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editorial
We love the crisis (*) Well, one could think that if a firm does not participate, this could mean that things have not been going well for the firm. On the contrary, if a firm participates it would mean that it has something to show to the The legal industry is certainly not immune market. to the crisis but, in general, lawyers benefit Let me briefly recap the proceedings that from a certain level of stability. lead to the nomination and decision pro“When the economy goes well, things go cess. well for lawyers. When the economy goes bad,… things go even better for lawyers”. 1. A vast survey is carried out to identify This year’s winner is a law firm that has in- the key players and achievements in every creased its turn-over by 40 % over the last category three months of 2008, right when the crisis 2. Nominees are only confirmed if they remit a written memo was reaching a peak. 3. An independent jury composed of some Law firms are experiencing times of change 100 top personalities assess the memos and thus times of opportunity. The stan- 4. The jury changes every year in order to dards to manage and market a law firm avoid recurrent assessment are changing as clients expectations are 5. The jury members motivate in writing changing. Innovation is paramount in these their decision 6. Their votes are sent to a Huissier de Jusshaky times. tice/gerechtsdeurwaarder For many firms, it is time to think about 7. A novelty has been brought this year for their internal organization. A challenge like the most prominent prize “Belgian Law Firm the Legal Awards obliges firms to go through of the Year”. A hearing is organized between the jury and this healthy process of self-assessment. the nominated firms at the headquarters of Over the years, the Legal Awards have been the FEB – VBO. integrated in the marketing strategy of the law firms and the in-house legal departThe Legal Awards in figures ments. The title of this editorial is not intended to be provocative but implies some alternative thinking in these gloomy days when the word “crisis” is on everyone’s agenda.
Every year, the question comes back on the partnership’s table: are we going to participate or not?
8. A debriefing then takes place between the nominated firms and the jury after the event so that firms can get feed-back on their entry. A conscious effort is made every year to try to improve the organization of the event. At a time when clients will be looking for “value for money”, it is not only time for law firms to allocate discounts or reduce fees, it is also time to show value. Value can only be perceived or offered via strong and innovative communication. It is highly predictable that the legal market will change tremendously in 2009: new comers, new products, new fees,… What’s new with your firm ? Laurent Marlière, President
Potential for more than 600 participants at the Ceremony / A jury of 100 prominent professionals / More than 200 explanatory memos addressed to the jury / A consolidated amount of 2500 business lawyers involved via their participating law firms / 10 official media Partners / More than 50 press covers, articles, ads, TV interviews, radio interviews at national and international level / More than 30.000 hits on the official website.
(*) We recommend the reading of the alternative survey “I love the crisis” published by the advertising company Rich & Famous (www.famous.be)
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Practical information Main jury – Belgian Law Firm of the Year • Philippe Lambrecht, Secretary General Federation of Belgian Enterprises (FEBVBO) – President of the Jury • Michel Vermaerke, Ceo Febelfin • Jean Cattaruzza, President Belgian Institute for Company Lawyers, Head of Legal ING Bank • Anne De Wolf, Director Belgian Institute for Company Lawyers • Guy Keutgen, President Cepani – Cepina • Emma Van Campenhoudt, Counselor Cepani-Cepina Organization • Laurent Marlière, President of the organization committee • Véronique De Ruddere, Head of operations Legal Bailiff, Gerechtsdeurwaarder – Huissier de Justice • Thierry Van Diest, Association Leroy Ceremony Facilitator •
Marlène de Wouters
4 - Belgian Legal Awards
in this issue
Table of content 3
We love the crisis - Laurent Marlière explains the success of the fourth edition and indicates how to improve.
6
The gala - A summary of the evening
9
Impressions of a great evening - The photos
17
Members of the Jury - The names of the members of the Jury in alphabetical order
23
And the winners are... - The law firms and legal departments of the year
37
Charity
37
Comments - Thanks and tribute from participants
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Formula
The Gala High-end networking
Recognition
The successful gala of the Belgian Legal The ceremony paid tribute to the law firms, Awards at Le Plaza in Brussels constituted legal departments, lawyers and in-house hundreds of legal professionals from all practitioners of the year. over Belgium and beyond. A panel of judges consisting of more than Lawyers, in-house company lawyers and one hundred personalities from the worlds counsels, as well as notaries, huissiers de of economics, law and the academics justice / gerechtsdeurwaarders, professors, awarded the prizes in 18 categories with heads of institutions, consultants, business around ten nominees per category. professionals, members of the press…etc were present. This gala provides a unique The attendance showed a good mix among opportunity for networking in an informal law firms. The majority of the big players and pleasant atmosphere. were vastly present with their “heavy weights”. They saluted the fact that it is important that the business legal profession ensures recognition of its peers. International and global firms, domestic full service firms, niche firms attended as well.
