Aurion‘s highly regarded not-for-profit group has an excellent track record in acting for domestic and international not-for-profit organisations in the religious, medical and education sectors. The team advises on matters involving issues of employment law, public law, corporate law, privacy law and finance law. Practice co-head Sarah Verschaeve specialises in non-profit law, and practice co-head Yvette Verleisdonk assists clients with impact finance and steward ownership work. Another key contact to note is Evelyne Maes. Lisa Bueken left the firm in January 2025.
Not-for-profit in Belgium
Aurion
Responsables de la pratique:
Sarah Verschaeve; Yvette Verleisdonk
Autres avocats clés:
Evelyne Maes
Les références
‘The team has been very responsive and has shown a strong understanding of issues related to the work of non-profits operating in Belgium. The team has done an excellent job at explaining the unique features of the Belgian system.’
‘Sarah Verschaeve has been very easy to deal with, quick to respond and fast to understand the issues at hand.’
‘Expertise and knowledge. Fast response times. Customer focused.’
Principaux clients
Agentschap Opgroeien
Antwerp World Diamond Centre private foundation
Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Productontwikkeling (APOPO)
Association for European Life Science Universities
Association of the European Self-Care Industry (AESGP)
AssociationWorld
Belgian Cockpit Association NPO
Beschut Wonen De Lariks VZW
Better Regulation for European Leadership ASBL
Cancer Drug Development Forum (CDDF)
Coosha Impact Ventures
Cultuurloket
De Federatie
De Leiding/ Robinetto
EGOV Select
Eurhonet – the European Housing Network
European Alcohol Policy Alliance (Eurocare)
European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA)
European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet)
European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP)
European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP)
European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)
European Resuscitation Council (ERC)
European Trauma Course Organisation (ETCO)
Federal Equality Bodies (other key matter 10)
Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS)
Fevia Vlaanderen
Fevia Wallonië
Flanders Make
Give A Day
Hazelheartwood BV (highlight 3)
Hubbie (previously De Lork and Begeleid Wonen Brussel)
Idea Consult
IKIC Impact Ventures
Impact Directors
Impact Finance Belgium
Impact Licensing Initiative
International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) Belgium
International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) Global
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven – KUL)
Koninklijke Vereniging der Belgische Maalders (KVBM) VZW
Levl (former Minderhedenforum)
Ligo, Centrum voor Basiseducatie
Lita
Moslimraad België
Near East Foundation (NEF)
Oya
Oya Seed
Pharma.be
PharmaScan Belux
Platform voor de Samenlevingsdienst
Rabobank – CRG Financial Services
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
Shaping Impact Group
SI² Fund
SI³ Equal Opportunities Fund
Sociale Innovatiefabriek
Solhydair
Sport Vlaanderen
Stuurkracht-Trefpunt
The International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO)
The Yalla Project
Thomas More
Vlaamse Gemeenschap – Departement Zorg
Voorzorgsfonds van het Personeel der Tiense Suikerraffinaderijfabriek van Tienen
Unbossers
Wit-Gele Kruis Vlaams-Brabant
Workitects
Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)
WRAP Europe
Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (ZOL)
EY Law
EY Law‘s non-profit and trade association team is often instructed in matters concerning financing, mergers, governance structures and management issues, often involving cross-border elements. The group often acts for clients in the banking, agriculture, education, and healthcare sectors, as well as European lobby groups in Belgium with a focus on not-for-profit activities. Practice head Antoine Druetz has an excellent reputation for assisting with the structuring, restructuring, and design of governance systems for not-for-profit organisations. Other key names to note include Alix Degrez and Valérie Havaux.
Responsables de la pratique:
Antoine Druetz
Autres avocats clés:
Alix Degrez; Valérie Havaux
Les références
‘EY Law has a lot of experience in the not-for-profit space.’
‘Antoine Druetz is extremely knowledgeable. He is pragmatic and solution-oriented.’
‘The team is punctual and very knowledgeable. We always receive very practical advice and solutions.’
