Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Industry focus: Media and entertainment in Belgium

A&O Shearman

The practice at A&O Shearman has expertise in all areas of TMT, with vast knowledge of media and entertainment matters. The practice benefits from the firm's wider global network, allowing it to represent film and television production companies, newspaper publishers, music publishers, and advertising agencies. Filip Van Elsen leads the team, with expertise in IP law, often assisting media companies with regulatory, IP, defamation, and broadcasting matters. Peter Van Dyck co-heads the team along with Van Elsen. Wouter Van de Voorde is key to the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Filip Van Elsen; Peter Van Dyck


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Wouter Van de Voorde


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ALTIUS

The ‘high-level, diligent, hard-working, and available’ team at ALTIUS represents lucrative clients in the media and entertainment field, with particular expertise in sports law. The team often assists sports associations and professional footballers. For one client, Sven Demeulemeester and Grégory Ernes are ‘by far the best lawyers within the industry’, both having extensive experience in representing athletes, investors, and sports governing bodies. Olivier Vrins also leads the team, with extensive knowledge of IP-related matters. Willem-Alexander Devlies is noted for representing Belgian and international clients in the sports sector on regulatory matters and employment-related disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Sven Demeulemeester; Grégory Ernes; Olivier Vrins


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Willem-Alexander Devlies; Alexander De Bleeckere


Referenzen

‘Great, experienced, high-level, diligent, hard-working and available team of lawyers, on top of the sports industry.’

‘Willem-Alexander Devlies. My lawyer for 9 years now. I saw him rising to the top of the sports law field, year after year. I trust him blindly to deal with my business. He is always available and always finds a solution. He is pragmatic, works fast and his advice and drafting work is always high-level. ’

‘Sven Demeulemeester and Gregory Ernes: by far the best lawyers within the industry.’

Kernmandanten

PACE Rights Management LLP


Mediahuis NV


VRT


Pipe Entertainment


Club Bruges FC


Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht


Royal Antwerp Football Club


KRC Genk


Standard de Liège


Royale Union Saint-Gilloise


Lommel SK


KV Kortrijk


KV Mechelen


Cercle Bruges


KMSK Deinze


City Football Group


Cardiff City FC


Tout Puissant Mazembe FC


UEFA


Pro League


Trek Baloise


Alpecin Deceuninck


Kevin De Bruyne


Thomas Meunier


Chancel Mbemba


Youri Tielemans


Leander Dendoncker


Vrenz Bleijenbergh


Jasper Philipsen


Wasserman


Sport and Entertainment Group


Forza


Belgian Tennis Association


Belgian Volleyball Association


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  • Advised Kevin De Bruyne, the famous Belgian professional football player of Manchester City and the Belgian Red Devils, on the use of deep fakes of his name, voice, image and likeness for advertising.
  • Advised a major European media company focusing on politics, government, and public policy in screening and clearing articles before publication and in disputes against Members of the EU Parliament on freedom of speech and of information and the exercise of the right of reply.
  • Assisted reigning Belgian football champions Club Bruges with the dismissal for just cause of a professional football player and ensuing employment court litigation.

Crowell & Moring

Crowell & Moring‘s technology and media team is ‘open, innovative, intelligent and creative’, advising clients in the music, gambling, and sports sectors. Members of the team are adept at representing clients before courts and regulatory bodies. Edward Taelman joined the firm in March 2024 from A&O Shearman, bringing expertise in IP, with a focus on trademark litigation. Sari Depreeuw’s practice centres on IT and copyright law. Leading the team is Thomas De Meese, with expertise in media and gambling regulatory matters, along with Jan-Diederik Lindemans, focusing on IP and media-related litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas De Meese; Jan-Diederik Lindemans


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Edward Taelman; Sari Depreeuw


Referenzen

‘I would personally recommend this practice to anyone looking for an open, innovative, intelligent and creative partner in matters of media production. The speed at which they operate to understand any business problem and translate it into a legal solution of framework is simply uncanny. 