Exclusive and elegant The Art Deco theatre of 5 stars Le Plaza provided an exclusive venue with enough space to gather this unique concentration of business lawyers. VIP desk, press & TV news interviews, “mini-fair” with the latest products available, orchestra, coffee bars, sofas,… The organizers have put forward a professional organization likely to enhance networking. After all, where else do you get to meet all the big names of “Brussels legal” ? Great location, nice music, champagne and refined meal: this award ceremony was definitely not just another boring academic ceremony! Pleasure for the eyes, pleasure for the ears, pleasure for the taste buds, but also pleasure to meet each other and to share emotions, ideas, and business…
6 - Belgian Legal Awards
Patronage The European Legal Awards are placed under the Patronage of JosĂŠ Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
Official Partners
Media Partners
Main Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
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F G
Bd Adolphe Maxlaan, 118-126 B - 1000 Brussels T. +32 (0)2 278 01 00 F. +32 (0)2 278 01 01 www.leplaza.be reservations@leplaza.be
The photos
Impressions of a great evening
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HabillĂŠs par Primo Emporio ( Galerie de la porte Louise 253)
Members of the Jury jury for the awards dedicated to law firms First Name, Name
Title / Position, Company / Organisation
Nathalie Alen
HR Senior Manager, PriceWaterHouse Coopers
Jan Alexander
Senior Legal Advisor, KBC Private Equity
Ben Appel
Bedrijfsjurist, VMMA
Zak Attar
Principal Alchemy Search, Neumann
Patrick Baeten
General Counsel, Member of the Executive Committee, GDF SUEZ SA
Henk Bataille
Deputy Ceo, GDF SUEZ SA
Pierre Bernard
Secretary General, Elia Group
Marc Beyens
Chief Legal Officer General Affairs, Generation & Distribution, Electrabel SA/NV
Katia Bodard
Policy Manager, ICC Belgique
Baudouin Boone
Company Lawyer Head of the Legal Department , 3 Suisses Belgium
Isabel Carrion
Vice President Human Resources , UCB group
Jean Cattaruzza
President, Belgian Institute for Company Lawyers
Marcel Claes
Chief Executive, American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium
André Culot
Senior counsel , PricewaterhouseCoopers
Wauthier de Bassompierre
Sofina SA NV, Secretary General
Samuel De Gols
Bedrijfsjurist / Juriste d’Entreprise, NV Hocké SA
Emmanuel De Groote
Head of ESES Legal Affairs, Euroclear SA/NV
Paul de Jonge
Secretary General, European Company Lawyers Association
Michel De Wolf
Associé, DGST
Anne De Wolf
General Manager, Belgian Institute for Company Lawyers
Natasja Degrieck
VP Legal and Associate General Counsel (Europe/Asia/ME) , Huntsman Corporation
Martine Delierneux
Legal adviser Co-head Legal ING Belgium, ING
France Delobbe
Corporate Legal Officer , Cofinimmo
Philippe A Dewez
Managing director, US Tax Abroad SPRL
Benoït Evrard
administrateur-délégué , Pyramiq SA
Fabrice Fages
Secretary General, Euroarbitrage
Michaël Gillis
Manager Legal, Regulatory & Public Affairs, Distrigas N.V.
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jury for the awards dedicated to law firms Alain Godefroid
Executive Vice-President Legal and Environment, Umicore
Dominique Golsong
Director & Chief Legal Officer, Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe B.V
Jos Grobben
Publisher, Knack
Harold Grondel
Manager, Lexgo
Dominique Hubart
Managing director, Gevers Group
Nicolas Ide
Senior Counsel, Swift
Philippe Jadoul
CEO, Vialegis
Kristien Kaelen
General Counsel IP Europe, Middle East and Africa, International Paper
Guy Keutgen
Chairman, CEPANI-CEPINA
André Kilesse
President, BDO Atrio Auditoris
Wolter Kymmell
Member of the Board of ACCE, ACCE
Philippe Lambrecht
Secretary General, FEB-VBO
Maxime Leborne
Editeur, DroitBelge.Net & BelgischRecht.Net
Thierry Lintermans
Legal Services Team , Accenture
Michel Looyens
Vice President Legal, Coca-Cola Enterprises Europe
Dirk Lybaert
Secretary General, Belgacom
Alain Mahaux
CEO, Vivactis - Newton 21
Jean-Claude Marcourt
Ministre, Ministre de l'Economie et de l'Emploi de la RW
Pierre Nicaise
Notaire associé, Pierre NICAISE & Benoît COLMANT - Notaires
Van Belleghem Olivier
Head of Estate Planning, Banque Degroof Bank
Gerben Pauwels
Senior Legal Adviser, KBC Global Services NV
Kristine Peers
Director Legal Policy Europe, Pfizer
Didier Pissoort
Legal Director and Corporate lawyer, MARSH S.A.
