The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 edition published on 11 April recommends PwC Legal Belgium in 4 practice areas, namely Environment with a Tier 3, Commercial, Corporate and M&A with a Tier 4, Tax with a Tier 4 and Real estate, a practice which enters the rankings this year in Tier 4.
Our public real estate practice, which advises domestic and foreign companies on strategic town planning, environmental permits, procurement and litigation besides assisting municipalities, cities and public companies with the full range of environmental regulatory matters, maintains an honourable ranking in Tier 3. The practice led by Els Empereur described by a client as ‘very strong when it comes to everything related to the environment.’ and “very well versed in soil-related matters.‘ receives praise from clients and peers who comment: ‘PwC Legal has proven to be a very knowledgeable legal team, that assisted us on more than one occasion in legal matters, mostly pertaining to environmental subjects.‘’ and add: ‘Els Empereur is a real expert in environmental matters and is assisted by a team that knows the stuff very well!‘
Our Corporate and M&A lawyers Karin Winters, Pierre Queritet, Bart Vanstaen, are noted as key practitioners as the practice holds its spot in Tier 4. The Corporate practice, which combines transactional advice with a full-service approach to corporate issues, advising on tax, regulatory, and employment considerations, with a strong focus on corporate reorganisations and distressed situations, is singled out for its multidisciplinary approach as a client comments: ‘Excellent technical skills, especially in corporate structuring, M&A and other transactions. Multidisciplinary approach – the lawyers at PwC Legal think beyond their core expertise and are able to deliver an advice taking into account several considerations. Pragmatic and solution driven – Advice is clear and provides solutions which are ready to use or act upon.’
Head of practice Karin Winters gets highly recommended with clients quoting ‘Karin Winters – Technically very strong and a tactical multidisciplinary lawyer – the legal partner you want at your side when doing new business or in times of crisis.’.
Bart Vanstaen is highly praised as well with a client quoting ‘Bart Vanstaen – Excellent lawyer for highly technical corporate files as well as M&A and commercial projects. A true business lawyer. Impressively calm and very nice to work with.’ and another adding: ‘Bart Vanstaen is an excellent lawyer on corporate law matters in particular – hands on and pragmatic approach.’
Clients further recommend the practice for its ‘key capabilities (which) are very diverse. This is a strength. Moreover, we have the experience that PwC Legal can handle complex questions/issues. This is a distinctive factor.’
Our Tax team, which has a strong focus on tax controversy work, handling domestic and cross-border litigation relating to direct and indirect taxation on behalf of clients in administrative issues and court cases, both at Belgian and European level, receives its fair share of praise as well as clients comment that ‘This practice is unique because of its focus on the business requirements and the consistent application that legal analysis and recommendations should always be based on the business needs and requirements.‘ and appreciate its ‘Flexibility, knowledge, willingness to listen and learn from customers.‘ The practice is very valued for offering and delivering a ‘Very large spectrum of services: valuation, local taxation, excellent corporate income tax also, international taxation.’ and highly estimated for offering ‘advice that is not only very much to the point but also ready to be implemented. PwC Legal’s approach is very much customer focused and oriented which is key to ensuring an efficient process.‘ Senior Counsel Véronique De Brabanter who leads the tax team is described as ‘a top expert who knows how to bridge the gap between her domain of expertise on one hand and the customer’s daily reality on the other hand. Very much to the point always providing tangible advice.’
Our Real estate practice, which enters the rankings this year and joins its peers in Tier 4, is recommended by clients who appreciate that ‘They are to the point , reports are made clear and readable for non-lawyers.‘ The practice which advises developers, investors, and public bodies on real estate transactions, development and redevelopment projects, and urban planning, alongside associated public and administrative law issues is singled out for its ‘multidisciplinary approach, working with the larger consultancy and its integrated tax and finance teams’.
The practice, co-led by François de Montpellier, who takes the lead on private real estate transactions and investments, alongside Els Empereur, who leads the public real estate offering, specialising in environmental law and permits, is also congratulated for its real estate transactions work: ‘Everything went very well and the sale was brought to a successful conclusion thanks to the expertise of these people.’
We are extremely proud of these achievements and congratulate all our lawyers whose hard work and consistent delivery of top-quality services earned these prestigious recognitions. We also extend our gratitude to our clients for their continuous trust and support and their favourable comments as part of the Legal 500 research.
To read the full review on PwC Legal and access the rankings:
PwC Legal > BRUSSELS > Belgium | The Legal 500 law firm profiles