‘I have met some smart people in my life, but still the colleagues of Crowell & Morgan impressed me with their ability to retain any given information and deliver their feedback in a concise, yet clear-cut way was very impressive.’

Kernmandanten

Yotta Games


Electronic Arts


Universal Music


Weareone.world


Tomorrowland


Liberty Global


Dutch Filmworks International Holding


Telenet


Unibet


European Gaming and Betting Association


DPG Media


Federation of Flemish Music Festivals


IPM Group


Events Confederation


ARTTS


Backcatalogue


Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerp


Homework CommV


The GreenShot


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  • Advise many betting & gambling companies on the regulatory framework applying to the betting & gambling industry in Belgium.

CMS

The practice CMS advises on sports, gaming, and e-sports, particularly in relation to financing, sports rights marketing, and regulatory requirements. The practice works closely with offices of the firm in other jurisdictions, allowing it to handle EU and international media and sports law issues. Tom Heremans leads the practice, with vast expertise spanning copyright, trademark and patent law, along with Dirk Van Liedekerke, who also heads the team. Van Liederkerke’s practice centres on EU and Belgian competition law.

Praxisleiter:

Tom Heremans; Dirk Van Liedekerke


Referenzen

‘We appreciate the breadth of services and knowledge that this practice has, from IP to general commercial law.’

Kernmandanten

FIFA


Napoleon


Meta


Anda Ackx


EURid


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  • Representing Meta (Facebook), Inc., in Belgian court proceedings brought against Facebook, Inc., Facebook Ireland and Facebook Belgium by the Belgian Data Protection Authority for a series of alleged infringements of EU and national rules on privacy protection regarding the use of cookies and pixels.
  • Assisting and representing Napoleon group in respect of a series of commercial and regulatory matters following the acquisition of Napoleon by Superbet, including several litigations in front of the Constitutional Court, the Administrative Supreme Court and the civil courts.
  • Representing FIFA in the Diarra litigation in the Belgian courts (currently pending with the Court of Appeal of Mons) on the compatibility of several principles of the FIFA players’ transfer rules (in particular, rules on arbitration and on the co-liability of the new club of a player in case of unilateral termination of the agreement by the player without just cause with his former club) with the EU competition and free movement rules.

DLA Piper

Representing local and multinational film, television, and sports players, the practice at DLA Piper often collaborates with the firm's corporate, employment, and tax teams. Public sector clients also regularly rely on the knowledge of the team led by Alexis Fierens. Fierens has a vast understanding of advisory and contentious IP matters. Bob Martens and Michaël Heene are integral to the team, while Heidi Waem is noted for her data protection expertise.

Praxisleiter:

Alexis Fierens


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Bob Martens; Michael Heene; Heidi Waem


Kernmandanten

Superbet


Tosca


777 Partners


Bpost


Concord Music


DPG Media


Eagle Football Holdings


Kinepolis


Napoleon Games


Pacific Media Group


The Walt Disney Company


VRT


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  • Assisting Napoleon Games with legal proceedings seeking the annulment of a new legislation and advising the client on the use of their trademarks and the adaptation of their trademarks and their brand strategy in general in order to comply with the new legislation
  • Representing VRT in the context of various annulment procedures initiated before the Council of State against the decision of the Flemish Media Regulator, whereby it determined a violation of the advertising ban on VRT for broadcasting pre-rolls on its digital streaming platforms.
  • Assisting DPG Media with a patent dispute initiated by the Dutch company Digital Transparency, acting on behalf of patent holder Insite Innovations and Properties, regarding an alleged infringement by DPG Media on a European patent for “a system and method for processing web-browsing information”.

Edson

The practice at Edson is commended for assisting its clients ‘professionally, thoroughly, and efficiently’, representing videogame publishers and developers, betting and gaming operators, and high-profile print media publishers. Assisting ticket resale platforms and broadcasters is also within the remit of the team’s strengths. Leading the team is Pieter Paepe, joined by Christoph De Preter. Also of note are Dries Beckers and Julie Kennes.