Nathalie Ragheno
Juriste d'entreprise - Bedrijfsjurist Senior Legal Counsel, Febelfin
Françoise Roels
General Counsel, Cofinimmo
Philippe Sacré
Secretary General , Generali Belgium
Isabelle Smida
Legal Counsel, De Boeck
18 - Belgian Legal Awards
jury for the awards dedicated to law firms Els Steen
Corporate Legal Affairs Manager , Delhaize Group SA/NV
David Szafran
Secretary General, Institut des Réviseurs d'Entreprises (Royal Institute)
Eric ter Hark
Manager, Duff & Phelps LLC
Dirk Tirez
General Counsel and Company Secretary, La Poste
Karen Van Brabant
Bedrijfsjurist, De Persgroep n.v.
Marie Van In
Juriste d'Entreprise, Cytec
Geo Van Langenhove
Director International Legal Affairs, Nuance Communications International BVBA
Michel Vermaerke
Chief Executive Officer, Febelfin
Thierry Vermeire
Director HR Supermarkets, City, Logistics, Delhaize Group
Claudine Weyn
Business Unit Directeur, Kluwer
NOVELTY 2009 For the most prominent category of BELGIAN LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR, an hearing is now organized. Managing partners of the nominated firms are requested to introduce and outline the key elements of their memo in front of the jury. The jury can then debate before taking its decision. The jury 2009 was composed of : • • • • •
Philippe Lambrecht, Secretary General FEB-VBO (Chairman of the Jury) Michel Vermaerke, President Febelfin Guy Keutgen, President Cepani-Cepina Anne De Wolf, General Manager Belgian Institute for Company Lawyers Jean Cattaruzza, President Belgian Institute for Company Lawyers
© 2009 THE BELGIAN LEGAL AWARDS 2009 Niets uit deze namenlijsten mag worden verveelvoudigd en/of openbaar gemaakt door middel van druk, fotokopie, microfilm, computerlijst of -programma of op welke andere wijze ook, zonder schriftelijke toestemming van de uitgever. De gegevens vervat in deze namenlijst mogen uitsluitend intern gebruikt worden als informatiebron, dit wil zeggen dat ze noch verkocht, verhuurd of uitgeleend mogen worden, al dan niet tegen betaling; noch gebruikt mogen worden voor commerciële mailing of andere verkoopstechnieken. Diegene die zich niet houdt aan deze bepalingen weet dat hij/zij zich blootstelt aan gerechtelijke vervolging. Aucune partie de ces listes ne peut être reproduite et/ou diffusée que ce soit par impression, photocopie, microfilm, liste ou programme d’ordinateur ou tout autre procédé,sans autorisation écrite et préalable de l’éditeur. Les données contenues dans cette liste sont exclusivement destinées à un usage interne en tant que source d’information, ce qui veut dire qu’il est interdit de les vendre,de les louer ou de les prêter, à titre gratuit ou non; ou encore, de les utiliser pour un mailing commercial ou d’autres techniques de vente. Celui qui ne respecte pas ces dispositions fera l’objet de poursuites judiciaires.
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jury for the award dedicated to legal departments
First Name, Name
Title / Position, Company / Organisation
Hubert André-Dumont
Partner, Mc Guire Woods
Bertrand Asscherickx
Partner, Racine & Vergels
Jean-Pierre Blumberg
European Managing Partner, Linklaters LLP
Jean-Pierre Buyle
Partner, Philippe & Partners
Olivier Clevenbergh
Managing Partner, Stibbe
Eric Cusas
Managing Partner, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP
Johan De Bruycker
Partner, Altius
Paul De Jonge
Secretary General, European Company Lawyers Association
Patrick De Wolf
Managing Partner, De Wolf & Partners
Anne De Wolf
General Manager, Belgian institute for Comapny Lawyers
Eric D Deltour
Partner, Dechert LLP
Xavier Dieux
Managing Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Maurice Eloy
Partner, Cruyplants Eloy Wagemans & Partners
Kristien Kaelen
Member of the Board, ACCE
Wolter Kymmell
Member of the Board, ACCE
Howard M Liebman
Partner, Jones Day
Bob Martens
Managing Partner, DLA Piper UK LLP
Didier Matray
Managing Partner, Matray, Matray & Hallet
Carl Meyntjens
Managing Partner , Ashurst
Bernard Peeters
Managing partner, Tiberghien
Denis Philippe
Managing Partner, Philippe & Partners
Michael Schuette
Partner, Howrey LLP
Marc van der Haegen
Partner, NautaDutilh BVBA/SPRL
Pierre Van Ommeslaghe
Avocat à la Cour de cassation + Professeur émérite ULB, DLA Piper
Stanislas van Wassenhove
Managing Partner, CMS DeBacker
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Winners law firm of the year
>>>
DLA Piper
corporate
capable of tending to the full spectrum of forts to become “better then best”. We do business needs anywhere. Niche firms will believe that we can achieve this ambition by also do well, because they are highly specia- concentrating our energy on the client inteBob Martens, DLA Piper lized. These will be the winning models for rests. These interests are at the very heart of our business, and we strive to achieve What do you think encouraged the jury to the next decade. excellence in everything we do for them. give you the award for this category? The legal profession is also changing from We do believe in long-term relationships I believe the jury recognized DLA Piper a strict procedural role to a more strategic with our clients based on openness and because we are known for our in-depth one: that is, lawyers are having to come off honesty and will continue to built out these knowledge in various fields of law. In ad- their legal fence to provide real strategic relationships. In order to be able to even dition, we have succeeded in gaining a lea- advice. The establishment of the Belgian better serve the clients needs, we will also ding market position on the global scene Institute of Legal Counsels and the rise in further invest in our firm. We will develop (Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US) numbers