
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Peter Suykens; Marie-Emilie Truyens
Kernmandanten
Possehl & Co. mbH Group
Sophora Unternehmerkapital GmbH
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Heimerle + Meule GmbH Group on the acquisition of all shares in the international Royal United Mint Group, the second largest private industrial holding company in the production of coins used for currency, from the Belgian Heylen Group.
- Advised Sophora Unternehmerkapital GmbH on the acquisition of an international group headquartered in Belgium from the Belgian and Austrian shareholders and on the subsequent roll-over reinvestment by the latter.
Jones Day
The labour and employment team at Jones Day ‘offers comprehensive support across a wide range of legal matters’, with experience supporting clients in restructuring processes, litigation procedures, and transfer employment matters. Day to day HR matters, social security compliance, and employee benefits also make up the practice of team head Chantal Biernaux, ‘an exceptional lawyer’ and certified mediator. Sara Vanderstraeten joined the team from PwC Legal in July 2024, bringing ‘a remarkable ability to break down complex issues’.
Praxisleiter:
Chantal Biernaux
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sara Vanderstraeten
Referenzen
‘Chantal Biernaux is an exceptional lawyer, very client oriented, and a pleasure to work with.’
‘I have worked with Sara Vanderstraeten. Besides her strong subject knowledge, she is very to the point, available, and engaged.’
‘I work closely with Sara Vanderstraeten and I must say that her approach is truly impressive. She has a remarkable ability to break down complex issues, offering clarity and thorough detail in her explanations.’
Kernmandanten
The Hain Celestial Group – Lima Natuurvoedingsbedrijf BV
Lifeline Scientific
GardaWorld Security Corporation
Riverside Europe Partners BV
Nitto Belgium NV – Nitto EMEA NV
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisting Nitto Belgium NV with the restructuring of their Belgian production entity.
- Assisting GardaWorld Security Corporation on the termination of employment of Belgian employees and the appointment of new directors.
- Advising the Belgian and French branch of The Hain Celestial Group on a broad range of employment law matters, in addition to matters raising data protection issues, administrative/competition law-related procedures and corporate housekeeping matters.
Laurius
Laurius‘ employment team boasts ‘deep knowledge of labour law in Belgium’, with its expertise spanning corporate transactions and regulatory matters. Heading the team, Damien Stas de Richelle has knowledge of both individual and collective employment law, with notable experience in corporate restructuring, outsourcing transactions, and industrial relations with trade unions.
Praxisleiter:
Damien Stas de Richelle
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Olivia Vansteelant
Referenzen
‘They are very involved for the clients, proactive and responsive.’
‘I regularly work with Damien Stas de Richelle, who is very responsive with a wealth of professional experience.’
‘Deep knowledge of labour law in Belgium’
Kernmandanten
RE-GO AUTOPARTS LIMITED
Itineris NV
Silverfin NV
Joe & The Juice NV
Signature Foods Belgium NV
SA International Europe NV
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised RE-GO AUTOPARTS LIMITED on the procedure of multiple dismissal in accordance with the competent joint committee due to its voluntary liquidation and closure of the Belgian branches and assisted with drafting the necessary information-, consultation- and termination documents.
- Advised Itineris NV with various HR-issues such as drafting of transaction and termination agreements in the framework of dismissals, drafting work regulations, company policies on IT, privacy and mobility budget, etc.
- Advised Joe & The Juice NV on a wide range of employment-related matters regarding their branches in Antwerp & Brussels, Belgium, such as but not limited to work regulations, working time regime, dismissals, policies, etc.
Monard law, joined by Buyle
Praised as a ‘go-to counsel for sensitive and high risk issues’, the employment and social law practice at Monard law, joined by Buyle focuses on international and trans-national employment work, with a transactional and advisory emphasis. Brussels practice head Bert Theeuwes ‘is amazingly knowledgeable’, while Tom Messiaen takes the lead in Ghent and Peter Dufaux is the go-to in Hasselt. Areas of particular focus for the team include social security law, compliance and audit work, and international mobility.
Praxisleiter:
Tom Messiaen; Peter Dufaux; Bert Theeuwes
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Astrid Aerts
Referenzen
‘High level of availability and pragmatic approach.’
‘Tom Messiaen and his team are ready to help with all questions, whether it’s larger advice or a short practical question. Always to the point.’
‘Bert Theeuwes is a practical lawyer, to the point, and delivers work on time.’
