Van Bael & Bellis

Van Bael & Bellis is a leading independent law firm based in Brussels, with a second office in Geneva exclusively dedicated to WTO matters. The firm is known for its client-centred approach, its commitment to excellence and its extensive expertise in EU competition law, EU and international trade law, EU regulatory law as well as Belgian business law. With nearly 70 lawyers coming from 20 different countries, Van Bael & Bellis brings you a highly effective team of professionals with multi-jurisdictional expertise and an international perspective. ​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Competition –

The firm is widely recognised as one of the leading competition law practices in Europe. It has extensive expertise in all aspects of competition law, including merger control, cartel investigations, the establishment and operation of distribution systems, the licensing and use of intellectual property rights, abuses of dominant market positions and state aid. The firm has assisted clients in cases at both the EU and national level, notably appearing before the European Commission and the EU Courts, where it has acted as defence counsel in many landmark cases. The firm also develops and implements compliance programmes for clients and is the author of one of the leading reference sources for companies, law firms and universities – “Competition Law of the European Community”.

Trade, Customs & WTO –

The firm has the largest and most expert team of lawyers in Brussels handling EU trade law. The firm has handled more than 400 EU anti-dumping cases and is the author of the leading treatise on EU trade law – “EU Anti-Dumping and other Trade Defence Instruments”. The firm has also developed a highly specialised practice in representing major multinationals in customs cases taken before the European Courts, the Commission and the WCO, as well as appearances in various national courts. Its strong global WTO practice includes representing governments in WTO dispute settlement proceedings and advising them on their accession negotiations and the harmonisation of national trade legislation.

Regulatory –

The firm has developed a strong practice in EU regulatory law, specialising in environmental law, life sciences, consumer protection issues, data protection law, product safety, standards and CE marking, agricultural and food law, as well as chemicals (REACH). The firm’s expertise includes the implementation of the relevant EU laws in all Member States. The firm also monitors the activities and developments of the EU regulatory framework and works with clients to devise practical lobbying strategies.

Belgian Business –

The firm advises a global client base of international businesses and foreign law firms on doing business in Belgium. The firm’s expert team is able to consult on a wide range of relevant topics, with a particular focus on litigation, regulatory and transactional work.

Practice areas include:

• Commercial law
• Litigation and arbitration
• Corporate, M&A and finance
• Intellectual property
• Employment
• Real estate
• Unfair trade practices