Firms To Watch: Employment

Schoups handles an increasing volume of contentious employment matters and enjoys close relationships with clients in the construction sector.
Simmons & Simmons has continued to expand both at junior and senior levels and is capable of handling a growing volume of mandates under the leadership of Dimitri Van Uytvanck. Restructuring expert Herman Craeninckx, formerly at Strelia, joined the team in March 2024.

Employment in Belgium

Claeys & Engels

Claeys & Engels maintains its longstanding reputation as a top-tier specialist firm capable of handling the full breadth of employment matters, with its very large team of lawyers handling tax, data protection, and immigration matters in addition to advising on core employment issues. Pension-related questions and corporate restructurings are key areas of expertise for the firm, which counts leading Belgian and multinational corporates from a range of sectors such as retail and financial services as well as a wide array of public bodies on its client roster. Olivier Wouters is a key contact for restructuring work, in addition to handling the employment aspects of complex M&A, and co-leads the practice with Chris Engels, who is noted for his extensive experience handling collective dismissals. Inger Verhelst specialises in union relations and employee discrimination matters, while Sophie Maes stands out for her advice on cross-border employment and immigration matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris Engels; Olivier Wouters


Autres avocats clés:

Inger Verhelst; Sophie Maes; Fabienne Raepsaet; Ward Bouciqué; Bart Vanschoebeke


Les références

‘C&E has a unique combination of deep theoretical knowledge and expertise with pragmatic understanding of clients day to day needs.’

‘Very short response time, deep knowledge and expertise, solid understanding of client needs, pragmatic approach (no ivory tower perspective).’

‘Great firm to work with. Top of class in employment law. Knowledgeable, yet practical and solutions oriented. Pleasant and reliable people, client-interested, good culture across the board.’

A&O Shearman

In addition to advising on corporate transactions and reorganisations, A&O Shearman represents its domestic and multinational corporate clients in internal investigations and litigation, especially in the context of terminations, employee conduct concerns as well as payment and benefit disputes. Close collaboration with the firm’s global network and with the corporate, IP, and tax practices allows the team to offer clients comprehensive due diligence advice in the context of new policy roll-outs, M&A, and leadership changes, while also being well equipped to advise on employment contracts and collective bargaining matters. The practice is led by Christian Bayart, who is particularly well versed in compensation and restructuring matters. Further key contacts include benefits expert Inge Vanderreken and Virginie Vercheval.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christian Bayart


Autres avocats clés:

Inge Vanderreken; Virginie Vercheval; Bart Franceus


Les références

‘Over the years, Christian Bayart has built up in-depth knowledge of our organisation and activities and is therefore ideally placed to handle the intake of our more complex legal issues in the field of employment. As a partner, he is always quickly accessible, committed and extremely reliable in his advice.’

‘Competent team with good coverage across markets. Proactive approach to challenges.’

‘Excellent availability to support the client needs.’

Principaux clients

Port of Antwerp Bruges


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Port of Zeebrugge on all the employment, social security and pension aspects of its merger with the Port of Antwerp, resulting in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

ALTIUS

The team at ALTIUS advises on cross-border mergers and transactions, assists with restructuring and TUPE matters, and handles individual and collective dismissals and employee disputes for a client base of large corporates that is particularly concentrated in the sports sector. The team also regularly advises on the implementation of new company-wide policies and remuneration schemes, working closely with partner firms to provide integrated employment and tax advice to its clients. Practice head Philippe De Wulf handles a wide portfolio of contentious and non-contentious employment issues, with a particular focus on transactional matters. Sven Demeulemeester and Grégory Ernes have represented Belgian football clubs and sports governing bodies in high-profile dismissals and contract disputes. Emma Van Caenegem is the key name at counsel level. Pauline Van Parys joined from Strelia in April 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philippe De Wulf


Autres avocats clés:

Sven Demeulemeester; Emma Van Caenegem; Grégory Ernes; Astrid Caporali


Les références

‘The team proactively advises on any labour law changes and provides practical advice in a timely and approachable manner. You can count on them to be your legal partner.’

‘It’s always a pleasure to work with Astrid Caporali on labour law matters. She is ever-available and offers real-world practical advice that is most appreciated.’

‘I have worked with Philippe De Wulf, Sven Demeulemeester and Emma Van Caenegem. They have a good client base. They are dynamic, knowledgeable, responsive and practical. ’

Principaux clients

Mars


C&A


Oracle


McCain Foods


ABE Clearing


Biogen


StepStone


Alight (NorthGateArinso)


Crisp


Marriott


Media Markt


Cigna


TI Automotive


Magnit


MSD


G-Star


Royal Antwerp Football Club


Racing Genk


Club Brugge


City Football Group


Miles Mobility


Siemens


Dell Technologies


Canon


Hexagon


GL Foods


Hilding Anders


RSC Anderlecht


MSD


AniCura Group


dsm-firmenich


4PX


Ascend Materials


Vanguard Logistics


Airplus International


Itab


KellyDeli


Berry Superfos


Will Pharma


Alliance Optique


Prem Group


The Nickel Institute


The Cobalt Institute


Fenzi Group


Winterhalter


Precisely (former Vision Solutions)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a fashion retailer on managing a coordinated staff reduction at its European main office as part of a comprehensive business and internal restructuring effort triggered, in part, by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Assisted university hospital UZ BRUSSEL with the employment-related aspects of the implementation of an alternative variable remuneration scheme, including a bonus pension plan.

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL

Major multinationals in the life sciences, TMT, retail, and financial services sectors instruct Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL to advise on the full spectrum of HR and employment litigation matters. The team is especially reputed for its ability to provide advice on the employment aspects of corporate reorganisations and restructuring projects and also stands out for advising on senior hires and dismissals, internal and external investigations, and misconduct cases. Practice head Nancy Luyten primarily advises on employment contracts and terminations, while Sebastian Burg is an expert in restructurings and Annick Van Hoorebeke focuses on executive compensation matters. François Gabriel left the firm in December 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nancy Luyten


Autres avocats clés:

Sebastian Burg; Annick Van Hoorebeke; Ellen Devloo; Julie Van thienen


Les références

‘The team and the firm are very client-friendly, very helpful and flexible.’

‘We are working closely with Nancy Luyten and Sebastian Burg from the Employment team. They provide excellent service and are very flexible and available. I also appreciate very much the legal advice based on the experience in the field but also their pragmatic approach, thinking with the business to find a solution.’

‘We have consulted the team across many different issues we have had and their expertise is second to none.’

Principaux clients

Abbott


Airbnb


Baloise


Bain Capital


Bank of America


Cadence Design Systems, Inc.


Carglas NV


Core Equity Holdings


Galderma


Godiva


Lloyds


Mercedes-Benz Group


Nasdaq


Nike


Securitas


ServiceNow


Tiffany


Citibank International


Lenovo


Sony


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted the Kantar Group with the Belgian employment law aspects of the split between its public business and its insights business and the subsequent worldwide sale of the public business to third-party investor Trilantic Europe.