Kernmandanten
Atlas Copco
Autogrill Belux
ARAG Belgium
Kyocera
Subaru
GLS Group
CLARIO
Carglass
Sisu Group
KBC Bank
Secured
Keyloop
IPL Global
Chemoplast
Medpace
Fluvius
Zeelandia
Douglas
FOX-IT
Awaze
Hedin Automotive
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised US-based CLARIO on restructuring issues, the implementation of international policies, and the reorganisation of the working environment.
- Advised AUTOGRILL on all employment and HR compliance-related aspects of their business in Belgium.
- Advising Carglass, a global player in vehicle glass repair, in highly sensitive litigation, including discrimination disputes.
PwC Legal
PwC Legal‘s employment offering covers the entire spectrum of employment issues, including both individual and collective labour law, compensation and benefits, and social audits. Its close collaboration with PwC’s tax, finance, and advisory teams internationally is a standout element of the practice. Team head Pascale Moreau has particular experience in company restructuring, including closure and transfer of undertakings, and post-deal harmonisation of labour conditions. Sara Vanderstraeten departed the team for Jones Day in July 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Pascale Moreau
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Olivier Chapelle; Jessica De Bels
Referenzen
‘They know their stuff and make the theoretical knowledge fit the needs of our organisation.’
‘People make the difference, they know our customs, the environment we operate in.’
‘For us as a Dutch client, it is important to be able to fully rely on our juridical advisors, as we do not always have the knowledge of the Belgium law ourselves. Jessica De Bels and her team members taught us along the way how things work, by providing us complete (but still easy to understand) explanations, and practical solutions.’
Kernmandanten
CM (Christian Mutuality)
Greenyard
Intys
Brunswick
Umicore
Iscal Sugar
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems
Gaming1
Ring Twice
Colruyt
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a global manufacturer of telecommunication equipment on the employment aspects of a large-scale, cross-border corporate simplification project that involved companies in nine different countries.
- Representing the Belgian subsidiary of a global technology company in several dismissal cases, and in a highly sensitive dispute with the trade union delegation.
- Advised a company active in the food wholesale industry on the entire deal life cycle of their acquisition of a sector counterpart, including comprehensive due diligence services and post-deal integration.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons fields an employment team with depth of experience in redundancy projects, reorganisations, and harmonisations. It often supports large, international clients, with particular strength in the financial services, investment funds, TMT, and healthcare and life sciences sectors. Herman Craeninckx joined the team in March 2024 from Strelia, bringing longstanding experience in company restructuring. Former practice head and cross-border employment expert Dimitri Van Uytvanck left for Baker McKenzie in January 2025.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Herman Craeninckx; Jérôme De Ruyver
Referenzen
‘Proactive, pragmatic, and sensible advice always given – with an eye and ear always to what the client business is seeking to achieve.’
‘Jérôme De Ruyver is seriously impressive. His ability to get to the core of the issues at pace and provide pragmatic advice makes him stand out. He is a safe pairs of hands needed when navigating issues in Belgium.’
Kernmandanten
Monument
Warner Media
Moody’s
Indeed
Alcon
Sonic Healthcare
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Align Technology
Bank of New York Mellon
Ascend Performance Materials
Infano
British American Tobacco
Straumann
AXA XL
GlaxoSmithKline
Strelia
Characterised by its ‘exceptional understanding of the evolving legal landscape’, the employment and benefits team at Strelia handles matters from hiring and dismissal through to transfers and retirement. Its key areas of strength include individual employment law, HR transformation and change management, and industrial relations. Practice head Stefanie Tack regularly handles company restructurings, labour inspections, and whistleblowing cases. Herman Craeninckx left the firm in March 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Stefanie Tack
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Marnix De Greve
Referenzen
‘The practice’s uniqueness lies in its deep knowledge of the Belgian system combined with a thorough understanding of how firms operate outside of Belgium. The team’s ability to think creatively and push boundaries, often questioning what others typically accept as given, sets it apart.’
‘Stefanie Tack stands out for her exceptional qualities. She is not only creative and thorough but also highly approachable and down-to-earth. Her bright intellect and ability to lead the practice with professionalism set her apart.’
‘Strelia’s employment practice stands out for its exceptional understanding of the evolving legal landscape, particularly in areas that intersect with human rights and corporate responsibility, such as supply chain laws.’