of in-house counsels will result in in several practices, like finance law and as well as in Belgium (over 100 lawyers wor- a more need of specialized legal expertise corporate law and are open for discussion king across offices in Brussels and Antwerp) and assistance with multi-tasking and com- with lawyers in all practices that our willing to be part of our challenging future. which makes us very attractive to work with, plex projects. especially for those Belgian companies with international ambitions or operations. How What are the main objectives for the year The nominees were: Altius / Clifford Chance LLP / CMS DeBacker / we work might also have played a role: we to come? DLA Piper / Jones Day / Linklaters LLP / Mc are known for our hands-on approach, our pragmatic and to-the-point and business- Being recognized as “best law firm of the Guire Woods LLP / Nauta Dutilh /Stibbe driven perspective on legal issues is appre- year” has, as a consequence, that DLA Piciated by in-house counsels. Clients value per, has from now on, to concentrate all efthe lengths we go to in our involvement in Bob Martens (DLA Piper),Erik ter Hark (Duff & Phelps) their business and our drive to achieve results. What are the main changes in Belgian law firms? The Belgian legal market has changed rapidly in the past decade. Ten years ago, it was still dominated by local firms with no real integrated international partnerships. Today the market is dominated by international or global firms. The global economy will evolve further and firms that genuinely embrace this fact will become global players
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Winners law firm of the year
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Linklaters
Competition & Anti-Trust
What are the main evolutions in that area What are the objectives for the year to come? of practice?
Johan Ysewyn, Linklaters The Belgian Competition Council continues In view of the Belgian Competition Council’s Which elements do you think have encou- to develop its decision practice and foot- developing practice, we already are supraged the jury to give you the award for print. Due to the downturn, larger merger porting our clients increasingly in the area control cases are not immediately on the of cartels and abuse of dominance investhis category? radar screen but we see a further increase tigations. This of course in addition to the Linklaters’ Belgian competition team in in the activity of the Competition Council to merger control work which continues to be Brussels has been supporting a large num- launch cartel investigations and review alle- a key part of our practice. ber of major Belgian corporates and banks ged abuses of a dominant position. in dealing with their most complex competition issues. For example, this year our team successfully advised Fortis Holding The nominees were: and KBC on the state aid issues related to Ashurst LLP / Gide Loyrette the support measures issued by the BelNouel / Herbert Smith Gleiss gian and Flemish governments. We also Lutz Stibbe / Hogan & Hartson / acted for UGC in its seminal battle before Linklaters LLP / Mayer Brown the Belgian Competition Council in relation International LLP / Olswang to the application of remedies imposed on Kinepolis back in 1997. In addition, the Linklaters Belgian competition practise, which is the largest in Brussels, can rely on over 100 anti-trust experts around the globe to Han Kooy (ECLA) - Jean-Pierre Blumberg (LinkLaters) - Zak Attar (Alchemy Search) support its clients. law firm of the year
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Bank & Finance
Linklaters The nominees were: Altius / Ashurst LLP / Clifford Chance LLP / Linklaters LLP / Modrikamen / Nauta Dutilh / Philippe & Partners / Stibbe Katia Bodard (ICC Belgium) Francois de Bauw (Linklaters)
24 - Belgian Legal Awards
Winners law firm of the year
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Real Estate & Construction
Nauta Dutilh
than just an occasional cooperation. We really want to listen to our clients and we acknowledge the fact that by working in a Jo van Wittenbergh, Nauta Dutilh transparent way with our clients we learn Which elements, you think, have encou- a lot permitting us to increase the quality raged the jury to give you the Award for of our legal advice and, more generally, our service levels. this category? Nautadutilh has a mature real estate practice with a sound client portfolio representing both high-level local real estate players and international investors with a recognized track record. The firm is highly devoted to partnering with clients resulting in solid relationships between the firm and its clients based on mutual trust and with an important commitment by the firm to deliver its services in an efficient and economic way based on a good knowledge of the clients’ wishes and the regulatory constraints. At NautaDutilh the relationship between a client and a lawyer is more
What are the main evolutions in that area of practice?
What are your objectives for the year to come? NautaDutilh received two legal awards, one for real estate and construction and one for regulatory representing the administrative law practice of the firm (including urban planning, environmental law, PPPs, etc.). It is clear that administrative law and real estate law go hand in hand. NautaDutilh represents several important real estate developers as well as participants in PPP projects. Transforming the structure of our law firm which was based on legal skills towards a knowledge-based organisation with a focus on certain industries such as real estate is key to be able to maintain our current track record of successes.
