Claeys & Engels Top Ranked in Band 1 for Employment Law in Belgium in Chambers & Partners Europe 2020

We are proud to be top ranked as only firm in Band 1 for Employment Law in Belgium. Also congratulations to our four ranked partners Chris Engels , Bart Adriaens and Bart Vanschoebeke !

Chambers Review:

What the team is known for: Market-leading dedicated employment, boasting a large team spread over six offices across Belgium. Advises on the full range of matters, including restructurings and collective dismissals. Also houses a dedicated data protection offering, routinely handling GDPR compliance with its specialised data mapping tool. Offers expertise in cross-border matters, including setting up pension funds, employee transfer and branch separation for companies in multiple jurisdictions. Also handles matters concerning employer's liability in health and safety matters.

Strengths: One client comments: "Partners have vast experience and in-depth knowledge in their field. We also strongly appreciate that the firm provides regular employment law updates, as well as free-of-charge client seminars on relevant HR topics at their offices.". Another client notes: "The firm stands out way above other firms in Belgium in terms of speed of answer, quality, customer service and business focus."

Notable practitioners: 

Bart Adriaens "has immense commercial talent," according to market sources. Another interviewee refers to him as an "absolute star where he is practising." He is best known for his work in the field of social inspections and criminal labour law.

Interviewees say Bart Vanschoebeke "stands out as a highly responsive and pragmatic senior partner with vast experience and in-depth knowledge of Belgian employment law." He is based in the firm's Ghent office and assists clients with works council mandates, social security law, dismissals and contractual matters.

Chris Engels  is a "trend-setting lawyer," according to market sources and is noted by his clients for his "extremely practical mind." Another client enthuses: "His particular strength is that he first tries to understand the business of his clients and then tailors his advice to help the clients achieve their business objectives." He advises clients on the employment aspects of separations and restructurings.

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