The team of  ‘motivated, client-focused and highly skilled professionals‘ at Aurion is described as ‘the best in the sector’. Its proficiency in association and foundation law remains in high demand among non-profit organisations and foundations spanning all corners of the non-profit sector. The practice is also sought out for its expertise in the  impact investment and social enterprise segments. Sarah Verschaeve  – ‘a real expert on non-profit matters’ – is an authority on organisational issues faced by not-for-profit entities. Yvette Verleisdonk‘s advisory expertise is frequently sought out by social funds, impact investors and social enterprises. Evelyne Maes is embedded in public law disputes with government licenses and public procurement among her areas of activity. Lisa Bueken is another name to note.

Certified BCorp Impact lawyers offers non-profits a ‘ winning combination of knowledge of the sector, expertise in the field and the creativity to come to good solutions‘. Areas of expertise include alternative litigation techniques, public-private cooperation and hybrid collaborations between not-for-profits and for-profits, and the legal framework of social enterprises. Marleen Denef, praised for possessing ‘holistic, in-depth knowledge in her field’, co-leads the practice alongside alternative litigation expert Coralie Mattelaer and transactional expert Benoit Spitaels. Xanne Holvoet‘s expertise in intellectual property and data protection is an important asset for the team.

With clients ranging from the Belgian Volleyball Association to the Republic of Pakistan, the practice at ALTIUS assists a broad range of organisations with legal issues such as regulatory issues under European law, intellectual property rights, data protection and litigation. Practice head Jérôme Vermeylen  handles corporate issues such as the setting-up and functioning of not-for-profits; competition expert Carmen Verdonck has a strong track record in obtaining merger control clearance from the Belgian Competition Authority; and Olivier Vrins is a key contact for IP mandates and has a notable focus on the field of designations of origin and geographical indications. Commercial specialist Gerrit Vandendriessche is a further name to note.

Geared to advise Belgium-based trade & industry associations, Bird & Bird is also frequently sought out by European scientific institutions for assistance with the structuring and rolling out of Pan-European collaborative research projects. Paul Hermant spearheads the team’s offering alongside Brent Springael. The former has in-depth expertise concerning the structure, membership and governance of international associations and federations, while the latter leverages his tax expertise to advise non-profit clients on matters directly and indirectly related to tax. Anne Federle‘s competition law expertise is valued highly by industry association clients.

With a strong market reputation for its work in the healthcare sector, Eubelius is geared to assist international and domestic clients encompassing foundations, universities and governmental not-for-profit associations with an array of legal and tax issues associated with the organisation of their activities in Belgium. Matthias Wauters is a key contact for not-for-profit healthcare players; Barteld Schutyser has in-depth knowledge of public procurement-related matters; employment specialist Liesbet Vandenplas is well positioned to advise on restructurings; and public bodies and not-for-profit institutions turn to Korneel Decroix for assistance with Belgian tax law. In Antwerp, Frank Hellemans is well versed in corporate and securities law.

‘Particularly strong at advising international associations and membership bodies, including trade associations‘, the team at EY Law is active across work such as the incorporation of legal structures under Belgian and European not-for-profit law, bespoke governance structures for associations, and a wide range of issues associated with the establishment, running and, if necessary, liquidation of associations and foundations. Antoine Druetz  is praised for his ‘deep knowledge of Belgian and European law’. Alix Degrez is well positioned to advise non-profit clients on complex governance issues, while Valérie Havaux has expertise in corporate and not-for-profit law.

The core pillars of  Intui‘s corporate and non-profit practice group are transactions, litigation and advisory work for a variety of not-for-profit entities from sectors ranging from elderly care to education. The team has seen an increase in instructions relating to litigation for associations, notably in matters pertaining to director’s liability. Leuven-based Caroline Hotterbeekx leads the team alongside Anneleen Steeno and Robbie Tas ,  who both divide their time between Leuven and Brussels. Steeno frequently handles major transactional work in the not-for profit space, while Tas combines a strong contentious practice with advice on issues such as articles of incorporation.

Praised for being ‘quick to grasp the technicalities’ of questions relating to associations, KADRANT LAW  is also well placed to assist organisations, foundations and other groups in the not-for-profit space with issues encompassing  corporate governance, incorporation and the revision and amendment of articles of association. Practice head Giulia Mauri is well versed in advising clients on a range of corporate governance and compliance issues.

An array of national and international non-profit organisations, trusts and charities turn to Monard law, joined by Buyle for assistance with issues including corporate law, employment law, real estate and liability matters. Bert Theeuwes, Pieter Van den Broeck and Wouter Moonen jointly lead the practice. Hasselt-based Moonen is well positioned to advise on the domestic and international implications and scope of procurement legislation. In Antwerp, Thomas Christiaens also has a strong focus on public procurement.

Praised for being ‘particularly well versed in the development of statutes for international not-for-profit associations’, Osborne Clarke‘s expertise is sought out by charities, hospitals, and other domestic and international organisations, and is particularly popular with clients from the research, healthcare and education sectors. The firm’s far-reaching offering incorporates advice on corporate matters, voluntary  international employment and cross-border restructurings. Ruth Wirtz leads the team and counts the implementation of new governance models and contractual disputes among her practice strengths.

Corporate governance, contract negotiations and IT issues stand out as areas of competence for the not-for-profit team at Pierstone. The unit is also well positioned to advise on a range of IP issues; senior partner Alain Strowel frequently brings his tech and IP expertise to bear on mandates in the sector. Practice head Patrice Vanderbeeken's varied portfolio of work incorporates advice on IP, contracts and data protection law. Hélène van Rijckevorsel is singled out for her data protection expertise.