The real estate market in Belgium has been faced with a substantial reduction in deals hence putting some pressure on the market players with respect to the appropriate valorisation of their investments. IFRS rules and market-to-market principles had an unwanted domino effect in certain international markets. On the Belgian scene this was not the case and it seems that only a The nominees were: few overleveraged foreign investors will be- Clifford Chance LLP / DLA Piper / Elegis / Linklaters LLP / Nauta Dutilh / Stibbe / come forced sellers. Verhaegen Walravens
Melanie di Giacomantonio (Servcorp) Didier de Vliegher (Nauta Dutilh)
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Winners law firm of the year
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Nauta Dutilh
Regulatory
Another development in this practice area is the increasingly high expectations of private players with respect to the public authorities. We have noticed that private parties are more willing to cooperate with the authorities and less inclined to litigate. In this context, our work consists of assisting our clients with the legal aspects of negoWhat are the main evolutions in that area tiating a common project (PPP, permit, etc.). of practice? What are your objectives for the year to On the one hand, EU law has an increasin- come? gly significant impact on various aspects of national regulatory law (e.g., public procu- As mentioned, our integrated approach is rement, the life sciences and environmen- obviously paying off. Therefore, our Regulatal issues). On the other hand, regulatory tory team will continue to work closely with law in Belgium is being progressively split the firm’s other practice groups, e.g., Real up amongst the regional, community and Estate (which also won the 2009 BLA in its local governments (e.g., urban planning, category) for urban planning and environenvironmental and media law). In addition, mental issues, M&A for environmental due we have noticed that case law is becoming diligence, Project Finance for public procumore influential. To remain at the forefront rement aspects and PPP, and Competition of new developments and advise our clients and Tax. as efficiently as possible, we therefore need to constantly update and renew our In order to be able to continue to offer our knowledge and be able to navigate all levels clients practical and results-oriented advice, we will use our best efforts to develop of regulation effectively. our know-how and experience in all aspects of regulatory law. By encouraging versatility and creativity, we hope to offer each client a tailor-made solution. We also plan to continue to grow our practice in newly developing fields.
ly, the members of our Regulatory team are committed to contributing to the development of know-how by publishing articles, Jo van Wittenbergh, Nauta Dutilh speaking at seminars, serving on editorial Which elements do you think encouraged boards and keeping our clients abreast of the jury to give you the Award for this ca- the latest legal developments through regular updates and electronic newsletters. tegory? The jury undoubtedly based its decision on the very reasons that sum up our success in the BLA: our impressive list of deals in 2008, the balance we are able to strike between national and international work, the excellent academic profiles of our lawyers, and the variety of sectors we service. In addition, we should add to this list other factors that make our Regulatory team stand out from the crowd. One of our team’s greatest assets is its versatility. It has a growing practice in developing fields such as the life sciences but also works in an integrated manner with the firm’s other practice groups, such as M&A, Project Finance, Real Estate, Competition and Tax. Thanks to this integrated approach, we can rapidly exchange relevant market information. Final-
The nominees were: CMS DeBacker / DLA Piper / Mayer Brown International LLP / Monard- d’Hulst / Nauta Dutilh / Olswang / Philippe & Partners / Publius / Stibbe Kristien Kaelen (ACCE) - Patrick Peeters (Nauta Dutilh)
26 - Belgian Legal Awards
Winners law firm of the year
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Vlaamse Media Maatschappij Ben Appel, VMM Which elements, you think, have encouraged the jury to give you the Award for this category? An innovative sector as media forces the inhouse legal department to be innovative as well. It is our view that an in-house legal department should not be seen as the gatekeeper or the so-feared “necessary evil”, especially not in a media company that is subject to a wide range of specific regulation. All these restrictive rules have the tendency to conflict with the dazzling pace in which media moves forward, with the need to program every day attractive content, with the fierce competition with other media and with almost continuously emerging creative and technological possibilities. The only way to cope with this competing elements is to take initiatives to create an awareness of the need and consequences of regulation, and to cultivate an inherent legal reflex in every single business unit of the company by persuading our colleagues that we serve the needs of the business, and that we ultimately add value to the business.