Praxisleiter:

Pieter Paepe; Christoph De Preter


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dries Beckers; Julie Kennes


Referenzen

‘We presented Edson legal with a complex litigious matter which they were able to assist with professionally, thoroughly, and efficiently. The team at Edson legal were also able to work with very tight deadlines.’

‘Christoph De Preter is the key contact at Edson Legal who oversees Edson’s mandate assisting the business in defending the enforcement claims it faces in Belgium. The business is very satisfied with his industry knowledge, analysis and work product. He is viewed as a trusted advisor. He routinely makes himself available to talk through issues, which is appreciated. The business would also like to mention the following individuals at Edson Legal for their contribution: Pieter Paepe, and Dries Beckers.’

Kernmandanten

Belgian Games


Kindred


Lannoo


Betsson


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  • Representing four key companies in the media and entertainment industry, namely: Rossel; JC Decaux, RTL and IPM, in proceedings before the Belgian Council of State to challenge the lawfulness of the new advertising rules on games of chance in Belgium. The court case is currently pending.
  • Acting for The National Hockey League in an agreement between the NHL and Betway (U.S.). For this agreement in particular, the NHL acquired legal analysis regarding the different jurisdictions where Betway was allowed to operate and advertise in Europe.
  • Assisted Betsson with entering the Belgian gaming market first by negotiating a strategic partnership and joint venture with Casinos Partouche (2022) and later by the acquisition of the Betfirst group (2023).

Liedekerke

The ‘supportive and responsive’ team at Liedekerke routinely acts in high-profile cases related to IP and data protection. Work concerning licensing, trade secrets, market practices, and privacy and data protection are strengths of the team, which is also skilled at representing clients in high-profile proceedings. Etienne Kairis  leads the practice with longstanding experience spanning distribution law, IP, and IT law. Sarah Van Den Brande is key to the team, with a focus on copyright, trademarks, and design work. Bernard Vanbrabant is noted.

Praxisleiter:

Etienne Kairis


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sarah Van Den Brande; Bernard Vanbrabant


Referenzen

‘Supportive and responsive.’


Kernmandanten

IMPS


Agicoa


Vlaamse Nieuwsmedia


Euronews


Sorare


Marcel Liebaert


Belgian Data Protection Authority


Moncler


Gamesys


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  • Representing the three main Belgian press publishers’ alliances in a litigation before the Constitutional Court in relation to the action for annulment brought by two major information society service providers – Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. and Google (Google Ireland Ltd. and Google LLC.) following the entry into force of the legislation implementing the new press publishers’ neighbouring right.
  • Assisting the AGICOA group, the International Collective Management Society for Film Producers (Agicoa Genève), and its Belgian affiliate (Agicoa Europe Brussels) with several litigation proceedings against BAVP (Belgian collecting society of producers of audiovisual works), against Telenet, Proximus, Orange, Voo and Brutélé, the main Belgian cable operators, and against Orange.
  • Advising Euronews with its cross-border reorganisation and assisting them with all the employment law related aspects of the reorganisation, such as a review of the employment conditions of the current Belgian employees, developing a strategy to harmonize the current and future employment conditions of all Belgian employees, providing an overview of the specific rules applicable to the media industry, assist with the transfer of French employees to Belgium, dismissal cases, etc.

MVVP

MVVP represents numerous leading film and production companies, broadcasters, publishers, and advertising agencies in a wide range of advisory and contentious matters. Peter Marx leads the practice with his extensive experience in copyright and trademark work, areas in which co-head Herman Croux is also an expert. Finally at leadership level is Olivier Sasserath, who brings knowledge of unfair trade practices to the team, with experience litigating high-profile IP matters before Brussels courts.