CMS

The team at CMS is ‘exceptionally knowledgeable‘ across employment and pensions issues and is capable of providing support to the likes of Google in the context of global transactions and restructuring projects, while also handling a large volume of HR matters related to benefits, harassment claims, and dismissals. The team is also well versed in litigation and has a particular focus on clients in the gig economy, with Sophie Berg representing major multinationals in high-profile employee classification and remuneration disputes. Practice head Gaël Chuffart is noted for his expertise in collective bargaining, while Elke Duden focuses on corporate reorganisations and contract negotiations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gaël Chuffart


Autres avocats clés:

Sophie Berg; Elke Duden; Karen Dereepere; Bertrand Simonart


Les références

‘The CMS Brussels Employment team is exceptionally knowledgeable and world-class. The partners and associates not only perform the employment services with a high degree of sophistication, but they also take the time to teach and explain how Belgian law is applied in each situation. They are interested in ensuring our team is knowledgeable and independent. In addition, it’s nice to see and work with diversity, and CMS embodies this.’

‘The CMS Brussels Employment team is accessible when we have urgent matters and they grasp the issues very quickly. The employment laws in the transport industry, including the labour issues, are very complex. I can rely on CMS to assist our legal team with these matters and meet the timelines. The lawyers in the Employment practice are personable and easy to work with. As a result, we use CMS for employment, commercial and other legal matters.’

‘Elke Duden is accessible and attentive to detail. I am particularly impressed by her ability to drill down to the heart of our issue or concern immediately.’

Principaux clients

AT&T


Accenture


BNP Paribas


Colliers


DPD


Deliveroo


Exxon Mobil Petroleum & Chemical BV


Google


Imerys


J&J Pension Fund


Korn Ferry


Otis


Pharma Belgium


Primark


Qatar Airways


Safe.brussels


Sanofi


Sterigenics


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Google on day-to-day employment law issues such as the termination of employment contracts, labour inspections, thematic leaves, and its global restructuring.
  • Advised DPD on day-to-day employment law issues such as employee tax benefits, dismissals for serious cause, dawn raid assistance, implementation of a whistleblowing policy, and others.
  • Advised Deliveroo on day-to-day employment law issues.

Liedekerke

The employment team at Liedekerke stands out for its expertise in all dismissal-related questions, advising on individual and collective dismissals in the context of TUPE and restructuring projects, employee misconduct and criminal investigations, and closures. Practice head Paul Geerebaert is a key contact for this line of work and is noted in particular for his ability to represent clients before labour courts and tribunals. Further contacts in the team, which is also capable of advising Belgian and foreign corporate clients as well as governmental and public institutions on collective bargaining matters, discrimination claims, and the employment aspects of M&A, include Vincent Busschaert and Bruno Aguirre.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Geerebaert


Autres avocats clés:

Vincent Busschaert; Loic Timmermans; Bruno Aguirre; Siemen Buttiëns; Leen Holvoet


Les références

‘They are easy to work with, they have a very good client base, they know their clients and pay attention to their needs.’

‘A significant and excellent employment practice with a number of high-profile partners.’

‘The Liedekerke employment team are very knowledgeable, responsive and take a practical, commercial view to all matters. In terms of how they frame and provide advice, they operate in the role of a true business partner and always try to understand and articulate the commercial implications and outcomes of any particular scenario. As a general counsel, this approach is extremely helpful in managing issues and articulating potential legal/commercial risks to our business.’

Principaux clients

Euronews


Grand Opticiens Belgium


IGVM (Institute for Equality of Men and Women)


LM Belgium


Argea (Veolia Group)


Safestore Group


Reply Group


B&B Hotels


Michael Kors


Volker Wessels Telecom Belgium


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised B&B Hotels on various employment law related questions and projects, including the acquisition of new hotels in Belgium, the transfer of undertakings, the dismissal of employees and providers’ services agreements.
  • Advised Euronews on all the employment-related aspects of its reorganisation, including a review of the employment conditions of current Belgian employees, the development of a strategy to harmonise the current and future employment conditions of all Belgian employees, and the provision of an overview of the specific rules applicable to the media industry.
  • Advised Volker Wessels Telecom Belgium on the client’s intention to shut down its activities in Belgium and on the related collective lay-off.

Loyens & Loeff

Loyens & Loeff combines tax and HR expertise to provide a comprehensive employment offering to clients located primarily in the retail, financial services, tech, and industrials sectors. Areas of focus for the team include advising on the employment aspects of corporate mergers, acquisitions, and reorganisations, as well as senior-level dismissals, immigration matters and new company-wide remuneration policies. Since the arrival of Joris Beernaert from Claeys & Engels in November 2022, the team also serves as the central point of contact for an increasing number of clients seeking advice on pensions and benefit-related matters. Beernaert now co-leads the practice with vastly experienced restructuring specialist Kris De Schutter and Filip Saelens, who is adept at handling the employment aspects of cross-border transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Filip Saelens; Kris De Schutter; Joris Beernaert


Autres avocats clés:

Lucia Bellobuono; Etienne Pennetreau


Les références

‘Very high level of technical expertise in many domains of HR. Very much a team working for us, coached and guided by a senior mentor in Kris De Schutter.’

‘Kris De Schutter is an excellent lawyer. Fast feedback and intake into the problem.’

‘Flexible, pragmatic and to-the-point collaboration.’

Principaux clients

P&V Insurance


DHL Employee Benefit Fund


Ghent University


Pensioenfonds PRO


Chevron


Remy Cointreau


Ferrero Ardennes


Yara International


BMW


ACEA


Fertilizers Europe


H&M


Inditex


Manuchar


Brunel


BNP Paribas Fortis


AG Insurance


Platinum Equity


Goodyear


SD Worx


Lunch Garden


Novartis


GXO


Celanese


Candriam


Brussels Airlines


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised GXO on the closure and restructuring of one of its plants, leading to a collective dismissal procedure.
  • Advised P&V insurance on the development of its new branch 23 occupational pension schemes.
  • Advised Demant on the employment and pension aspects of the acquisition of the audiology business of Goed Hulpmiddelen.

Lydian

Lydian‘s team comprises a large roster of employment and pensions specialists capable of advising Belgian and multinational clients as well as notable individuals on contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Litigation and investigations are a core are of focus for the team, with practice co-heads Alexander Vandenbergen and Jan Hofkens having recently represented clients in complex and high-profile disciplinary proceedings related to toxic leadership, contentious dismissals, and gender-based discrimination claims. The team also provides routine advice on HR contracts and policies and handles the employment aspects of corporate restructurings and closures, with Jurgen De Vreese serving as a key contact in this space. Kato Aerts, who provides employment advice in the context of cross-border undertakings, and health and discrimination expert Eveline Ankaert are also highly recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexander Vandenbergen; Jan Hofkens


Autres avocats clés:

Jurgen De Vreese; Isabel Plets; Kato Aerts; Eveline Ankaert


Les références

‘Broad field of knowledge and experience within the company.’

