Described as the ‘leading tech law team in Belgium’, Stibbe is equipped to handle a wide range of IT and telecoms work with matters related to digital platforms, social media, data centres and telecoms all areas of strength. The team is additionally well placed to assist major clients with capex to opex transitions. Practice head Erik Valgaeren is praised for his ’extensive practice and experience in IT, AI and data protection’. Carolien Michielsen is singled out for her IT contract drafting skills and her expertise pertaining to new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. Both lawyers are praised for their ‘willingness and ability to engage in the understanding of complex technical and commercial issues’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Stibbe provided bespoke advice on legal aspects of a complex IT matter and took a collaborative and positive approach to the work involved.’
‘Erik Valgaeren and Carolien Michielsen at Stibbe are valued for their willingness and ability to engage in the understanding of complex technical and commercial issues and to provide legal advice and guidance appropriately within that context.’
‘The leading tech law team in Belgium. Great practical advice and support from corporate lawyers for setting up what it takes for a multinational company to quickly get going in Belgium. Excellent integration of teams, service oriented, accessible, responsive and fast.’
‘Erik Valgaeren has deep knowledge and extensive practice and experience in IT, AI and data protection. Business and commercially minded practical advice.’
‘Very good team work and collaboration skills.’
‘Fast thinking, looking forward, creating solutions.’
Work highlights
- Providing legal support to TotalEnergies in relation to its project for replacing a business-critical custom-developed tool with a multi-vendor solution to manage core refinery and oil movement processes.
- Advising Belgium Tower Partners, the first independent tower company in Belgium, on a variety of complex issues relating to its unique position in the Belgian telecoms landscape.
- Assisting Proximus in litigation and commercial matters involving its telecoms agents.
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.
Carolien Michielsen
StibbePractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Erik Valgaeren