Praxisleiter:

Peter Marx; Herman Croux; Olivier Sasserath


Kernmandanten

Sabam


Universal Music Publishing


A Private View


Walking the Dog


Rosas


Wiels


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  • Acting as co-counsel in several court proceedings regarding tariffs for audiovisual broadcasting of audiovisual productions.
  • Acting for Journalist Association VVJ challenging censureship measures by political party leader, struck down by Ghent Court of Appeal.

Stibbe

Stibbe’s media practice is noted for its ‘availability, expertise, and quick answers’, leveraging its expertise in the sector to advise leading clients in the media and entertainment, as well as sports sectors. The practice combines knowledge of technology, regulatory, and IP issues to provide a comprehensive offering for its clients. Team head Erik Valgaeren is recognised for his longstanding expertise in media-related matters. Elisabeth Matthys specialises in sports law, while Ignace Vernimme has vast knowledge of patents, designs, and trademarks and copyright.

 

Praxisleiter:

Erik Valgaeren


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Elisabeth Matthys;  Ignace Vernimme


 


Referenzen

‘Availability, expertise, and quick answers.’

Kernmandanten

Belgian Football Association


Momentum


Warner Media


Soundcloud


Pro Basketball League


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing the Royal Football Association of Belgium in several lawsuits, a.o. regarding the Financial Fair Play Regulations, licensing, contract and corporate law, Third Party Ownership regulations, transfer issues.
     
  • Advising Temu on the gamification of specific user functionalities in its mobile application, as well as on the involvement of influencers on social media channels.
  • Assisting Momentum capital with their dispute with a major international recreational park and a broad spectrum of IP rights.

AdaStone Law

The practice at AdaStone Law is recognised for its ‘combination of efficiency, clarity, and solution-oriented thinking’, working for a number of broadcasters, distributors, producers, and advertisers. The team is experienced in media-related contracts, rights attribution, and negotiations. Collective rights management, advertising campaigns, and digital marketing are also within the remit of the team. Leading the practice is Agnès Maqua, with a particular focus on advertising work. Hannah Tacheny co-heads the practice, whilst leading the firm's data practice. The pair are highly skilled at handling complex domestic and international matters. Katrien Maris and Charlotte Beeckmans are noted.

Praxisleiter:

Agnès Maqua; Hannah Tacheny


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Katrien Maris; Charlotte Beeckmans


Referenzen

‘Excellent relation with the team!Always available, on time, very clear, very professional.’

‘Friendly yet direct approach. quick response times and always practical alternatives. Combination of efficiency, clarity, and solution-oriented thinking. Ability to balance personable service with straightforward legal advice sets them apart from other firms.’

‘Hannah Tacheny stands out for their exceptional client service and industry knowledge. her approach is characterised by her ability to quickly grasp complex issues and provide practical, business-oriented solutions. Her responsiveness and clear communication make her invaluable in time-sensitive situations. I’ve also had positive experiences working with Agnès Maqua. Both Hannah and Agnès differentiate themselves from competitors through their proactive approach to legal challenges. They consistently offer multiple viable solutions, empowering clients to make informed decisions.’

Kernmandanten

Netflix


NGroup


NRJ France


Politico


Furu


Dreamwall


Comite Olympique Interfederal Belge


Acc


UBA


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  • Advising and assisting Netflix on the assessment of the new regime of investment obligation contribution imposed in the French speaking region of Belgium and on the preparation of a challenge in front of the Belgian Constitutional Court.
  • Assists Dreamwall on the development of its cutting-edge advertising technologies from both legal and contractual perspectives. The firm assisted with the setting up of a proof of concept of virtual reality on a worldwide known motor- racing circuit.
  • Assisting Furu on the production of a specific documentary ready to be distributed (identifying the authorisations to be obtained, identifying the intangible assets free of rights, the chain of rights and the process for obtaining authorisations and operating licences, financing measures and implementation procedures, including tax shelters).

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird‘s media practice handles high-profile cases across broadcasting, radio, advertising, and distribution. The team works closely with members of the competition and IP practice. Benoit Van Asbroeck leads the team, highly commended for his intellectual property expertise. Hein Hobbelen also heads of the practice, working with leading international companies on media-related competition matters. Guillaume de Villegas is key to the team.