‘Jurgen De Vreese and the employment team are great partners in helping us to navigate employment law and best practice in Belgium. They are approachable, friendly, supportive and flexible, with a welcoming informal style, which invites questions and challenge. They are very easy to connect and communicate with, with strong knowledge presented in an easy to understand way.’

‘Jurgen De Vreese has a very pragmatic and partnering approach, taking the time to understand our business and what it is we need to achieve, jointly partnering with us to help us get to a preferred solution. His guidance is always very straight forward and clear, with considered options, risks and a view on how we might prefer to proceed.’

Principaux clients

Capgemini


Ethias


Bekaert


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


Blackberry


DKV


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


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 Cucinelli


Wolford


Svens Handel


Commonwealth War Graves Commission


Bilfinger


McDonald’s Belgium NV


Estée Lauder Cosmetics NV


Aperam Stainless Belgium NV


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Bloomberg with all labor and employment matters, including dismissals due to performance or breach of policies, and the drafting of contracts and policies.
  • Advised AG Insurance in connection with a discrimination complaint filed against the client.

Stibbe

Leading multinationals and Belgian corporate and public clients rely on Stibbe‘s comprehensive employment and pensions expertise, which encompasses restructuring projects, harassment and discrimination claims, and payment disputes and is particularly concentrated in the area of collective dismissals. The team handles contentious and non-contentious dismissals in the context of corporate reorganisations and internal investigations and also assists with dismissal-related trade union negotiations. Elisabeth Matthys, who is a key contact for this line of work, maintains close relations with clients in the sports sector and co-leads the team with Jérôme Aubertin, who has ‘exceptional knowledge’ of employment and social security litigation. Pensions and insurance expert Jan Proesmans is also recommended. Dieter Demuynck left the team in December 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Elisabeth Matthys; Jérôme Aubertin


Autres avocats clés:

Jan Proesmans; Charlotte Mortiaux


Les références

‘Elisabeth Matthys has excellent knowledge and is very constructive and solutions-oriented.’

‘Jérôme Aubertin is super-available and always drives you to the practical solution.’

‘The team is very reliable, has a high level of expertise and a pragmatic approach for clients which is very appreciable.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Atos on its global restructuring through carving out its tech foundation services (now Atos) from its cloud IT Services (now Eviden).
  • Acted for the Institute for Gender Equality of Women and Men as well as several (former) female players of the Belgian national volleyball team in a landmark case concerning transgressive behaviour.
  • Assisted the Benelux Union with litigation before the Benelux Court of Justice versus its former Secretary General following a decision to stop automatically increasing his statutory Benelux pension based on indexation.

Van Olmen & Wynant

Van Olmen & Wynant cements its presence in the market through its extensive experience in employment litigation, representing standout Benelux corporates and public organisations in high-profile disputes before Belgian labour and constitutional courts. The team is particularly well versed in defending clients in equality and discrimination claims. Under the leadership of Chris Van Olmen, the group also leverages its employment expertise to advise on collective dismissals in the course of corporate restructurings and mergers. Vincent Vuylsteke focuses on civil service law, while Gautier Busschaert has experience advising on European social law. Nicolas Simon is also recommended for his advice on harassment, privacy, and discrimination issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris Van Olmen


Autres avocats clés:

Vincent Vulysteke; Gautier Busschaert; Nicolas Simon


Les références

‘I highly recommend Van Olmen & Wynant. With an exceptional track record in employment and labour law, they consistently demonstrate unparalleled expertise in navigating complex HR legal issues. Their team of seasoned attorneys combines deep industry knowledge with a client-centric approach, ensuring tailored solutions for every unique situation. They excel in providing comprehensive HR legal services, from employment contracts to workplace discrimination cases. Their commitment to excellence, responsiveness, and a forward-thinking approach make them the go-to choice for businesses seeking top-tier HR legal support. Their impressive track record is a testament to their unwavering dedication to delivering outstanding results for their clients in the dynamic landscape of HR law. ’

‘Chris Van Olmen is an outstanding lawyer, very customer centric, with great business experience. He is clearly one of the best HR lawyers in the country and able to resolve all complex legal issues, as he understands the business strategy in an excellent way. I recommend Mr. Van Olmen very warmly.’

‘Chris Van Olmen – Trust is the way to describe him. You can trust he will be there. You can trust that he will help you in any way possible. You can trust the fact that he & the team will deliver.’

Principaux clients

Proximus


Bpost


NMBS-SNCB


HR Rail


Eurofins


Vivaqua


Loterie Nationale


STIB/MIVB


BICS


Farys


Gartner


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted an industrial company with a restructuring procedure, including the collective dismissal of more than 50 employees.
  • Advised a large bank on the social law aspects of a €38m acquisition of shares in an automotive company.
  • Advised a multinational construction company on the set-up of its whistleblowing policy.

Clifford Chance

In addition to advising corporate clients in Belgium and abroad on the employment aspects of high-profile M&A, Clifford Chance is capable of handling a wide array of strategic employment matters, advising on the introduction of new company-wide remuneration, working time and whistleblowing arrangements, handling collective bargaining and union negotiations, and assisting with TUPE and restructuring projects. Practice head Gert Cuppens also advises on senior-level hires and dismissals and handles a large volume of contentious matters around issues such as employee fraud.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gert Cuppens


Autres avocats clés:

Maxime Nyamabu


Les références

‘Very proactive team, always well focused. Delivers on time and chases others to do the same with no detriment on quality.’

‘Always well positioned, rounded, capable and experienced. They all shine.’

‘The firm is reliable and always at hand for any questions and advice, and I can honestly recommend them. Their approach is nothing but efficient, and results-driven. The team is always helpful, patient and professional, making them a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

Deliverect


Total Energies Belgium


Liberty Steel Group


Azelis


Prosus


Zoetis Belgium


Allego


Volkswagen


Airbus


Signode


Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC)


EPCO


Resortecs


CVC Belgium


Siemens


City of London Corporation


Fero Group


Barclays


Renault


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Deliverect on its strategic employment matters for the Belgian headquarters and all other jurisdictions where it is currently active.
  • Advised TotalEnergies Belgium on negotiations with unions in relation to a sensitive employee transfer impacting over 1,000 employees spread over 619 service stations.
  • Advised a US tech company on ensuring full regulatory compliance in the development of its operations in Belgium, including the use of sub-contractors and temping agencies, the implementation of specific working time arrangements, whistleblowing requirements, cross-border intra-group secondments and advice on the impact of the new postal law on the client’s operations.

