The employment team at Liedekerke stands out for its expertise in all dismissal-related questions, advising on individual and collective dismissals in the context of TUPE and restructuring projects, employee misconduct and criminal investigations, and closures. Practice head Paul Geerebaert is a key contact for this line of work and is noted in particular for his ability to represent clients before labour courts and tribunals. Further contacts in the team, which is also capable of advising Belgian and foreign corporate clients as well as governmental and public institutions on collective bargaining matters, discrimination claims, and the employment aspects of M&A, include Vincent Busschaert and Bruno Aguirre.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They are easy to work with, they have a very good client base, they know their clients and pay attention to their needs.’

  • ‘A significant and excellent employment practice with a number of high-profile partners.’

  • ‘The Liedekerke employment team are very knowledgeable, responsive and take a practical, commercial view to all matters. In terms of how they frame and provide advice, they operate in the role of a true business partner and always try to understand and articulate the commercial implications and outcomes of any particular scenario. As a general counsel, this approach is extremely helpful in managing issues and articulating potential legal/commercial risks to our business.’

  • ‘Vincent Busschaert and Siemen Buttiëns are easy to deal with, experienced and have a very good all-round knowledge of the legal implications of any scenario and how that is likely to play out in a commercial context. Understanding the potential commercial implications for your client and being able to articulate that concisely and effectively is a key differentiator.’

  • ‘Liedekerke has a strong team. Good variation of levels. Good quality and pragmatic. Work very easy internationally and understand international dynamics.’

  • ‘Paul Geerebaert is a down to earth and top-notch attorney.’

  • ‘The Liedekerke labour law advisers offer deep advice and understand the context and our needs as an organisation. We observe a very professional and customised approach.’

  • ‘I appreciate every contact I have with the team of Liedekerke. They are all top professionals, very aware about new laws and rules that may apply to our industry. I do appreciate both verbal and written communication. I think that what makes the difference is that we have built a trustful and interpersonal relation where we can easily understand and express our issues and need for advice.’

Key clients

  • Euronews
  • Grand Opticiens Belgium
  • IGVM (Institute for Equality of Men and Women)
  • LM Belgium
  • Argea (Veolia Group)
  • Safestore Group
  • Reply Group
  • B&B Hotels
  • Michael Kors
  • Volker Wessels Telecom Belgium

Work highlights

  • Advised B&B Hotels on various employment law related questions and projects, including the acquisition of new hotels in Belgium, the transfer of undertakings, the dismissal of employees and providers’ services agreements.
  • Advised Euronews on all the employment-related aspects of its reorganisation, including a review of the employment conditions of current Belgian employees, the development of a strategy to harmonise the current and future employment conditions of all Belgian employees, and the provision of an overview of the specific rules applicable to the media industry.
  • Advised Volker Wessels Telecom Belgium on the client's intention to shut down its activities in Belgium and on the related collective lay-off.

Lawyers

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Leading partners
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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Paul Geerebaert

Other key lawyers

Vincent Busschaert, Loic Timmermans, Bruno Aguirre, Siemen Buttiëns, Leen Holvoet