Stibbe‘s employment law team has an ’excellent practical and business oriented focus’, combining a comprehensive offering with particular niche expertise in supplementary pensions, sports law matters, social criminal law, and supporting clients in the public sector. Its litigation and arbitration offerings are also a standout element of the practice. Team co-head Elisabeth Matthys specialises in complex litigation matters, including those which involve social criminal law and in transfer of undertakings related matters, while co-head Jérôme Aubertin is recommended for his ‘sharp intellect’ and experience in company restructurings, including collective dismissals. For pensions law, specialist Jan Proesmans is the go-to.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent practical and business-oriented focus in navigating the client through the intricacies of Belgian labour law.’

  • ‘Jérôme Aubertin has a sharp intellect and is able to easily explain and deliver complex solutions.’

  • ‘The team I work with is always accessible, very clear, and complete in their answers, I fully trust their advice as always aligned with our values and fairness.’

  • 'Jérôme Aubertin has a particular talent for explaining complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable way. Even in the most delicate situations, he manages to break down information and make it accessible, helping us to make informed decisions.'
  • 'Vast knowledge of a variety of subjects, which enriches our exchanges. The ability to link different areas of the law and bring a variety of perspectives not only facilitates our understanding but also strengthens our collaboration.'
  • 'Working with the team is always a pleasure. Jérôme Aubertin's passion for his craft and commitment to his customers are evident in every interaction. This makes discussions not only productive but also enjoyable.'
  • 'We look forward to continuing to work together in the future.’

Key clients

  • PostNL
  • The Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB/URBSFA)
  • Carpenter
  • Pension Fund of the Belgian Federal Parliament
  • Institute for the Equality of Women and Men
  • Kodak
  • Inbev
  • Baxter
  • X-Airservices
  • Sabena Aerospace

Work highlights

  • Assisting PostNL in a criminal case regarding the employment law status of the couriers, which were initiated by the public prosecutor and is supported by the trade unions.
  • Assisting the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB/URBSFA) in a claim brought by former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra before the European Court of Justice challenging the rules governing contractual relations between players and clubs.
  • Assisting Cainaio regarding a complete blockade of the plant following an action organised by some climate activists.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Elisabeth Mathys, Jérôme Aubertin

Other key lawyers

Jan Proesmans, Philip De Roo, Charlotte Mortiaux