The Arbitration, Complex Litigation and Mediation practice of DALDEWOLF based in Brussels, Belgium is best known for a combination of specificities that include: 

• Cross-border arbitration expertise: The department, and especially head of the Arbitration practice, Marc DAL, has a strong reputation for its expertise in cross-border arbitration. Some of its lawyers, like Marc DAL, Patrick DE WOLF, Fabian TCHÉKÉMIAN, Ava (Xiufang) TU and Patrick VAN LEYNSEELE are known for effectively representing clients in international arbitration proceedings across multiple jurisdictions (with a focus on France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other OHADA region jurisdictions). Their deep understanding of international arbitration rules, procedures, and best practices enables them to handle complex cross-border disputes, whether ad hoc or under the auspices of institutions such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (CEPANI), the Swiss Arbitration Centre (ASA), or other prominent arbitration bodies.
• Complex multi-million euros disputes: DALDEWOLF’s Arbitration, Complex Litigation and Mediation practice is recognized for its proficiency in managing high-value and intricate disputes involving multi-million euros claims. Marc DAL and Patrick DE WOLF have a successful track record of representing clients in complex commercial disputes, including breach of contract, shareholder disputes and other substantial matters. Industries include retail, distribution, logistics, construction and financial services. Their experience in handling such significant cases could encompass thorough legal analysis, strategic planning, and effective advocacy to protect clients’ interests and secure favourable outcomes.
• Liability dispute management: Marc DAL, Patrick DE WOLF and Aude MAHY are among DALDEWOLF’s lawyers having developed particular expertise in handling liability disputes. They are particularly known for their ability to navigate complex liability issues and represent clients facing claims related to professional negligence, product liability, environmental liability, and other forms of liability. Their in-depth understanding of the applicable legal frameworks, industry-specific regulations, and expert witness engagement make them a go-to choice for clients seeking resolution in challenging liability disputes.
• Multijurisdictional proficiency: With their presence in the heart of European Union (Brussels) and in the capital (Kinshasa) of the second-largest country in Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the dispute resolution lawyers have extensive experience in handling multijurisdictional disputes. They are well-versed in managing conflicts of laws, coordinating legal strategies across different jurisdictions, and navigating the complexities of diverse legal systems. This proficiency is crucial in cross-border litigation, where clients face challenges related to jurisdiction, enforcement of judgments, and coordinating legal actions in multiple countries.
• Strategic litigation approach: The department is renowned for its strategic approach to litigation. They have a team of skilled litigators who carefully analyse each case, devise tailored strategies, and leverage their legal expertise to maximize clients’ chances of success. They employ alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or negotiation, whenever appropriate, but also be fully prepared to litigate vigorously when necessary, ensuring clients’ interests are vigorously advocated for throughout the litigation process.
• Pioneering commercial mediation: Patrick VAN LEYNSEELE is one of the most highly regarded commercial mediators in Belgium. He provides assistance to both Belgian and foreign clients in a range of transactions, serving as both a negotiator and a litigator. Given his extensive experience as a problem solver, he naturally gravitated towards alternative dispute resolution (ADR), with a particular focus on mediation, which he has played a pioneering role in developing within Belgium. Patrick has notably made interventions in Parliament during discussions on mediation-related bills. As a member of various Belgian and international ADR centres, his mediation practice centres on commercial disputes and shareholder conflicts.
• Cross-border EU-China disputes: The China Desk handles all types of EU-China disputes, representing Chinese parties before Belgian courts, also Belgian parties in China-related disputes, with a focus on arbitration by CIETAC (China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission) and ICC, and the enforcement of awards in China. The deep understanding of the legal and cultural nuances of both the European Union and China by Ava (Xiufang) TU allows the firm to be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of cross-border disputes between these regions. She has a proven track record in representing clients in arbitration proceedings before CIETAC, leveraging her knowledge of Chinese arbitration laws and practices to effectively advocate for their clients’ interests. Additionally, the firm has developed a reputation for successfully handling the enforcement of CIETAC awards in China, employing her in-depth understanding of the Chinese legal system and enforcement mechanisms.