DLA Piper handles real estate finance, tax, investment planning, construction, and transactional matters. The firm is a key adviser to local, regional, and federal authorities in Belgium, as well as large corporates and investment funds. Led by Joseph Spinks, the practice has ‘ a unique ability to dissect intricate legal issues and provide practical solutions’. Counsel Bérénice Wathelet is highly recommended for advice on public infrastructure projects. Associate Luana Huybrechts focuses on corporate real estate matters, particularly in the context of complex real estate M&A deals.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'We have worked with a team of DLA Piper Belgium that has shown an impressive capability to produce high-quality due diligence reports within a very challenging time. Also, DLA Piper team understood the key problems of the deal, while considering our internal priorities, to provide the right advice and find the best legal solutions to deal with due diligence findings.'

  • 'Joseph Spinks (Partner) and Lucas Nihoul (Lawyer) have both been very helpful during the due diligence process and have shown a strong commitment and great availability to close deals in the best conditions and within the agreed challenging time frame.'

  • ‘Bérénice Wathelet : her knowledge of public tenders is beyond expectations (experience in administration helps) and she understands very fast what has been asked and comes with solutions. Always ready to help. Maëlle Rixhon : her knowledge of public tenders is great and she can translate difficult matters to be understand by others. ’

  • ‘Having worked closely with Joseph Spinks and his team on several real estate matters, I can attest to their remarkable legal expertise and dedication. Their deep understanding of real estate regulations and market trends has been instrumental in guiding our team through complex transactions. Joseph Spinks and his team have a unique ability to dissect intricate legal issues and provide practical solutions that align perfectly with our business objectives. What sets the team apart is their unwavering commitment to client service. They consistently go the extra mile to ensure that our needs are not only met but exceeded. The team's responsiveness, attention to detail, and willingness to accommodate our specific requirements have made them an invaluable partner in our real estate endeavours.’

  • ‘Joseph Spinks is truly a standout professional in the legal industry, and his contributions have consistently exceeded my expectations. He is an excellent communicator and has a knack for breaking down complex legal concepts into understandable terms, making it easy for our team to make informed decisions. His clarity and transparency has fostered a sense of trust and confidence that is truly appreciated. In addition to his legal prowess, Joseph is a recognized thought leader in the real estate field. His thought-provoking articles and seminars have been invaluable resources for our team, keeping us updated on the latest industry developments. Joseph is an asset to our real estate ventures and a true professional in every sense.’

  • 'Bérénice Wathelet : always available to discuss en to give the best answer possible in the given circumstances.'

  • ‘The firm provides very high quality services at a reasonable price.’

  • 'The team consisted of Joseph Spinks, Luana Huybrechts and Birgit Creemers. Proactive and creative team.'

Key clients

  • Corum
  • NH Hotels
  • Ark Data Centres
  • Fluvius
  • Sligro
  • Yays
  • Deutsche Bank
  • UREP
  • IQEQ
  • GLP
  • Vlaamse Radio en Televisie (VRT)
  • Levi Strauss
  • CBRE Investment Management
  • Helaba
  • Berlin Hyp
  • Safra Bank
  • Radisson
  • Willis Towers Watson
  • Burberry
  • Restoration Hardware
  • Tony Tamer, CEO of HIG Capital
  • Dr. Martens
  • City of Brussels
  • Federal Public Service for Finance
  • Régie des Bâtiments
  • SAU/MSI
  • ULB
  • NEO
  • CBRE Investment Management
  • Alitas
  • Riyad Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Corum, a French investor / asset manager, part of French private equity group Corum Butler, on the acquisition of the Conscience building (leasehold interest) in the Brussels north district from Axa Belgium.
  • Advised Corum, a French investor / asset manager, part of French private equity group Corum Butler, on the acquisition from Cofinimmo of the RTL Headquarters in Brussels.
  • Advised NH Hotels on the sale to Pandox of the shares in the entity holding 100% of the ownership rights in the NH Brussels Louise Hotel (the transaction also involved the entry into an HMA agreement).

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Joseph Spinks

Other key lawyers

Luana Huybrechts, Bérénice Wathelet, Maëlle Rixhon, Lucas Nihoul