Praxisleiter:

Benoit Van Asbroeck; Hein Hobbelen


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Guillaume De Villegas


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Cooley LLP

Cooley LLP‘s media and entertainment practice represent leading companies in the sector, acting on complex EU regulatory and data protection matters. The team is adept at handling cross-border mandates, and representing clients before EU data protection authorities. Practice head Patrick Van Eecke‘s ‘knowledge of the field is first class’, and Enrique Gallego Capdevila, who has ‘impressive knowledge and foresight in the media law’.

 

Praxisleiter:

Patrick Van Eecke


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Enrique Gallego Capdevila


Referenzen

‘I recognise Cooley LLP for its outstanding team and diversity.’

‘I am working with Enrique Gallego Capdevila and Patrick Van Ecke. Enrique has impressive knowledge and foresight in the media law. We are very happy working with them!’

‘Providing practical and hands-on advice about the market practice and our peers’ work.’

Kernmandanten

Grindr


Bytedance


MoonActive


Fenix International Limited


Meta


Century Games


SuperEvil


ToyBox


Sportway


Snap, Inc.


Sindarin


Push Gaming


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  • Represented ByteDance (TikTok) in multiple lawsuits against TikTok in the United States on EU regulatory matters and provided advice on various regulatory submission before the European Commission under EU digital rules, such as the Digital Service Act and Digital Markets Act. The firm also provided public policy advice for ByteDance’s EU regulatory strategy.
  • Advising OnlyFans on their internal and external policies, advising on a wide range of IT regulatory matters including the Digital Services Act and taking into consideration a number of factors, including content moderation and the use of automated tools.

CRESTA

The team at CRESTA consists of ‘hands-on lawyers with an in-depth legal knowledge and understanding of their business’, advising a number of leagues, federations, and national teams on high-profile sports cases. For one client, what differentiates the boutique is its ‘outstanding capabilities and excellent network of contacts in the field of sports law, in particular regarding complex transfers of football players’. Team head Sébastien Ledure is a ‘very good negotiator, and very knowledgeable in the football market’, while Arnaut Kint has vast experience in playing employment agreements, endorsement deals, and corporate matters. Wouter Janssens is noted.

Praxisleiter:

Sébastien Ledure


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Arnaut Kint; Wouter Janssens


Referenzen

‘Cresta are hands-on lawyers with an in-depth legal knowledge and understanding of their business. As people, they can be characterized as collaborative, creative and dependable.’

‘Wouter Janssen is driven by his desire to assist his high-level clients in the best possible manner. He’s a quick creative thinker with a focus on delivering high value advise and services.’

‘Cresta’s team is characterised by an attentive approach to clients‘ real needs, supported by excellent legal and strategic analysis skills in relation to all issues revolving around the clients’ careers.’

Kernmandanten

Romelu Lukaku


Remco Evenepoel


Memphis Depay


Leander Dendoncker


Noa Lang


Arthur Vermeeren


Zeno Debast


Alexis Saelemaekers


Stefan De Vrij


Albert Gudmundsson


Yorbe Vertessen


Nicolas Raskin


Martin Braithwaithe


Norman Bassette


Madi Monamay


Steven Defour


Sandrine Gruda


Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee


Jean Kindermans


Intermarché Wanty


Aleksandar Atanasijević


Micah Ma’a


Ebrar Karakurt


Laura Dijkema


Georges Matijasevic


Zelos


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  • Advising Belgian international football player Romelu Lukaku on various sports, commercial, personal, and corporate matters. This includes all aspects related to his high-profile transfers to Chelsea FC and Internazionale Milano. In August 2023, the firm advised Lukaku on his transfer to AS Roma, successfully negotiating one of the top three highest salaries in the Italian Serie A.
  • Successfully represented Dutch international football player Stefan de Vrij in legal proceedings before the Amsterdam Courts against his former agency Sports Entertainment Group, addressing conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, and disproportionate commission fees.
  • Assisted with all aspects (negotiations, contract drafting, tax optimisation,…) of the transfer of then 18-year old Belgian national team player Arthur Vermeeren from Royal Antwerp FC to Atlético de Madrid. Key challenges included protecting the client’s bargaining position in a situation where Royal Antwerp FC was forced to sell due to financial distress, while also securing the necessary remuneration mechanisms to ensure the client will be fairly remunerated of the course of his six-and-a-half-year deal with Atlético de Madrid.

