Careers

CMS DeBacker is recognized as a dynamic law firm reputed for the quality of its services and takes pride in being responsive to, and supportive of, our people. Our business is wholly dependent on the skills and commitment of the people who work with us. Attracting good people is a good start, but our main goal is to fulfill their ambitions as we grow together. We do this by investing in our people, which means that we:

• Consider each career stage as a learning phase during which we place emphasis on the individual development of each member of the firm
• Provide learning opportunities and training programmes including secondments opportunities within CMS (for senior associates)
• Offer a career path in an internationally oriented environment, which offers various and interesting possibilities for developing in the legal profession
• Do not operate on an "up or out" basis but value the individual capabilities, contribution and professional aspirations of each lawyer
• Offer a competitive and attractive remuneration package
• Provide constructive guidance and individual attention
• Recognize accomplishments of the members of our team and encourage them with a bonus scheme.

CMS DeBacker wins the Belgian Legal Award “Best Law Firm to Work For”

This award celebrates excellence in the effective deployment of HR strategy. CMS DeBacker was recognised particularly for its innovative training and development schemes that were unlike traditional and technical schemes usually attributed to the legal sector.

In 2008, CMS DeBacker has put many initiatives in place to progress its people strategy. These relate to its reward policies and its investment in career development, but also reflect how it work together and the core corporate values that guide its behaviours (Teamworking – Entrepreneurial – At home in Europe).

Stanislas van Wassenhove, Managing Partner, pointed out the elements that have certainly encouraged the jury to give the Award: “Why is our approach to hiring and development different?

• We are present on University campus 
• Every application is examined and receives a written response 
• We offer to students the opportunity to get experience in our firm 
• When the firm hires new associates, we organise a welcome day 
• For all new lawyers, we provide one-to-one coaching to raise performance. All associates receive comprehensive management and commercial training, in addition to legal training
• But, we also put some emphasise on our staff. All secretaries are offered a comprehensive programme of training that covers secretarial business skills, IT skills and language skills.”
  
  

In addition to those developments, CMS DeBacker lawyers have the opportunity to follow specific training on soft skills (leadership, coaching, business development attitude ...) via the CMS Academy and the IMD University (Lausanne).

André Lombart, Partner commented, “We are able to offer coaching to all associates across our offices as part of their personal development plan. This helps them to achieve their ambitions and the firm’s strategic goals. Through the spirit in the firm, our associates and trainees are the best advocates for attracting new young associates. I am very glad that our development programme has been highlighted by this prestigious award. Our challenges for 2009? Increase the satisfaction of our clients (by increasing quality and competence).”

It is essential for the well-being of the members to consolidate the cohesion of the team to organise off work events. Once a year, they all gather for a live performance set up by some of its members retracing the highlights of the past year with humour. Because a well thinking mind implies a fit body, CMS DeBacker‘s members often challenge themselves in sport competitions after work. The law firm is also represented during the annual 20km of Brussels.