AKD‘s employment team serves a growing base of clients in the Benelux region and abroad and is well versed in transactional matters, handling employee transfers, collective dismissals and closures in connection with corporate M&A and restructuring projects. Team lead Julien Hick is an experienced adviser and litigator who manages collective and individual employment issues and regularly defends clients before labour courts. Heleen Franco is also recommended for corporate employment matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Collaborators with a high level of HR knowledge and expert advice. Fast and efficient processing of requests. Flexibility.’
‘I believe Heleen Franco is a true asset of the firm.’
‘Very strong end efficient team, very good knowledge of the Belgian market.'
‘Julien Hick struck me as highly professional, rigorous, responsive and imaginative.’
‘Our experience collaborating with AKD is exceptional, the team is always available and ready to support even on very short notice. The combination of Heleen Franco and Julien Hick’s expertise in both employment law and the finance/insurance sector, highly complex areas, enables them to deliver outstanding services. They are both able to provide tailored and comprehensive advice on how to comply with the applicable legal requirements while protecting our interests.’
‘Julien Hick and Heleen Franco frequently exceed our expectations. They always deliver high-quality work. They listen in an active manner, pay attention to details, adapt to changes and always have a very positive and respectful attitude. They have excellent communication skills, responding appropriately and adapting answers to the audience. Ideas are clearly expressed and structured. They are creative, but remain critical. They have strong problem-solving skills, high ethical standards and integrity. Finally and importantly, they are trustworthy.’
‘The Employment practice of AKD, led by Julien Hick is exceptional and by far the best I have ever worked with. Their highly pragmatic client-oriented approach, and availability distinguish them from any other firm. They are a true business partner, put the interest of the client at the centre. I also want to highlight their exceptional availability.’
‘Julien Hick really makes the difference. I have never met such an exceptional and pragmatic employment lawyer.’
Key clients
- AG Real Estate
- Medtronic
- Wasserman
- Securitas
- Spadel
- Ncardia
- Allseas
- Hyundai Merchant Marine
- Chemviron
- Auto1 Group
- Babyliss
- Saksoft
- Redevco
- Nuxe
- Socotec
- Dessange
- Life Fitness
- Sichuan Airlines
Work highlights
- Advised Medtronic on a redundancy exercise.
- Represented AG Real Estate in a TUPE-related dispute against a former employee following the transfer of a business division.
- Advised a multinational insurance company on legal requirements applicable to bonus clawbacks in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Julien Hick