Deloitte Legal

Deloitte Legal‘s integrated tax, HR and financial law expertise enables the team to maintain a wide-ranging portfolio of employment and pensions work that encompasses drafting new corporate and regulatory frameworks, advising on corporate restructuring and downsizing initiatives, and representing its roster of corporate clients in dismissals and discrimination-related disputes before employment tribunals. Practice co-heads Stijn Demeestere and Alexis Ceuterick are both well versed in dismissals work and regularly handle the employment aspects of M&A and collective dismissals procedures, while Stefanie Van de Perre, who joined from PwC Legal in January 2023, focuses on social security and criminal law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stijn Demeestere; Alexis Ceuterick


Autres avocats clés:

Setfanie Van de Perre; Karel De Schoenmaeker; Thomas De Donder


Les références

‘The Deloitte employment team has relevant experience with complex cross-border employment issues and focuses on delivering pragmatic solutions.’

‘Stefanie Van de Perre puts genuine effort into trying to understand the issue and to define together the expected outcome. In projects involving the coordination of teams at various international locations, she works in a time-efficient manner.’

‘Very good knowledge of social law in the public sector. Very approachable. Thinking about good solutions that correspond with the interests of the organisation. Especially Thomas De Donder.’

Principaux clients

Allianz Technology Benelux


University Hospital of Ghent


Beaulieu International Group


Terumo


AMP


Bpost


Barilla


Sony Music Entertainment


Showpad


Picanol


Toyota Material Handling


City of Antwerp


Milcobel


ON Semiconductor


Getinge Belgium


Kaneka Belgium


Matexi


Vlaamse Vervoermaatschappij De Lijn


Danone


Process Automation Solutions


Mainfreight


Pro League


Sony Music Entertainment


TVH


Kaneka Belgium


Borealis


DEME


Ackermans & van Haeren


Pur Natur


Denys


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Borealis on the setup and implementation of a social compliance model for (sub)contractors on a €1bn construction site following a criminal investigation about alleged human trafficking by a subcontractor.
  • Advised Beaulieu International Group on the sale of its tuft business involving a collective dismissal.
  • Advised Parkwind on the review of its labour management policy to ensure full social and human rights’ compliance with the Equator Principles IV, the applicable European and national law, as well as international law applicable to work at sea.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is noted for its cross-border approach to employment work, advising clients on international HR matters related to dismissals, multijurisdictional reorganisations and M&A, and complaints directed at global corporate entities. The team is also well versed in domestic regulatory matters, advising on corporate employment policy roll-outs and representing clients in contentious dismissal, accident and discrimination claims. Practice head Eddy Lievens is an expert in restructuring and whistleblowing issues, while Laurent De Surgeloose is noted for his collective dismissals and investigations expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eddy Lievens


Autres avocats clés:

Laurent De Surgeloose; Pierre Dion; Jascha Kolesnyk; Frederic Brasseur


Les références

‘DLA Piper Belgium are super responsive and adept at providing pragmatic and commercial solutions to tricky Belgian employment issues. They sit within a wider team that we utilise across EMEA. We particularly enjoy the trusted business adviser relationship we have with DLA Piper across EMEA where the advice is consistent, pragmatic and high-quality.’

‘Pierre Dion is a first-rate employment attorney who is excellent in helping us navigate the difficult Belgian employment law landscape to provide workable and pragmatic solutions.’

‘The team at DLA Piper is very strong, primarily because they work together as a team, which is not always obvious at other firms. The team smoothly takes over tasks from each other, without the client having to have the same communication all the time. Of course, and most importantly, the team members have a high level of technical knowledge in their respective fields and consult efficiently in matters that go beyond their domain.’

Principaux clients

Anixter


Asbest Partners


Baxter


BD Media


Cepa


Dentsu Aegis


Compusoft


Dr Martens Airwair


Element Materials


Emirates


Environmental Defense Fund


European Petrochemical Association


Extreme Networks


FMC Chemical


Hard Rock Café


Indeed


International Flavors & Fragrances


Lonza


Lucid Motors


Mediq


Miraclon


Netafim


Nielsen


Novus


Ontex


Pfizer


Prologis


PVH Europe


QBIC Investment Fund


Robert Half


Royal Sun & Alliance Group


Scania


Sodexo


Syneos


TD Synnex


The Cookware Company


World Courier


Zurich Insurance


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a technology company on all HR aspects of an acquisition in Belgium, which included support with the post-completion alignment with the client’s global HR organisational structure.
  • Advised a healthcare company on the implementation and handling of a collective dismissal process and the negotiation of a social plan.
  • Assisted a global measurement and data company with all aspects of the collective dismissal of about 20% of its workforce, from the information and consultation procedure and the negotiations with the trade unions on the social plan to the drafting of the documents necessary for the implementation of the collective dismissal.

Eubelius

Eubelius fields a team of ‘true specialists‘ whose expertise ranges from HR-related matters such as restructurings, dismissals, and collective bargaining to contentious issues, including whistleblowing procedures, external and internal investigations, and questions surrounding pension reforms and employee classification. The team’s broad client base encompasses major Belgian corporates as well as public sector organisations, which instruct the team to advise on constitutional issues in the context of new employment legislation. Liesbet Vandenplas heads up the practice and advises across a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Former practice co-head Veronique Pertry left the firm in June 2023, while Filip Van Beirendock departed in December 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Liesbet Vandenplas


Autres avocats clés:

Maaike Cornelli; Sam De Voogt


Les références

‘Very competent, hands-on, practical legal business partners, Liesbeth Vandenplas in particular.’

‘The legal team in Eubelius (Liesbet Vandenplans and Sam De Voogt) is strongly reactive, flexible and provides a professional contribution to support my internal team in Belgium.’

‘Their availability and the quality of their advice is very good. They think with us about the business and find creative legal solutions. They have extensive legal knowhow.’

Principaux clients

Thalys – Eurostar Group


European Payments Initiative


Fedrus International Group


PON Group


Claire’s Group


bpost Group


Ahold Group


Delhaize / De Leeuw


Crelan Group


Impextraco Group


Enabel


Federal Public Services for Employment, Mobility, Social Security and Pensions


Flemish government


Atenor


CSM Ingredients Benelux


European Trade Union Cooperation


D’Ieteren Group


Elia Group


Stork Group


Salvator Group


SD Worx Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised bpost on the termination of the employment and management agreements of several high-level management people within bpost as a result of multiple internal audits and compliance reviews.
  • Advised Flemish Government/Governmental Services in connection with various employment law and social security matters.
  • Advised the European Payment Initiative on all different aspects related to the staffing of a virtual company throughout Europe, starting with Belgium, France, Spain and Germany.

Fieldfisher

The team at Fieldfisher is led by ‘technically top-notch‘ employment expert Stefan Nerinckx, whose cross-border experience allows the team to advise international corporations on the employment aspects of their European expansions and defend clients in EU-wide contract and dismissal-related disputes. Additionally, the team provides routine due diligence advice in relation to new employment legislation such as the EU whistleblowing directive, and advises on cross-border restructurings as well as the introduction of new corporate policies. Further key contacts include Anne Kamp and Tim Perdieus.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stefan Nerinckx


Autres avocats clés:

Anne Kamp; Tim Perdieus


Les références

‘I highly recommend Stefan Nerincnkx, a senior partner, and Tim Perdieus, a young lawyer with a proven track record.’