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Most
innovative legal department
Apparently – and happily – the jury was What are your objectives for the year to convinced by the initiatives that exemplified come? the performance of our mission. Apart from thinking about the received leWhat are the main evolutions in that area gal award? No seriously, our goal is plane and simple: maintaining the trust of the of practice? company and contributing to the best of In a recent article valuable law firms are our possibilities to the challenges our comcompared with jazz bands, “steeped in res- pany is facing in the new economic and pect for the other”. Jazz bands are led, the technological environment. article states, but “the leader is an integral part of the band, subjected to the interest The nominees were: of the band”. That is also how a legal de- Atos Worldline / Avaya / Goodyear Dunlop / Saralee / SD Worx / Sioen Industries nv / partment should operate in a company. Vlaamse Media Maatschappij The legal staff today need to be considered as trusted advisors, acting as a proactive business partner adding strategic and commercial value to the company. Anne De Wolf (IBJ-IJE) - Ben Appel (VMM) - Jean Cattaruzza (IBJ-IJE)
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Winners law firm of the year
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Olivier Clevenbergh - Stibbe Olivier Clevenbergh, Stibbe I believe that this award of Managing Partner of the Year is a recognition of Stibbe’s great achievements over the recent years and in 2008 in particular. We have indeed developed from just a “top level legal expert firm” (which we were already since the Simont & Simont period) to a “top level service firm” - in which we still provide top legal expertise but then combined with a stronger sense of service to the client. Also, over the years we were able to implement our “full service” philosophy by attracting from outside, when necessary, the required specialists to complete our offering. On the difficult question of the internationalization, I believe that we had the right answer : designing a structure where we remain independent from a financial and management point of view but where we can provide an international service through a strong alliance present in most countries. A particularity of Stibbe when compared to law firms of similar size in Belgium is that the center of decision is completely in Belgium.
Olivier Clevenbergh (Stibbe) Hugo De Cupere (Delta Lloyd Life)
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Managing Partner
The main challenge for a managing partner in the coming months is probably to decide how to cope with the current recession. This is not helped by the fact that the economy specialists have diverging opinions as to the likely duration and extent of the crisis. With respect to Stibbe in particular, our specific conception of “full service” (being that each department should be a profit center as such) is a good protection. This is also the occasion to show to our clients how close and helpful we can be to them in difficult times.
sure that all members of the firm have the right spirit, such a level of uniform top quality can indeed be achieved.
We are aware that, in the framework of our “full service model”, it is a challenge to convince our clients that they can find the same level of quality throughout the firm, whatever the area of specialization. And this is where a good management is essential: by carefully selecting the lawyers and the employees, providing them with the right tools and continuing training, organizing an efficient knowledge management and – even more importantly – by making
The nominees were: Altius - Carine Van Regenmortel / Ashurst LLP - Carl Meyntjens / CMS DeBacker - Stanislas van Wassenhove / DLA Piper Bob Martens / Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP - Eric Cusas / Jones Day - Luc G Houben/ Linklaters LLP - Jean-Pierre Blumberg / Mayer Brown International LLP - Kiran Desai / Philippe & Partners - Denis Philippe / Stibbe - Olivier Clevenbergh
To be successful, the management of a law firm like Stibbe requires an effort and a buyin from each and every individual member of the team. The best managing partner of the world would be nothing without willing and enthusiastic lawyers and employees. And then, of course, it is up to all of them to make sure that the clients are also enthusiastic about them and the firm…
Winners law firm of the year
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CMS De Backer
Best Firm To Work For
• For all new lawyers, we provide one-toone coaching to raise performance. All asStanislas van Wassenhove & André Lombart, CMS sociates receive comprehensive management and commercial training, in addition De Backer to legal training. This award celebrates excellence in the effective deployment of HR strategy. CMS • But, we also put some emphasise on DeBacker was recognised particularly for its our staff. All secretaries are offered a cominnovative training and development sche- prehensive programme of training that comes that were unlike traditional and tech- vers secretarial business skills, IT skills and nical schemes usually attributed to the legal language skills.” sector. In addition to those developments, CMS In 2008, CMS DeBacker has put many initia- DeBacker lawyers have the opportunity to tives in place to progress its people strategy. follow specific training on soft skills (leaThese relate to its reward policies and its in- dership, coaching, business development vestment in career development, but also attitude ...) via the CMS Academy and the reflect how it work together and the core IMD University (Lausanne). corporate values that guide its behaviours (Teamworking – Entrepreneurial – At home André Lombart, Partner commented, “We are able to offer coaching to all associates in Europe). across our offices as part of their persoStanislas van Wassenhove, Managing Par- nal development plan. This helps them to tner, pointed out the elements that have achieve their ambitions and the firm’s stracertainly encouraged the jury to give the tegic goals. Through the spirit in the firm, Award: “Why is our approach to hiring and our associates and trainees are the best development different?
