Careers

Current opportunities

A view from the inside

• Joanna Redelbach (Trade)

  My decision to apply to Van Bael & Bellis was motivated by the firm’s unparalleled experience in international trade law. As I found out, Van Bael & Bellis is the number one trade practice in Europe. My personal practice ranges from complex WTO litigation through FTA negotiations to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations.
  What I especially appreciate about Van Bael & Bellis is working as part of an international team of talented people who are dedicated to excellence in everything they do. Something else unique about the firm is its stimulating, yet friendly working environment, where people cooperate rather than compete.
  Van Bael & Bellis has given me the opportunity to grow and take on new challenges together with people who are not only my colleagues, but also my friends.

  

• Michael Clancy (Competition)

  Upon joining Van Bael & Bellis, I was immediately struck by both the high quality and range of competition law projects handled by the firm.  While I knew that the firm had a leading competition law practice, seeing it in action is a different story. From the first day, I found myself working with leading experts on more important, complex and engaging matters than I had previously faced, pushing me to further develop my legal skills. I also found myself part of one of the biggest competition teams in Brussels, with leading practitioners and subject matter experts just down the hall, advising clients in most of the leading EU and national cases. Being part of this large, collegial team offers tremendous advantages, as there are few issues that someone here has not dealt with or thought through, and, in my experience, there is no better way to enhance your own skills than to work on and discuss difficult matters with skilled colleagues. 

  

• Michel Bonne (Corporate)

  In my experience, Van Bael & Bellis combines the best of both worlds. Although most of its lawyers are based in one location, Brussels, its practice has a truly global reach. What I found particularly appealing on joining the firm is that it is more international than the Belgian offices of many global law firms.

  This gives us a unique ability to handle complex cross-border corporate transactions.

  I also became very enthusiastic about our practice of deliberately involving our young lawyers in projects calling for expertise in various areas of law. Our young associates become more complete lawyers thanks to this enriching exposure.

  We also work in small teams with direct client interaction and close contact with partners, offering the very best training.

  

• Reshad Forbes (Regulatory)

  I came to Van Bael & Bellis from Mumbai, having previously qualified as a UK solicitor. It was meant to be a two-month stay, but, two decades later, I am still with the firm. Indeed, I rapidly realised that this was where I wanted to practise law permanently.
  The partners are approachable, sharing a common friendly outlook with the rest of the firm. It is also a superbly professional environment, with dynamic and bright legal minds from all over the EU and beyond. For me, to this day, the firm is a balanced environment: diverse with genuinely interesting people, as well as hugely competent in all its practice areas.
  It is a place I've been lucky enough to come to and remain in, practising product safety and environmental law with colleagues who - amidst the lively atmosphere and hard work - never fail to keep the mood cheerful.

  

• Fatima Janati (Receptionist)

  I came to Van Bael & Bellis in an interim capacity.

  My background was in public relations and I was delighted to be able to integrate that into my role as receptionist.

  Very soon, I found that I was enjoying my position here and my relationships with clients and with work colleagues. After more than 15 years at Van Bael & Bellis, I continue to enjoy the varied and enriching work in the international ambience of the Brussels office.

  Since the firm moved to new offices in the Glaverbel building, one of Brussels’ architectural landmarks, there is the additional pleasure of working in one of the most beautiful offices in the city.