‘Trustworthy, pragmatic, market-focused and dedicated’, Antwerp-based GSJ Advocaten joins the ranking this year thanks to its growing portfolio of work for Flemish public authorities, and through its alliance with firms in the Netherlands and the UK, local and international developers and investors in real estate projects. Christophe Lenders (who is ‘very customer-oriented and actively searches for practical solutions’) and the ‘thorough and punctual’ Yves Loix are the lead partners.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘It is a law firm with various specialized departments. Depending on the problem at hand, there is always a specialist to help.The new buildings are very centrally located in Antwerp and easily accessible.’
‘Christophe Lenders is very customer-oriented and actively searches for practical solutions. He can analyze more complex legal issues well and can assess the risks exceptionally well.’
‘I know GSJ Advocaten as counselors of adverse parties. About half of the partners are public / real estate experts. All very able and well respected lawyers. When I have a deal / litigation were they are involved, it is clear that the aim for the best result for their client, but allways trying to act towards a deal with the adverse party avoiding unnecessary costs for thier clients.’
‘Hands-on creative team, very knowledgeable and experienced.’
‘They stand out in reactivity, knowledge and correct value for money.’
‘GSJ Advocaten is a very trustworthy, pragmatic, market-focused and dedicated law firm with a growing team and reputation.’
‘Christophe Lenders is a top Real Estate and public law counsel, with a large knowledge of the market of construction companies, developpers and PPP projects. He is extremely focussed on delivering exceptional client service and is deal driven. He always put the client first but has enough diplomatic skills to listen to the counterparty and structure solutions. - Yves Loix is a reference in the field of public law and environmental & permitting law. He knows the in and outs of often very complex environments.’
‘The public procurement and construction team has two strong partners. Christophe Lenders and Joris Wouters are very accessible to provide practical advice quickly. There is a good balance between deliverables and invoicing. No hours machine. Christophe understands the construction sector and our needs very well.’
Key clients
- DCA
- Ghelamco NV
- BPI
- Immobel
- Matexi Projects
- Rinkoniên |Artes
- Mobilis
- Boskalis
- City of Malines
- VK Engineering
- Sweco
- Heeren Group
- NV Besix SA
- Vanderstraeten
- VDD Project Development
- Revive
- Flemish Government
- Evillas
- Triple B
- NV IRET Development
- Heylen Group
- Sportinfrabouw
- Gillion Construct
- Provincie Antwerpen
- B-Architecten
- HUB architecture
- Styfhals architecten
- Stadsbader nv
- Stadsbader contractors nv
- BAM Interbuild
Work highlights
- Advising the partnership TM Rinkoniên (a temporary joint venture consisting of major Belgian contractors Artes, Stadsbader Contractors and CIT Blaton as well as the world-famous Dutch and international contractor Boskalis and Dutch contractor Mobilis I TBI) regarding the awarding and the execution of the biggest construction works in Europe, the project ‘Oosterweelverbinding’.
- Advising the City of Mechelen (advising, contracting and legal representation) on the major urban development program (Ragheno project 140.000 m² offices, 25.000 m² retail, 2750 houses, 18.000 m² public infrastructure).
- Guidance and advice on the environmental law aspects of the Golf project in Knokke. GSJ provided legal services for the environmental permit, a project with an international character. An international hotel will be established. The value of the project is estimated at €500,000,000. The architect of the golf project is Jack Nicklaus, known as The Golden Bear, a top American golfer.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Christophe Lenders, Yves Loix