advocates for attracting new young associates. I am very glad that our development programme has been highlighted by this prestigious award. Our challenges for 2009? Increase the satisfaction of our clients (by increasing quality and competence).” It is essential for the well-being of the members to consolidate the cohesion of the team to organise off work events. Once a year, they all gather for a live performance set up by some of its members retracing the highlights of the past year with humour. Because a well thinking mind implies a fit body, CMS DeBacker‘s members often challenge themselves in sport competitions after work. The law firm is also represented during the annual 20km of Brussels. The nominees were: Altius / Ashurst LLP / Association Afschrift / CMS DeBacker / Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP / Gide Loyrette Nouel / Mc Guire Woods LLP / Nauta Dutilh / Stibbe / Verhaegen Walravens
• We are present on University campus • Every application is examined and receives a written response • We offer to students the opportunity to get experience in our firm • When the firm hires new associates, we organise a welcome day Maxime Leborne (Droitbelge.net) - Stanislas van Wassenhove (CMS Debacker) - Amaryllis Muller (CMS Debacker) André Lombart (CMS Debacker)
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Winners law firm of the year
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Stibbe
Employment
According to the comments of the jury, our department has in particular made a difference by our innovative approach in Jean - Philippe Cordier, Stibbe dealing with cases as well as by frequently We are delighted to have won the Belgian organising seminars and personal training Legal Award for “Employment Law Firm of sessions for clients. the Year� for the second year in a row. Our goal is to be considered by our clients This prize illustrates, again, the significant as a real business partner. It is of utmost imwork that Herman Craeninckx and I have de- portance that we understand both the current and future needs of our clients so that livered in 2008. we can offer them real solutions that go It is the reflection of the constantly renewed beyond the legal aspects of their situation. confidence that Stibbe inspires in the HR community, which is becoming ever more Our challenge for the year 2009 is to supdemanding as regards quality and availabi- port and guide our clients in this period of economic recession, but also and especially lity in this period of economic crisis. to determine the needs and requirements
of the HR world when skies will turn blue again. The success of our department is above all the success of a team which has worked extremely hard to create a professional plan for the future and will continue to do so in 2009. For Stibbe, this award is not the end result, but merely an encouragement to carry on this excellent way of working. The nominees were: CMS DeBacker / Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP / Linklaters LLP / Nauta Dutilh / Stibbe
Harold Grondel (Lexgo.be) - Jean-Philippe Cordier (Stibbe)
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Winners law firm of the year
Henry & Mersch
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Wallonia
economic environment (e.g. through confe- clients need. The Cabinet Henry & Mersch rences we give for business executives, ac- responds to such changes in encountering countants, logistic managers, etc.) and in the business expectations. Yves Godfroid, Cabinet Henry & Mersch our privileged contacts we have with proWhich elements you think have encou- fessional or economic organizations, juris- What are your objectives for the year to come ? raged the jury to give you the award for dictions and university (lecture). this category ? What are the main evolutions in that area Facing tremendous challenges, small and medium-sized firms need from lawyers a We believe that the jury was interested in of practice ? full service integrated in their business. The qualities the Cabinet Henry & Mersch is constantly looking for: its care and attention We think that business and day to day life Cabinet Henry & Mersch devotes itself to for the needs of its clients, its quick reply are becoming more and more regulated answering to such needs forging a strong to its clients requirements, its knowledge in in one way as well as moving quickly in relationship. We shall be investing in further many fields of law, its team work combining the other way: it is a huge increase in the specialization and practices, and therefore skills and various approaches. We search for number of laws and their sophistication. in young lawyers; we have to challenge the the quality and the plain satisfaction of our Law becomes complex. Lawyers must be its moving economic world in its legal aspects clients as well as fulfilling the goals of the translators in order to help businessmen to thanks to the quality of services we want to comply with their activities regarding the offer to our clients. members of our firm. fluctuating rules involving new duties. Such In order to always achieve the satisfaction a move in the making of law needs lawyers The nominees were: of our clients, we stress and emphasize en- specifically specialized and constantly on Bours & Associés / Célès / Elegis / Firket rolment of young talented lawyers, conti- duty to be informed and capable to work in Brandenberg Carhay Pichault & Associés / nuous training of all the team in our office a team in order to offer the best service the Henry & Mersch (lawyer and secretary), involvement in our Joëlle Willems (Henry & Mersch) - Benoit Evrard (Pyramiq) -Yves Godefroid (Henry & Mersch)
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Winners law firm of the year
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Tax
Clifford Chance The nominees were: Association Afschrift / Clifford Chance LLP / Cruyplants Eloy Wagemans & Partners / De Wolf & Partners / Forestini / Jones Day / Linklaters LLP / Monard- d’Hulst
law firm of the year
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Katrien Goossens (United Fund for Belgium Henri d’Ursel (Clifford Chance)
US Law Firm
in
Brussels
Hogan & Hartson The nominees were: Hogan & Hartson / Jones Day / Mayer Brown International LLP / Mc Guire Woods LLP / O’Melveny & Myers LLP
law firm of the year
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Catriona Hatton (Hogan & Hartson) Marcel Claes (AmCham)
IP, IT & TMT
Altius The nominees were: Altius / Bird & Bird / De Wolf & Partners DLA Piper / Gibson, Dunn, Crutcher LL Ulys Jones Day / Linklaters LLP / Mc Guire Woods LLP / Nauta Dutilh / Olswang Stibbe
Gerrit Vandendriessche (Altius) Maria Sunderland (The European Lawyer) Olivier Vrins (Altius)
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Winners law firm of the year
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Litigation &
arbitration
Linklaters The nominees were: Linklaters LLP / Modrikamen / Philippe & Partners / Praxislaw / Racine & Vergels Advocaten / Stibbe / Van Cutsem Wittamer Marnef & Partners / Verhaegen Walravens / WTT Law firm law firm of the year
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Nathalie Colin (Linklaters) Jean-Pierre de Cuyper (De Cuyper Brothers) Guy Keutgen (Cepani - Cepina)
Flanders
LDR The nominees were: A-Law advocaten / Ambos / Belexa / LDR
Benoit Evrard (Pyramiq) Isabelle Larmuseau (LDR) Bert Roelandts (LDR) Peter De Smedt (LDR)
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Winners law firm of the year
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Philippe & Partners Denis Philippe, Philippe & Partners Why this award? The elements justifying the award have been enunciated the jury; I would like to remind the main points: • - Presence in the society ( universities, organization of seminars open to the public, publications, bar and other associations) • - Innovation (we tried to develop new services like outsourcing, training for inhouse lawyers etc..) • - Quality ( we have a procedure aiming at a strong quality check, in house training) • - Competitive fees ( we aim to apply fees in correspondence to the expectations of our clients) Evolution in the future in the legal world Law will remain very important due to complexity and globalization of the society. It is difficult to foresee; I think that the market will be more demanding in the future; better quality, more attractive prices; in this regard the fees must be foreseeable for the clients. The competition will remain fierce in Belgium and we need to resist to this phenomenon.
