Employment
2011: "This three-partner employment and pensions department enters the rankings on the back of positive market feedback. It is divided between offices in Brussels and Antwerp, and benefits from the firm’s membership of the CMS network of European firms. The team has been extremely busy over recent months, representing domestic and international employers from a wide range of sectors, mainly in restructuring matters. Sources say: “Very knowledgeable and hands-on, offering a rare combination of solid advisory skills and a pragmatic approach to litigation.” Managing partner Stanislas van Wassenhove is a popular and visible employment lawyer, who also publishes and gives seminars. He has a special focus on collective employment law and top management and pensions issues. Partner Jef Degrauwe is another key member of the team."
Environment : Regulatory
2011: "This department is recommended for its work on renewable energy and climate change. It tends to represent French-speaking clients. Over recent months, the group has continued to collaborate closely with the state administration and regional authorities. Mandates include representing the Belgian State in litigation relating to noise pollution by aircraft at the national airport. Sources say: "Really good at adapting to clients' circumstances and the risks that they face." Department head Luc Depré is the primary point of contact."
2010: "The solid environmental law practice at CMS DeBacker, which focuses on the francophone section of the Belgian market, is renowned for its prowess in advising public authorities. Over the past year, it has drafted legislation for federal, regional and local authorities, and has also handled several disputes on their behalf. Led by Department head Luc Depré, the team advised the Walloon government on the EUA allocation for a blast furnace, a mandate that entailed negotiations with the EC. It also commands respect for its regulatory expertise on climate change issues."
Intellectual Property
2011: "CMS DeBacker climbs the rankings this year after receiving effusive praise from market sources and industry peers. Working mainly in the telecommunications, technology and media sectors, the team offers expertise on copyright, trade marks and patents in both contentious and non-contentious cases, and is praised as “efficient, accurate and precise.” Clients perceive the team as approachable and always available to explain matters in more detail when required. Department head Tom Heremans specialises in e-commerce, media, technology and privacy law. Commended as “client-oriented and hands-on,” he recently represented FIFA in various anti-piracy and customs actions."
2010: "CMS DeBacker is a newcomer to this year's rankings, having received generous client feedback on its organisational skills, reactivity and client-friendly manner. Offering "timely advice at affordable prices," the eight-lawyer team has been particularly active in litigation. Specialising in the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of IP rights, the group represents various international corporations in the retail, entertainment and banking industries. Tom Heremans stands out for his work in trade marks and domain names. He is appreciated for his direct style and commercial approach.
Public Law
2011: "This full-service public law practice caters largely for the francophone market in Brussels and the Walloon Region. The 17-lawyer team includes a number of specialist practitioners offering expertise in a variety of areas including public procurement, environment, healthcare and public finance. The group frequently advises both private companies and public authorities on various public law matters. For example, it is currently advising the regional government of the Walloon Region on the organisation and financing of key public services. Clients appreciate the spread of expertise available as well as the firm's pragmatic and direct approach. Eric Gillet leads the department and is a skilled practitioner renowned for his public procurement work. He recently advised CIRB - IRISNET on the development of a PPP to expand IT services for the regional authorities in Brussels. Patrick Thiel is similarly praised for his expertise in public procurement matters and is described as "proactive and client-oriented.""
2010: "Particularly famous for its public law practice in the Walloon Region and Brussels, this four-partner team handles a variety of matters, including public procurement and PPP, environment, public markets and state aid. It acts for governmental bodies and private and state-owned companies. In addition to outstanding technical credentials, the team receives effusive praise from clients for its expertise, versatile knowledge of public law, creative advice and friendly manner. Clients are also quick to note the team's outstanding value for money. Department head Eric Gillet distinguishes himself as a talented lawyer with in-depth knowledge of administrative public law at the local, national and EU levels. Clients appreciate his friendly and proactive manner and laud his pragmatic, imaginative and rigorous approach. Partner Patrick Thiel stands out for his expertise in public markets and focuses primarily on public markets in francophone regions of the country."
Real Estate
2011: "This practice covers developments, PPP, restructuring, environmental and tax issues. Recent significant mandates include assisting Westimmo with the EUR70 million financing of the acquisition of an office building in Brussels and providing environmental law advice to the Brussels Harbour. The team has also advised Aareal and RBS on credit restructuring work. Clients appreciate the in-depth real estate and property finance expertise of Department head Bruno Duquesne."
2010: "This firmly established real estate and construction group covers an extensive range of issues, including investment, developments, refinancing, PPP, restructurings, portfolio management and an increasing number of disputes. In particular, it has earned a reputation for its expertise in hotels, nursing homes and polluted lands. Sources praise the lawyers for their "technical and negotiation skills, and their ability to combine theory and pragmatism." Bruno Duquesne is well known in the field, excelling at real estate financing and refinancing matters."