founding partner
strategic advisor and change-architect
for all types of collaborations, change projects (mergers, splits, organizational networks, impact scaling…) and hybrid business models (profit & purpose)
involving (international) associations, foundations, social enterprises, cooperatives,…
as well as governance projects based on social governance standards and alignment between SDG’s and IDG’s
including transformation and transition-guidance.
Certified BCorp Impact lawyers offers non-profits a ‘ winning combination of knowledge of the sector, expertise in the field and the creativity to come to good solutions’. Areas of expertise include alternative litigation techniques, public-private cooperation and hybrid collaborations between not-for-profits and for-profits, and the legal framework of social enterprises. Marleen Denef, praised for possessing ‘holistic, in-depth knowledge in her field’, co-leads the practice alongside alternative litigation expert Coralie Mattelaer and transactional expert Benoit Spitaels. Xanne Holvoet’s expertise in intellectual property and data protection is an important asset for the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Marleen Denef, a standout partner, possesses holistic, in-depth knowledge in her field and demonstrates a remarkable ability to think creatively, offering innovative solutions that go beyond conventional legal approaches.'
'Xanne Holvoet, an associate at the firm, stands out for her unwavering dedication to thoroughness, leaving no stone unturned in her pursuit of optimal outcomes for clients.'
‘Great affinity with the objectives of our organization.'
‘ A winning combination of knowledge of the sector, expertise in the field and the creativity to come to good solutions. ’
‘Impact lawyers uses high ethical standards and acts to its values. ’
‘The partner we work with acts according high professional standards. We consider the partner as a very integer person. ’
‘Impact puts a very human touch into something like law, which for the public is a very "distant" trade with many difficult words & behaviors. They make law, lawyers, etc approachable & accessible.’
‘Impact Laywers are highly experienced in everything that has to do with not-for-profit or social profit organisations legislation.'
Key clients
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB)
Work highlights
- Initially advised AIB on the different ways to involve new stakeholders in its organization; then guided AIB from A to Z in adapting its articles of association and internal rules.
- Contributed academic experience and practice to the draft of the Policy Guide on Legal Frameworks for the Social and Solidarity Economy as part of the OECE Global Action Plan.
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
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
founding partner
transactional, advisory work and litigation with an emphasis on:
company and non/social profit law;
intellectual property;
governance projects.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
founding partner
expert in company and non/social profit law, with an emphasis on:
participative accompaniment of multistakeholder projects such as governance projects, mergers and broader partnership projects in non and social profit organisations incl. hybrids;
mediation processes and conflict management;
transactional work, mainly with regard to mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, establishements, restructurings and transformations of non and social profit organisations incl. hybrids;
advisory work in the aforementioned domains.
founding partner
company and associations law (M&A, establishment, restructuring, transformation of companies, associations and foundations)
hybrid structures
governance projects
contract drafting
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Marleen Denef, Coralie Mattelaer, Benoit Spitaels