‘The team at Fieldfisher keeps abreast with the latest regulations and shares its knowledge with clients and contacts. They are on the top of their practice and always have in mind the practicalities and pragmatism. They are a help to clients and are passionate about what they do, and that makes the difference.’

‘I have known Stefan Nerinckx for over a decade and what is powerful is that he is consistent in his approach: Technically top-notch, but always having in mind how to implement the solution for that particular client. He is so trustworthy and always available when you need him. Furthermore, he is very good in following files, negotiating and litigation.’

Principaux clients

NuSkin


NSE Products


Boortmalt


Methanex


Région de Bruxelles Capitale


Shurgard


Embuild


Floridienne


Biobest


EXKI


Security Masters


Magotteaux


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised BOORTMALT on its whistleblowing policy in eight EU countries to be compliant with the latest EU directive implementation.
  • Assisted SHURGARD with the set-up of a new remuneration scheme for its C-level executives in five EU countries, involving tax and employment law aspects as well as social security.
  • Assisted EMBUILD with the drafting of a specific handbook/guide for the construction sector to identify the exact scenario and its employment law consequences.

Linklaters

The ‘reliable and experienced team‘ at Linklaters routinely handles the employment aspects of strategic undertakings for the likes of Solvay and JP Morgan, focusing primarily on guiding clients through the implementation of new employment regulations and corporate policies as well as employee transfers and dismissals in the context of restructurings and corporate transactions. Litigation is a further area of focus for the team, with Luc Vanaverbeke handling a wide range of discrimination and employee fraud cases. Practice head Nele Van Kerrebroeck is a key contact for whistleblowing matters and corporate reorganisations, while Caroline Borgers handles tax and social security-related matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nele Van Kerrebroeck


Autres avocats clés:

Luc Vanaverbeke; Caroline Borgers; Thierry L’Homme; Jennifer Granado Aranzana


Les références

‘Reliable and experienced team.’

‘Nele Van Kerrebroeck is a skilled technical lawyer who has the drive to make the difference.’

‘Exceptional services. In-depth, pragmatic, client and solution-oriented, with high flexibility.’

Principaux clients

Galapagos


Solvay


Fluxys


JPMorgan


The Bank of New York Mellon


INEOS


La Lorraine Bakery


EY


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Galapagos with all its recent international/cross-border employment and incentives-related questions.
  • Advised Solvay on a number of sensitive and strategic projects, including queries regarding the HR aspects of its proposed change of headquarters.
  • Advised energy company Fluxys on a number of matters, including on the implementation of its whistleblowing policy at international level, the secondment of expats, and C-level challenges.

NautaDutilh

Belgian and multinational clients in the life sciences, TMT and manufacturing sectors benefit from NautaDutilh‘s full-service offering, which enables the team to provide integrated employment, insolvency and tax advice on complex cross-border M&A, corporate reorganisations, and judicial restructurings. In addition to advising on the employee transfer aspects of transactional undertakings, the team handles contentious proceedings arising from collective and individual dismissals as well as from contract disputes. Transactional employment specialist Philippe François leads the team, which is also home to collective bargaining and discrimination expert Thierry Duquesne.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philippe François


Autres avocats clés:

Thierry Duquesne


Les références

‘Very good customer orientation. The customer is at the center and his point of view, his concerns are listened to and understood beyond the sole application of the law. Excellent handling and follow-up of files.’

‘Long professional relationship with Thierry Duquesne and therefore very good understanding of the client and how he works. Ongoing research into the latest judgments and case law to prepare cases.’

‘Very good full-service law firm.’

Principaux clients

Banque Transatlantique


Basic-Fit


Bio-Life


Carpenter Technology Europe


Cerba Healthcare


Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc


Courir


Exki


Izipizi


Gunvor


Fiege Logistik


Kering


Nyxoah


Schneider Electric


Thales


Vaillant


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted S-Biomedic’s shareholders and co-founders with the employment aspects of the sale of shares to Beiersdorf.
  • Assisted the founding shareholders of Route Mobile with the employment aspects of the sale of a majority stake to Proximus.
  • Advised Connectis CMC on 10-15 legal proceedings following the judicial reorganisation and subsequent bankruptcy of Scinorteg NV.

Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke‘s team is knowledgeable across the spectrum of hiring and dismissal-related matters, regularly advising its roster of clients in the tech, retail and life sciences sectors on contentious and non-contentious corporate reorganisations and M&A, employee transfers, collective dismissals, and the onboarding of new executives. The team is also well equipped to handle pensions issues and relies on the expertise of Vinciane Rysselinck to advise on an increasing volume of immigration-related matters. Practice head Thierry Viérin is noted for his restructuring and TUPE expertise, while Bernd De Marrez is an expert in employment matters in the sports sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thierry Viérin


Autres avocats clés:

Vinciane Rysselinck; Bernd De Marrez; Julien Verbeke


Les références

‘My experience with Osborne Clarke Belgium’s employment law team has been excellent. They always provide detailed, clearly written analyses of legal requirements and legal risk that take not only the law but also business concerns and practical considerations (including market/industry practice) into account, which helps us make good decisions. The team is very responsive. The lawyers are knowledgeable, skilled and articulate, both the partner and the associates. I view OC’s employment lawyers as essential partners for us in Belgium.’

‘I work primarily with Thierry Viérin, Bernd De Marrez, and Julien Verbeke. I give them my highest recommendation. They are knowledgeable, skilled and very responsive, and the comprehensive and balanced legal advice they provide helps us move forward quickly and confidently.’

‘They are lawyers who really know their client and have a genuine curiosity to find out more. They’re also extremely practical and helpful.’

Principaux clients

Anaplan


Larsen & Toubro


Diageo


Avalara


Bolt


Novo Nordisk


Puma


Capgemini


Eurostar


Gitlab


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Xerox on an insourcing of activities transferred from an incumbent provider in relation to the servicing of machines on client sites.
  • Advised Bolt on the new Belgian act on platform workers.
  • Advised an international brand in the chocolate industry on its restructuring.

Reliance | Littler

Boutique firm Reliance | Littler handles a wide variety of transactional employment matters, ranging from M&A and reorganisations to collective dismissals and cross-border employee transfers, and also represents its clients in contentious proceedings related to remuneration, pensions and benefits. The consortium of practice heads includes immigration and international mobility expert Koen De Bisschop, restructuring specialist Edward Carlier, Anne-Valérie Michaux, who advises on the employment aspects of Belgian market entries, and Stéphanie De Ridder, who specialises in data protection matters. Whistleblowing and dismissals expert Yne Machiels is also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Koen De Bisschop; Edward Carlier; Anne-Valérie Michaux; Stéphanie De Ridder


Autres avocats clés:

Yne Machiels; Pierre Van Achter


Les références

‘Reliance is a boutique firm specialised in employment law. What I really like about the firm is that they have a multilingual team, which is very handy when our company is confronted with litigation cases in other languages, and that they are part of a broad international network of employment law firms, which we have often used when we were confronted with employment cases in other countries where we operate.’