Deloitte Legal

For one client, what differentiates the practice at Deloitte Legal is its ‘great knowledge of both our specific sector and the legal branch’. The team focuses on work in the audiovisual and sports industries, with expertise in handling complex, multijurisdictional mandates. Leading the team is the ‘easily accessible’ Willem-Jan Cosemans, along with Matthias Vierstraete and Yannick Van den broeke. Christoph Michiels is noted.

Praxisleiter:

Willem-Jan Cosemans; Matthias Vierstraete; Yannick Van den broeke


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Christoph Michiels


Referenzen

‘Great knowledge of both our specific sector and the legal branch.’

‘Willem-Jan Cosemans: knows what is legally possible, but also what is commercially suitable, which makes it a perfect match. Easy accessible.’

Kernmandanten

Club Brugge


Streamz


Pro League


Telenet


Accoustic Sound Solutions


Premium Sound Solutions


JC Decaux


Publiroute


Doggybites


Katholieke Mediagroep


Cartamundi


FCV Dender EH


Antwerp Diamonds FC


Game Mania


Mediagenix


Cirque du Soleil


Dow Jones & Company


Royal Antwerp Football Club


Nintendo


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Everest

Everest‘s practice is commended for its ‘pragmatic working and good knowledge of the sports law industry’. Issues related to white-collar crime, competition law, and tax are all strengths of the team, which advises athletes, sports organisations, and high-profile teams and sponsors. Leading the team, which is commended for its ‘subject knowledge and drive’, is Mathieu Baert, who ‘stands out for his deep expertise, responsiveness, and strong client relationships’. Stijn De Meulenaer is noted for his ‘outstanding practical knowledge’.

Praxisleiter:

Mathieu Baert


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Stijn De Meulenaer


Referenzen

‘Subject knowledge and drive.’

‘Mathieu Baert: Thorough knowledge of the subject matter and practical experience as an athlete. Drive. Contact with the client.’

‘We witnessed the high level of professionalism of this team in the work we carried out. I can say that their biggest strengths are their ability to produce fast and effective solutions and their good cooperation on blocked issues.’

Kernmandanten

International Tennis Integrity Agency


International Tennis Federation


Pro League


A-Group


GDM Sports


Mousa Dembele


United Games


Flemish Sports Federation


The Hungarian Basketball Federation


The Hungarian 3×3 Basketball Team


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  • Advised A-Group, a leading sports agency firm, in its acquisition by YouFirst. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of YouFirst into the Belgian market.
  • Represents the Pro League (the Belgian Premier League Association) in their sports related litigation before both sports related tribunals and government courts. The cases vary from licensing files, calendar and championship disputes and television rights issues.
  • Represents the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) in disciplinary investigations and proceedings involving players accused of violations under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program, primarily related to match-fixing. This representation includes appearing before the ITIA’s internal tribunals as well as before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER

HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER‘s practice acts for a number of publishers, producers, and broadcasters. The firm is adept at handling IP related matters, and handles contentious and non-contentious work for its clients. Fabienne Brison, a founding partner of the firm, leads the team, with specific knowledge of copyright and media law. Tim Robrechts is key to the team, along with Alessandra Poppe.

Praxisleiter:

Fabienne Brison


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alessandra Poppe; Tim Robrechts


Kernmandanten

Anne Frank Fonds


Lars Olsen


Playright


Semu


The Palm Beach BVBA


Wilde productions


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