Kernmandanten
Accor Invest Belgium sa
Jensen Hughes
Cenexi
IQEQ Holdings (Belgium) nv
Abrisud Bénélux sa
Cabaïa (Valtex)
Carrefour
Esprit
Ordina
CEJI aisbl
SOL Group
Essity Belgium sa
IRIS Group
Form3Tech
Nedschroef
Vermeg
Exki
WWF International
Herta Belgium bv
Netcompany – Intrasoft sa
Novadip Biosciences sa
Sopra-Steria Benelux
Sumitomo Chemical Europe nv
Marken Ltd
Soil Capital Belgium srl
TransPak Inc.
Menssa
Bergerat Monnoyeur nv
SYUS
Corinthia – Hôtel Astoria sa
Brigade Electronics
Xolutions Plus
ElectroRent
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Carrefour Belgium SA on all labour and employment law aspects linked to its acquisition of several Match / Smatch stores in Belgium.
- Assisted Cenexi SA in a collective dispute with its employees and the trade unions after it ended the weekend production shift.
- Assisted Nedschroef Herentals NV in the implementation of its internal whistleblowing scheme.
Tetra Law
Tetra Law‘s specialised labour department works cross-departmentally within the firm to provide support in tax matters and social criminal proceedings alongside its work in international mobility, company reorganisation, and harassment and discrimination. ‘Outstanding’ team head Sylvie Lacombe is experienced in dismissals, including mass lay-offs and company closures.
Praxisleiter:
Sylvie Lacombe
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Julie Malingreau
Referenzen
‘We have outstanding communication and collaboration with the all team of Tetra Law. We can trust them on their legal advice and on top of this advice, it’s practical.’
‘Sylvie Lacombe is in one word: outstanding. A pleasure to work in confidence with her although the cases and situations are not always easy.’
‘Thorough, detailed knowledge of Belgian social law and its common practices. Thinking along with the client, clear communication and bilinguism.’
Kernmandanten
Acumen Public Affairs
Armonea Group
Bank Nagelmackers SA
Beaba
Belgian Horeca Management
Befimmo Group
Chimay Group
Codic Belgique & Codic International
Euronext Brussels
Jones Lang Lasalle SPRL + Jones Lang Lasalle Services SA
Lagardère Travel Retail Belgium (before International Duty-Free NV)
Nelson Labs Europe
Nyxoah
Pemco Belgium
Straker (Idest)
Strudelimmo
Warner
Vibrantz
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted the Belgian and Luxembourg Jones Lang LaSalle entities with the CEO Belux’s departure, successfully negotiating termination modalities and drafting the settlement agreement.
- Advised three former colleagues from a public institution in Brussels and Wallonia on a criminal complaint against a colleague for sexual and moral harassment at work.
- Advised Acumen Public Affairs on an employee’s move from Ethiopia to Italy under a self-employed agreement.
Van Bael & Bellis
The employment law team at Van Bael & Bellis provides ‘swift, pragmatic advice’ on matters from restructurings and collective dismissals to workplace discrimination and harassment, with additional experience in pensions matters. Its work in the negotiation of collective labour agreements is a particular strength. Catherine Longeval, litigation specialist, co-heads the team with ‘powerhouse’ Sara Beutels, who often handles the employment elements of corporate transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Catherine Longeval; Sara Beutels
Referenzen
‘VBB distinguishes itself by providing swift, pragmatic advice and deeply engaging with each matter. Their team is very reactive and following up to ensure we are complying with our employer obligations in Belgium. ’
‘The team has a very good knowledge of Belgian employment law.’
‘Sara Beutels is the key employment lawyer to go. She is super responsive and provides high-quality advice in a practical manner with a very good business focus. ’
Kernmandanten
Altano
Avanade
Bidvest/Bidfood
Brussels Airlines
DiaSorin
EPAM
Exact
Fremantle
Gedeon Richter
Goodix
Hyundai Motor Company Brussels
KIA Belgium
Nissha Metallizing Solutions
Pentax Medical
Powersports Distribution Group
Publicis Groupe
Quaker Houghton
Rockwool Group
Sopra Steria
Sponge
Truvion Healthcare
Universal Fibers
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Truvion Healthcare, an international healthcare products manufacturer, with the closure of its entire Belgian division of medical representatives.
- Assisted longstanding listed client EPAM with a wide variety of employment law work.
- Advised Powersports Distribution Group, a global motorcycle parts distributor, on several highly technical employment matters.