‘Yne Machiels is a very accessible expert in employment law. She always provides practical solutions with which we can work with.’

‘Global vision of the issue. Facilitated contact with other departments.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a global corporation on all Belgian employment law aspects of a cross-border M&A transaction valued in excess of €1bn.
  • Advised an international company on a potential reorganisation of its logistics activities across Europe.

Sotra

Boutique firm Sotra maintains a ‘very professional and specialised‘ team that acts for corporate and public sector clients across the full breadth of social and employment law. In addition to advising on routine employment matters such as individual dismissals and collective bargaining, the team is also capable of handling the contentious and non-contentious aspects of company policy roll-outs, TUPE and restructuring projects, and disciplinary investigations. Practice head Olivier Rijckaert is noted for his dismissal and union negotiation expertise, while Marian Dewaersegger stands out for her ability to represent clients in contentious matters. Jonathan De Wilde frequently leads on public sector work, while Noël Lambert handles work for clients in the healthcare sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Olivier Rijckaert


Autres avocats clés:

Marian Dewaersegger; Noël Lambert; Jonathan De Wilde; Valentin Hanquet; Karel Devloo


Les références

‘I personally work most with Marian Dewaersegger, who is a really competent social lawyer and has built credibility with our social partners and management. She has a real customer focus and delivers on time. She will also not shy away from challenging us as she deems necessary.’

‘Sotra is a team of lawyers who are very professional and specialised in social law. They have great expertise which supports our international company. We can easily and quickly contact Sotra if needed.’

‘We have worked with Olivier Rijckaert and with Valentin Hanquet. Both have a lot of knowledge and experience in social law. I trust their analysis and I follow their advice.’

Principaux clients

Cimenteries CBR


Province de Hainaut


Talent.Brussels


Centre Hospitalier Jean Titeca


Touring


ASL Airlines


Gefco Benelux


Viridaxis


ikanbi


Cost Association


Analis


Atradius


Dstny


Akkodis


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Cimenteries CBR with all its employment matters on a day-to-day basis, including strategic advice regarding its dealings with works council and union representation within the company, drafting of CBAs, and individual dismissal cases.
  • Represented Talent.Brussels in seven disputes before the administrative court regarding the appointment of several top-managers in the Brussels administration.
  • Assisted Gefco, a French international industrial logistics company, with the closing of a branch of activities, involving a collective dismissal of ca. 50 employees.

Younity

Offering its clients a comprehensive service across various domains of employment law, boutique firm Younity is particularly reputed for its pensions expertise, advising both corporate and public sector clients on complex pension scheme modifications. Integrated expertise in immigration, employment, and data privacy law further allows the team to advise on TUPE and restructuring undertakings, collective bargaining matters, transactional issues, as well as contentious and non-contentious dismissals. The practice is led by collective bargaining expert Jean-Philippe Cordier and pensions specialist Corinne Merla, and is bolstered by the expertise of managing partner Brecht Cops.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jean-Philippe Cordier; Corinne Merla


Autres avocats clés:

Brecht Cops; Aurore Guérit


Les références

‘Important for us is the stability in the team as well as the quick approach and accurate response. We can rely on our attorney Brecht Cops and his staff.’

‘All matters we present to Younity are very urgent and require a quick and accurate solution. Brecht Cops knows the company and its needs very well. This has the advantage that a complex case can be briefly summarised by us and well understood by the lawyer.’

‘Team able to adapt to new topics in labour law and advise on draft regulations with concrete proposals.’

Principaux clients

Arrow


AXA


Baxalta


Belgian Chamber of Representatives


Benelux Union


BNP Paribas Fortis


ByMyCar Brussels


Crelan


CFE Group


Colisée Group (and subsidiary Armonea)


Elia


Epson Europe


Exki


Home Invest Belgium


Hummingbird Ventures Management


ING


Keolis


Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg


Martin’s Hotels


Michelin


Orelia


Primahome


Red Cross Flanders


RTBF


Sandvik Benelux


Sprimoglass


UBER


UCB


Waaslandia Autobussen


Zadig & Voltaire


Zeeman


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Belgian Chamber of Representatives on the legality of pension allowances and departure indemnities for Members of Parliament.
  • Assisting Brussels broadcast public organisation Brutélé with the transfer of employees and civil servant staff to a private undertaking.
  • Advised Belgian Pro League Football Club KAA Gent on the employment and pensions due diligence aspects of a Flemish entrepreneur’s acquisition of a majority share in the club.

AKD

AKD‘s employment team serves a growing base of clients in the Benelux region and abroad and is well versed in transactional matters, handling employee transfers, collective dismissals and closures in connection with corporate M&A and restructuring projects. Team lead Julien Hick is an experienced adviser and litigator who manages collective and individual employment issues and regularly defends clients before labour courts. Heleen Franco is also recommended for corporate employment matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julien Hick


Autres avocats clés:

Heleen Franco


Les références

‘Collaborators with a high level of HR knowledge and expert advice. Fast and efficient processing of requests. Flexibility.’

‘I believe Heleen Franco is a true asset of the firm.’

‘Very strong end efficient team, very good knowledge of the Belgian market.’

Principaux clients

AG Real Estate


Medtronic


Wasserman


Securitas


Spadel


Ncardia


Allseas


Hyundai Merchant Marine


Chemviron


Auto1 Group


Babyliss


Saksoft


Redevco


Nuxe


Socotec


Dessange


Life Fitness


Sichuan Airlines


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Medtronic on a redundancy exercise.
  • Represented AG Real Estate in a TUPE-related dispute against a former employee following the transfer of a business division.
  • Advised a multinational insurance company on legal requirements applicable to bonus clawbacks in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Bird & Bird

In addition to leveraging its global network to advise multinational clients on cross-border restructurings and mobility issues, the team at Bird & Bird also advises Benelux-based companies on union negotiations, employee fraud issues, and the employment aspects of corporate policy roll-outs. Employment litigation expert Pieter De Koster co-leads the team with Anton Aerts, who is noted for his immigration expertise as well as for his ability to advise on corporate reorganisations and collective dismissals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pieter De Koster; Anton Aerts


Autres avocats clés:

Cecilia Lahaye


Principaux clients

Colgate-Palmolive


Elanco


Metsa Board Oyj


Mulder Natural Foods


Nitro


Patria Oyj


Ricoh Belgium


Salesforce


Vlerick Business School


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Wolters-Kluwer on day-to day employment and immigration matters, including a dispute with an employee, the relocation of Russian and Belarussian employees to Belgium following the war in Ukraine, as well as the relocation of highly qualified staff from countries such as India.
  • Assisted Vlerick Business School with a detailed screening of its current partnership structure and service agreements, including a thorough screening of the setup in the light of new legislation and case law with an emphasis on tax, social security and labour risks.
  • Assisted Zoom with both collective and individual labour law issues.

