Lydian‘s team comprises a large roster of employment and pensions specialists capable of advising Belgian and multinational clients as well as notable individuals on contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Litigation and investigations are a core are of focus for the team, with practice co-heads Alexander Vandenbergen and Jan Hofkens having recently represented clients in complex and high-profile disciplinary proceedings related to toxic leadership, contentious dismissals, and gender-based discrimination claims. The team also provides routine advice on HR contracts and policies and handles the employment aspects of corporate restructurings and closures, with Jurgen De Vreese serving as a key contact in this space. Kato Aerts, who provides employment advice in the context of cross-border undertakings, and health and discrimination expert Eveline Ankaert are also highly recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Broad field of knowledge and experience within the company.’
‘Jurgen De Vreese and the employment team are great partners in helping us to navigate employment law and best practice in Belgium. They are approachable, friendly, supportive and flexible, with a welcoming informal style, which invites questions and challenge. They are very easy to connect and communicate with, with strong knowledge presented in an easy to understand way.’
‘Jurgen De Vreese has a very pragmatic and partnering approach, taking the time to understand our business and what it is we need to achieve, jointly partnering with us to help us get to a preferred solution. His guidance is always very straight forward and clear, with considered options, risks and a view on how we might prefer to proceed.’
‘The employment practice at Lydian consists of strong individuals at junior and senior levels. The team offers stable coverage of our employment and pension matters and differentiates in availability, responsiveness and creativity compared to other practices.’
‘Lydian's employment team took the time to understand our way of working and the priorities of our HR department. We know we can trust their quality of service and advice.’
‘I've consistently worked with Jurgen De Vreese for several years. His business insight extends beyond the text of the law and enables him to provide practical, relevant advice. Generally, his legal expertise gives me peace of mind, and I rely on him to navigate the complexities of employment law and explain their steps, statuses, and risks in a way that my colleagues and I can easily process.’
‘Alexander Vandenbergen and his team are extremely smart, pragmatic and fast. I would not hesitate to work with them again whenever the opportunity arises.’
‘The support of Eveline Ankaert has been outstanding. She manages to advise with strong understanding of our business and understands the different perspectives within a certain case. Her advice is to the point, clear and considerate. On top of that, it helps that she does this by showing up as her true self and with the right amount of humour. I would recommend Eveline to anyone that is looking for a strong legal business partner.’
Key clients
- Capgemini
- Ethias
- Bekaert
- AG Insurance
- Unilever
- Essenscia
- Flanders Investment & Trade
- Visit Flanders
- Water-link
- Scandinavian Tobacco Group
- Landewyck Group
- Nike
- Walt Disney
- UPS
- Tereos Group
- Henkel
- AIG
- Yokohama
- McAfee
- Royal & Sun Alliance
- Nippon Express (Belgium) NV
- Bloomberg
- Blackberry
- DKV
- British American Tobacco
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
- Baloise
- Société Wallonne des Eaux
- Booking.com
- Flemish Radio & Television Broadcasting Company
- Generali Belgium
- Airbus
- Banijay Group
- Centerparcs
- Plukon Food Group
- Radisson Blu Hotel Group
- Van Der Valk hotels
- Barry Callebaut
- Ebury
- Uniqlo
- Stater
- Keyence
- LKQ
- Wunderman Thompson
- Solvay
- Novelis
- Carrefour
- Cargill
- Puratos
- Worldwide Flight Services
- The Belgian Federal Ministry of Pensions
- Citribel
- Britvic
- Retailors
- Imperial
- Saab
- Euro Heat Pipes
- Dejbox (Carrefour Group)
- Goed Farma
- Citribel
- World Customs Organization
- Orica
- Harvey Nash
- Cotac
- Selecta
- Brunello Cucinelli
- Wolford
- Svens Handel
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- Bilfinger
- McDonald’s Belgium NV
- Estée Lauder Cosmetics NV
- Aperam Stainless Belgium NV
Work highlights
- Assisted Bloomberg with all labor and employment matters, including dismissals due to performance or breach of policies, and the drafting of contracts and policies.
- Advised AG Insurance in connection with a discrimination complaint filed against the client.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alexander Vandenbergen, Jan Hofkens