Belgian Firm
What are our objectives? • * Belgium is a small country; most of the centers of decisions are abroad; we have to reaffirm our presence in international field. We already offer legal services in ten languages and we want also to have the opportunity to speak with our Russian or Chinese clients in their own language. • We want to strengthen our professional collaboration with law firms of other countries so that we can offer international services to our clients; we have already a good capacity in this regard for France and Luxemburg ( our law firm is present in these two countries) but we have to reinforce this and enlarge it to other countries in Europe and in the world. • We want also to reinforce our presence in Flanders; we have already two offices in Wallonia and we would like to be present also in Antwerpen and Kortrijk. • Concerning the field of law where we want to invest, we think also that energy law will have an important future and we want to be more present in this field of law. Regulation will also have an important development. • Even if Belgium is small, Brussels is the capital of the European Union; we want to reinforce our presence and visibility in this area of the law. • It seems to us that the website becomes an important tool of communication with the outside world.
• We offer a maximum of information through the website (articles, contracts) and to create a forum of discussion which will be available worldwide. We will reinforce and develop this offer. • We would like to strengthen our trust relation with our current clients. Are the clients satisfied of our collaboration? What do they expect from us? What are their needs? How can we improve the quality of our services toward them? • Finally, ethical and scientific values are the core of the success of an enterprise and especially of a law firm where the professional activity has frequently to deal with situations of divergence of opinion or conflict . We already make our best efforts to be the guardian of strong values; but it is our main goal to keep and reinforce our humanist values. The nominees were: Altius / CMS DeBacker / De Wolf & Partners/ DLA Piper / Linklaters LLP / Monard d’Hulst / Modrikamen / Philippe & Partners / Stibbe
Jean-Pierre Buyle (Philippe & Partners) Philippe Lambrecht (FEB - VBO) - Denis Philippe (Philippe & Partners)
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charity
The Belgian Legal Awards support the following charities and invite you to make a donation.
United Fund for Belgium Avenue Adèlelaan 1 B-1310 La Hulpe/Ter Hulpen tel. +32 (0)2 655 49 33 fax +32 (0)2 655 37 09 info@ufb.be www.ufb.be Bank account: Citibank 953-0000003-69 IBAN: BE71 9530 0000 0369 SWIFT code: CTBK BEBX
Comment Book Encore bravo pour cette édition très réussie.Cécile Louchard, Senior Manager, PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Congratulations for this success! Patrick Wilkins, Publisher and Chairman The European Lawyer Ltd.
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Isabelle Larmuseau, LDR Milieuadvocaten.
Félicitations pour le succès. A la prochaine édition. Amitiés.
Encore toutes nos félicitations pour la magnifique soirée des Legal Awards, l’organisation était vraiment impressionnante!
Christian Miroir, BFM
Benoît EVRARD, Pyramiq SA
Thank you for your help for our attendance at the BLA. We were proud to be there and met a lot of very interesting persons.
The day after ... I would like to sincerely thank you for the excellent organisation. Evidently I am utmost proud having received the award. Keep up the good work and hopefully till soon. warm regards.
Katrien Willems & Emilie Van Laer, President & President-associate ELSA Belgium
Mes félicitations pour cette soirée qui fut à nouveau un beau succès. Olivier Clevenbergh, Managing Partner, Stibbe
"affiliated to United Way International"
It means a lot to our lawfirm to receive the award ‘lawfirm of the year (Flanders). Many thanks for the organization of the event!!
Ben Appel, VMMA, Bedrijfsjurist - Manager Juridische Dienst
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