Crowell & Moring

Crowell & Moring‘s employment portfolio spans individual and collective issues, including senior-level dismissals, restructuring projects, and regulatory questions surrounding HR policies, with integrated corporate and data protection expertise rounding out the offering. Experienced restructuring and collective disputes expert Emmanuel Plasschaert co-leads the team with Evelien Jamaels, who is particularly noted for her experience handling international mobility matters for the practice’s varied client base.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emmanuel Plasschaert; Evelien Jamaels


Les références

‘Strong employment practice in the Belgian market, with a panel of clients of different sizes and industries.’

‘Emmanuel Plasschaert and Evelien Jamaels are outstanding employment lawyers, leading the practice.’

Principaux clients

Adecco


Ingersoll Rand


Oxera Consulting


Mobileum


Novosanis/OraSure


The Regulatory Assistance Project


Sandoz


Delhaize Le Lion (Ahold)


Audax Management Co. LLC


Vias institute


Liga voor Mensenrechten


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted a logistics company with a restructuring, including with respect to a phased termination plan, TUPE, and the relocation of its HQ.
  • Assisted a defense and space manufacturing multinational with an EU whistleblowing compliance project.

Eversheds Sutherland

Dismissal-related advice represents a cornerstone of the offering at Eversheds Sutherland, with the team handling both individual terminations at senior level as well as collective dismissals and collective bargaining issues in connection with corporate reorganisations, office wind-downs, and closures. Employment litigation is a further area of focus for the team, which is co-led by experienced dismissal expert and former labour tribunal judge Stefan Corbanie and restructuring specialist Céline Wauters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stefan Corbanie; Céline Wauters


Autres avocats clés:

Laetitia Nagels


Les références

‘We operate across multiple different countries and there is exceptional support from Eversheds and all countries. The Belgium subsidiary is very supportive, providing advice and clear and concise support whenever we need it.’

‘Céline Wauters is a reliable and trustworthy partner to us. She makes complex legal matters easy to understand and follow. Her advice has been invaluable during our recent and past challenges and I would definitely recommend her to anyone I speak to.’

‘Céline Wauters and Stefan Corbanie are knowledgeable and responsive employment lawyers with a pragmatic approach.’

Principaux clients

Ryanair


GXO Logistics


Parker Hannifin


Johnson Controls


Avery Dennison


Newell Brands


Orange Business


Total Safety


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Ryanair with the closure of its Brussels base and consequent information and consultation procedure.
  • Assisted Johnson Controls International with the employment aspects of a merger of the various legal entities in Belgium.
  • Represented Westinghouse Electric in employment litigation.

Jones Day

Jones Day‘s employment practice is led by experienced labour and social security expert Chantal Biernaux, whose portfolio encompasses restructuring and collective bargaining matters as well as employment litigation related to termination and remuneration issues. The team has extensive cross-border expertise, frequently collaborating with the firm’s international offices to handle multi-jurisdictional contracting and harmonisation issues, and accordingly maintains a client base consisting of both Benelux-based corporations as well as large multinationals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chantal Biernaux


Les références

‘The team has employment law expertise and a practice that goes far beyond only supporting transactions.’

‘Chantal Biernaux is the biggest asset – few lawyers have her experience, and those who have it do not have her energy and absolute focus on client needs.’

‘Very strong knowledge about company-related policies and complexities.’

Principaux clients

The Hain Celestial Group – Lima Natuurvoedingsbedrijf BV


Lifeline Scientific


GardaWorld Security Corporation


Riverside Europe Partners BV


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted GardaWorld Security Corporation with the restructuring of its Brussels office, including labour, corporate, tax and security matters.
  • Advised the Brussels branch of The Riverside Company on employment issues relating to independent contractors and local and foreign employees in Belgium.
  • Advised the Belgian and French branch of The Hain Celestial Group on a broad range of employment law matters, e.g. hiring and termination of employees in Belgium, drafting and implementation of Belgian work rules and related policies, and cross-border employment and expat employment contracts.

Laurius

Experienced restructuring and collective bargaining expert Damien Stas de Richelle heads up the employment practice at Laurius, which routinely advises multinational entities on local regulatory matters, guides clients through restructuring endeavours, and handles sensitive senior-level dismissals. The team is particularly active in advising international franchises and growth companies on the set-up of Belgian activities.

Responsables de la pratique:

Damien Stas de Richelle


Les références

‘Highly available, adapts to the company’s context, delivers relevant and understandable advice without too much legal jargon.’

‘Team are all very friendly, efficient and willing to help.’

‘Very good contact with the partner Damien Stas de Richelle.’

Principaux clients

AGP E-Glass


European Travel Commission


Eurochem


Itineris


Indeed


JCDecaux


Greenhouse Talent


Climate Finance Fund


Joe & the Juice


Nacional de Reaseguro


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised The Climate Finance Fund on regulatory questions surrounding how employers can lawfully collect race and ethnicity background information from their employees for the purpose of tracking the diversity makeup of its portfolio of grantees.
  • Advised Greenhouse Talent on the framework of the acquisition of Gent Jazz on several cases of dismissals and the harmonisation of the employment conditions of transferring employees.
  • Assisted Joe & The Juice with various HR-related matters, including drafting employment agreements, work regulations, and policies.

Monard law, joined by Buyle

Monard law, joined by Buyle handles a large volume of transactional and advisory matters for its roster of Belgian SMEs and large multinationals, including TUPE and corporate reorganisations, immigration issues, and compliance matters, and is also capable of advising on contentious issues such as dismissals and discrimination claims. The practice maintains offices across the country and is led by Tom Messiaen, Peter Dufaux and Bert Theeuwes, who is a key contact for cross-border employment work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Messiaen; Peter Dufaux; Bert Theeuwes


Autres avocats clés:

Astrid Aerts


Les références

‘The team offers a hands-on and pragmatic approach. They are available to discuss in brief and on the spot if necessary.’

‘Tom Messiaen is very available and drives the pragmatic approach of his team.’

‘This practice is looking after their clients and thinking out of the box together with the client. They respond to questions directly and are proactive once a relationship is installed.’

Principaux clients

Glowi


Atlas Copco


Autogrill Belux


ARAG Belgium


GLS Group


Kyocera


CLARIO


CANON MEDICAL


Carglass


Sisu Group


Greenyard


KBC Bank


Securex


Witteveen+Bos Belgium


Bosal


Alheembouw


Subaru


VPK Packaging


Containers Maes


IPL Global


Bechtle


Savencia


EU Parliament


Krefel


Securitas Direct Management


Fluvius


Facilicom Group


Copaco


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised CLARIO, a contract research organisation specialising in clinical services in the biopharmaceutical and healthcare sector, on compliance issues, the implementation of international policies and reorganisation of the working environment when moving to a hybrid work place.
  • Advised AUTOGRILL on all employment and HR compliance-related aspects of its business in Belgium.
  • Acted for Carglass in sensitive litigation, including discrimination litigation.

