VBB has maintained a strong showing in the 2026 Chambers Global Guide, with 5 department and 15 individual rankings. Our core practice areas – trade, competition and transactions – all achieved recognition, as did a significant percentage of our partner bench. Client feedback was particularly pleasing.

Our “outstanding” trade practice retained its Band 1 ranking, with 85% of eligible partners recognised for their expertise in the area of international trade/WTO.  Founding partner Jean-François Bellis, “one of the masterminds of trade law”, again received the accolade of ‘Senior Statesperson’ and partner Philippe De Baere remains a ‘Star Individual’.  Practice co-head Yuriy Rudyuk and partners Fabrizio Di Gianni, Richard Luff and Pablo Muniz are also recognised.

The practice is additionally included in the Global Market Leaders section of the guide: the scale, complexity and wide geographical footprint of the team’s work and client base contribute to it being the only European firm listed and the sole firm with no US presence. Client accolades include  “there is no question that Van Bael is able to handle the most complex and sophisticated matters as evidenced by the ongoing representation and advice it has provided ….”

Four of our competition partners – Jean-François Bellis, co-heads Porter Elliott and Andrzej Kmiecik and partner Kris Van Hove – received recognition for their work, with Jean-François Bellis once again named a ‘Senior Statesperson’ for competition. The team’s ability to consistently deliver “sophisticated, business-focused advice on a variety of complex legal questions” is highlighted, as its dexterity in finding “practical alternative solutions when the client does not have sufficient information and resources.” The team also features in the guide’s Global: Multijurisdictional section, alongside peer firms with considerably greater global footprints.

The “extensive business experience” of our transactions team contributed to its Band 3 ranking for Corporate/M&A. Client comments were consistently appreciative, including “I like working with Van Bael & Bellis because its lawyers know what they are talking about. They are knowledgeable and have the experience and depth you look for”. As key practitioners in the Corporate/M&A market, all three of our partners – practice head Michel Bonne, partner Caroline Daout and newly appointed partner Hannelore Matthys – attained individual recognition.

Further individual recognition was accorded to partner Johan Mouraux in the Banking & Finance category for combining “pragmatism with commercial insight and attention to detail” and his ability to “think[ ] in solutions during transactions.” Dispute Resolution head Catherine Longeval –“very strategic and has great communication skills” – is also recognised for Litigation, with special mention of her experience in damages claims.

Congratulations and thanks are due to all teams and individuals recognised for the quality of their work and client service.  Special thanks go to our clients for taking the time to provide insightful feedback and for continuing to trust us to deliver on challenging mandates.