The ‘high-quality’ disputes practice at NautaDutilh is commended for its ‘excellent strength in depth’ covering the whole array of commercial disputes spanning shareholder disputes, banking litigation, insurance claims and tort work, alongside insolvency-related litigation, and complex arbitrations. Sophie Jacmain leads the team with Stan Brijs, with the pair commended for being ’tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills‘. Jacmain possesses knowledge across a range of litigation and arbitration work, with particular expertise in restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Karel De Smet is also noted, with a wide-reaching practice covering complex contractual disputes, contentious M&A issues, competition litigation, and enforcement disputes. Karen Paridaen and Gisèle Uwera are also key to the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘High quality team. Excellent strength in depth. Tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills.’

  • ‘We have instructed a team led by partners Stan Brijs and Sophie Jacmain. Tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills. Associate Nicolas Vande Velde is talented junior with excellent case management skills.’

  • ‘The service levels are very high and, as a client, we are extremely satisfied by the firm's quick and timely responses to issues. The team are always responsive and pay attention to the client's needs. The team has extensive experience and willingness to provide concrete solutions and dedicated efforts to our case.’

  • ‘The individuals we work with are always quick to respond and provide an excellent service. They are dedicated, intelligent, supportive and proactive. I could mention Stan Brijs, Sophie Jacmain, Nicolas Vande Velde and Gisele Uwera. They are outstanding with a wide range and a high level of commitment, especially for complex and diverse topics.’

  • ‘Well organised team of hardworking and skilled individuals.’

  • ‘Each partner and associate is specialised in a specific area of law that is relevant in a banking environment. Karel De Smet deserves praise in his proactive approach.’

  • ‘NautaDutilh has a strong litigation practice, which has become a key player in the Belgian market. They are involved in almost all the major French and Dutch litigation cases, which demonstrates their reputation. They have become a force to be reckoned with in the Belgian market, with one of the biggest and best teams.'

  • ‘Excellent team that is efficient on a lot of legal matters.’

Key clients

  • ABN Amro Bank
  • Aoteb
  • Republic of Albania
  • Ascom
  • Connectis (part of Getronics)
  • Ghelamco
  • Port of Brussels
  • Kuehne Nagel
  • Liberty Liège-Dudelange (BE)
  • Lycops – De Beurme – Omnia
  • Sistem Teknik Industrial
  • Textron
  • Belfius Bank
  • Engie
  • Sibelco
  • Triodos Bank
  • KBC
  • AHDS

Work highlights

  • Defending Sibelco in the context of a multi billion euro dispute and proceedings introduced by its most important minority shareholder (Quarzwerke).
  • Represented the Republic of Albania in relation to the enforcement in Belgium of an ICSID arbitral award worth over €130m.
  • Represented Anatolie and Gabriel Stati, Ascom, Terra Raf Trans Trading Ltd in relation to the enforcement proceedings against the Republic of Kazakhstan of an arbitral award worth over$500m.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sophie Jacmain, Stan Brijs

Other key lawyers

Karel De Smet, Karen Paridean, Gisèle Uwera, Nicolas Vande Velde