PwC Legal

The employment team at PwC Legal maintains a strong regulatory offering, frequently working with global clients to provide domestic compliance advice in connection with market entries and operation set-ups, and is additionally capable of advising its clients on major restructuring operations, social inspections and disputes with employees. TUPE and collective dismissal expert Pascale Moreau leads the team, which is further bolstered by the expertise of restructuring and pensions expert Sara Vanderstraeten.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pascale Moreau


Autres avocats clés:

Sara Vanderstraeten; Olivier Chapelle; Jessica De Bels


Les références

‘The PwC legal team distinguishes itself through its highly pragmatic approach, displaying a deep understanding of operational and business challenges.’

‘Sara Vanderstraeten’s expertise is unparalleled, bringing a depth of knowledge that consistently surpasses expectations. Her exceptional communication skills ensure seamless collaboration, translating complex ideas with clarity.’

‘Very proactive team, benefiting from a great network of employment lawyers, able to leverage their employment law expertise across markets.’

Principaux clients

Christian Mutuality


Greenyard


Intys


Brunswick


Umicore


Iscal Sugar


Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems


Gaming1


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted a group active in the construction industry with a comprehensive employment law compliance check in two of its companies, which included extensive field work, all of which resulted in a detailed report with clear recommendations to improve the level of compliance going forward.
  • Assisted a large organisation active in healthcare with a complex multi-year reorganisation project, including extensive post-merger integration work.
  • Assisted a global food and beverages group with the reorganisation of its worldwide employment set-up, which included an analysis of local employment law in eight different countries.

Strelia

Under the leadership employment practitioner Stefanie Tack, who took over the practice leadership in early 2023, Strelia is capable of handling a large volume of employee transfers and terminations in the context of corporate restructurings and also advises a growing number of clients on whistleblowing matters. The team also acts for its base of Belgian and multinational clients in contentious matters, including criminal investigations as well as discrimination and harassment claims. Vastly experienced restructuring expert Herman Craeninckx left for Simmons & Simmons in March 2024, followed by Pauline Van Parys, who advises on discrimination, remuneration and collective bargaining matters, departing in April 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stefanie Tack


Autres avocats clés:

Marnix De Greve


Les références

‘Stefanie Tack is a very business oriented employment lawyer with high-quality operational solutions. She always tries to provide clients with pragmatic answers that can be effectively implemented by the client.’

‘They are highly responsive and business-oriented.’

‘We experience a personal and competent approach by Marnix De Greve and Stefanie Tack.’

Principaux clients

Accor Invest Belgium sa


Ace Dental Belgium srl


Bagio bv


IQEQ Holdings (Belgium) nv


Abrisud Bénélux sa


Infano


Vinçotte International


Oregon Tools


Brusano asbl


CEJI aisbl


Liège Airport


Essity Belgium sa


ASL Airlines


OTTO Office


Telecom Infrastructure Partners Belgium


Kryseo srl


Europcar Mobility Group


Mifratel nv


Simovision bv


WWF International


Permanent Representation of Greece to the EU


Herta Belgium bv


Netcompany – Intrasoft sa


Novadip Biosciences sa


Sopra-Steria Benelux


Sumitomo Chemical Europe nv


Marken Ltd


Soil Capital Belgium srl


Belgomeals


BIC


Bon-bon srl/Menssa


Bergerat Monnoyeur nv


Metro Delivery Service nv


Corinthia – Hôtel Astoria sa


Nico-Lab bv


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Metro Delivery Service nv on the closure of the company.
  • Advised Marken Ltd. on reviewing and adjusting working-time practices and policies in Belgium, including the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with trade unions.
  • Advised Netcompany – Intrasoft sa on the implementation of its internal whistleblowing channels and procedures, including the drafting of its whistleblowing and privacy policy.

Tetra Law

Belgian SMEs, listed companies and a growing roster of global clients instruct Tetra Law to advise on the employment aspects of corporate M&A and restructuring as well as to act in discrimination, harassment, fraud, and safety-related litigation. The team also draws on practice head Sylvie Lacombe‘s vast experience in transactional and contentious work to handle all matters surrounding the modification and termination of work contracts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sylvie Lacombe


Autres avocats clés:

Julie Malingreau


Les références

‘We worked with Sylvie Lacombe and Julie Malingreau and they are both very efficient. They had a good understanding of our demands and fulfilled them quickly.’

‘We appreciated working with Tetra Law. The team was available and could deliver qualitative work. The team also made itself available to collaborate with US partners to advise us for our US matters. This was appreciated.’

‘The team we worked with was qualitative and extremely skilled. This helped us to take the best decisions for our cases.’

Principaux clients

Acumen Public Affairs


Armonea Group


Bank Nagelmackers SA


Befimmo Group


CEWALOR


Chimay Group


Codic Belgique


Euronext Brussels


Jones Lang Lasalle SPRL


Lagardère Travel Retail Belgium


Nyxoah


Pemco Belgium


Vibrantz


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Befimmo on the labour-related aspects of a transfer of undertaking in the course of its transition to a Specialised Real Estate Investment Fund after acquisition by private investors.
  • Advised Pemco Belgium on the social security, tax, and labour aspects of its acquisition by Pemco International Group after its sale by the Prince group (now Vibrantz).
  • Represented three clients employed in the public sector in a criminal complaint against a common colleague for sexual and moral harassment at work.

Van Bael & Bellis

Life sciences expert and employment litigation specialist Catherine Longeval leads the team at Van Bael & Bellis, which focuses particularly on handling individual and collective dismissals in the context of restructuring projects and on representing its clients in sensitive harassment-related termination cases as well as in union negotiations around redundancies. Sara Beutels is a further key contact in the team and advises clients on a growing volume of pensions-related matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Catherine Longeval


Autres avocats clés:

Sara Beutels


Les références

‘The Van Bael & Bellis employment team is agile and very responsive. You can feel their culture is to help you to get what you need in the most efficient way.’

‘Sara Beutels is very responsive and easily understands client needs and problems. She works efficiently and pragmatically towards solving them. With Sara, it very much feels like a no-nonsense approach, you get exactly what you need.’

‘The team worked well and dynamically together and was always coordinated and informed.’

Principaux clients

Bidvest


Bidfood


Bridgestock Care


MSG Care


DiaSorin


EPAM


Embassy of Namibia


Gedeon Richter


Goodix


Hyundai Motor Company Brussels


Hoya


KIA Belgium


Kekst CNC


Nissha Metallizing Solutions


Pentax Medical


Quaker Houghton


Rockwool Group


Sponge


Survitec


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Nisha Metallizing Solutions, a manufacturer of metallised packaging and labelling solutions, with a broad range of employment issues, including collective labour agreements, disciplinary sanction proceedings, and several day-to-day HR matters.
  • Assisted EPAM with a wide variety of employment law work, including the harmonisation of several employment conditions/benefits for different Belgian entities following the acquisition of the Emakina group, the harmonisation and amendment of several sets of work rules and employee policies, and the implementation of digital payroll documents.
  • Advised new client Survitec, a global survival technology leader, on several sensitive dismissal cases, including dismissals for serious cause.