Associate - Litigation and commercial law

As a Belgian‑qualified associate, you will join the commercial team and support a broad range of matters with a particular focus on litigation law. Working closely with experienced partners and associates, you will gradually build hands‑on experience in advisory, contractual, regulatory and public law aspects of commercial projects. This role offers a supportive learning environment and a strong foundation for young lawyers who are curious, entrepreneurial, motivated and eager to grow within a dynamic and evolving energy practice.

Who we are

Van Bael & Bellis is a leading independent law firm headquartered in Brussels, with offices in London and Geneva. We are a truly international firm, both in terms of lawyers and clients. Established 40 years ago, our firm has grown to include more than 90 lawyers from 27 different countries. While our working language is English, our lawyers speak more than 25 different languages.

Since our inception, we have developed a collaborative team of lawyers who combine their perspectives to provide thoughtful and effective legal support. We provide specialist advice to clients ranging from multinationals, government bodies and top-tier law firms around the globe.

We offer our clients the support of a highly effective team of professionals with multi-jurisdictional expertise and a truly international perspective. We work on complex, high-end international assignments, which require deep knowledge of the law, yet practical results for our demanding clients.

Function

As a member of the Brussels legal team, you will support the commercial practice, with a particular focus on litigation law, while also contributing to broader commercial, regulatory and public law matters.

In this role, you will assist the team with:

• Drafting legal documents, correspondence and memoranda;

• Reviewing and analysing contracts and related documentation;

• Supporting partners and senior associates in ongoing matters and cases;

• Contributing to the development of the practice, including knowledge sharing and client-related initiatives.

• Legal research on commercial, litigation and public law issues;

Our offer

• You will work closely with partners and associates across different practices, offering you exposure to a wide range of matters and a solid foundation for your professional growth;

• You will work in a stimulating and dynamic environment with motivated and enthusiastic colleagues, with direct client exposure;

• You will be in contact with a diversified international client base, offering a variety of matters and the possibility to take initiative and progressively build responsibility;

• You will be trained on the job by experienced lawyers, benefiting from close supervision, mentoring and a steep learning curve;

• You will be offered an attractive remuneration package in accordance with your experience;

• The firm invests heavily in its people in terms of training, welfare, incentives and rewards, and prides itself on maintaining a friendly, informal and sociable working atmosphere, with genuine respect for work-life balance.

Requirements

• You are a Belgian-qualified lawyer, in your third to fifth year of practice;

• You have an experience in litigation law, and are motivated to further develop your expertise;

• You have a solid academic background in commercial law or public law;

• You are fluent in Dutch and English; a strong knowledge of French is an asset;

• You are proactive, entrepreneurial and eager to learn;

• You have strong analytical skills, attention to detail and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team.

• An initial exposure to contract law and/or public law is considered a plus.