Principaux clients
European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM)
Meliore
Fédération Européenne des Médecins Salariés (FEMS)
Fleishmann Hillard
Innovative Advanced Materials Initiative (IAM-I)
European Bioplastics e.V. (EUBP)
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Inc. (UMI Fund)
European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)
Belgian Federation of Philanthropic Foundation
European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care
Plastics Europe
Union Internationale Des Transports Publics
The European Brain Council
European Association of Research and Technology Organisations AISBL (EARTO)
Science Europe
Principaux dossiers
- Advised European Bioplastics e.V. on the cross-border restructuring and transfer of activities to Belgium, including the incorporation of a new international non-profit association.
- Advised the European Federation of Salaried Doctors on the cross-border transfer of its operations from France to Belgium, including the incorporation of a new international non-profit association.
Impact lawyers
Boutique firm Impact lawyers advises nonprofits, impact entrepreneurs, and social enterprise companies on restructurings and mergers, setting up cooperative structures, and helping hybrid structures in obtaining social enterprise certifications. Marleen Denef has established expertise in handling governance matters, while Coralie Mattelaer advises not-for-profit companies on M&A and real estate transactions. Benoit Spitaels is equally adept at handling transactional work, and Xanne Holvoet is a key name to note for IP and data protection issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Marleen Denef; Coralie Mattelaer; Benoit Spitaels
Autres avocats clés:
Xanne Holvoet
Les références
‘The Impact team has a hands-on mentality. They know their market very well.’
‘Impact Advocaten is unique in combining strong legal expertise with a very pragmatic, hands-on approach. They understand the nonprofit context immediately and provide tailored advice rather than generic solutions. Their strengths are clear communication, constructive engagement in meetings with members, and the ability to translate complex governance questions into workable outcomes.’
‘They stand out through their deep specialisation in nonprofit and social-profit law, which makes them highly efficient. Innovations we value include transparent billing, a collaborative and impact-driven way of working, and their consistent investment in understanding the client’s sector.’
Principaux clients
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB)
UNISOC
SOM
Vlaams Welzijnsverbond
ALTIUS
The team at ALTIUS handles a wide range of matters relating to the not-for-profit sector. The group is very experienced in advising on cases concerning data protection and IP rights, real estate issues and regulatory matters, as well as representing clients in disputes. Jérôme Vermeylen acts for nonprofit organisations and corporate clients in corporate and M&A cases, while Carmen Verdonck focuses on competition law issues. Olivier Vrins is a key contact for contentious and non-contentious IP-related matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jérôme Vermeylen; Carmen Verdonck; Gerrit Vandendriessche; Olivier Vrins
Les références
‘Collaborative approach and good service.’
Principaux clients
Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (Agency for Nature and Forestry)
Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS)
Attorney General Office and Government of Pakistan
Belgian Association for Marketing
Belgian Ministry of Economic Affairs
Belgian Tennis Association
Belgian Volleyball Association
Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC)
CEER
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
Centre Culturel Ismailien
Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC)
Croplife Europe
ESIA (European Semiconductor Industry Association)
European Franchise Federation
Euroseeds
Eurosmart
(Belgian) Federal Public Service of Economy
Fedustria
FITA
Fost Plus
French Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO)
Gezinsbond VZW
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Institute of International Education
Institute for the Equality of Women and Men
New Direction
oriGIn
PIANC
Teach for All
The European Mirocals Consortium
The University of Kent
United States Government (USG)
Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds (VAF)
Yakult Honsha Research Centre for Microbiology
Principaux dossiers
- Represented the Belgian Institute for the equality of women and men and a transgender athlete before the Court of First Instance of Brussels in a challenge to the rules of eligibility imposed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
- Advising Fondation Reine Paola on its merger with another charity, Stichting Pelicano.
intui
The team at intui often handles instructions from clients in the education, childcare, elderly care and religious sectors. Anneleen Steeno routinely acts for associations, foundations, co-operatives and trusts in mandates, while Kim Van Herck focuses on elderly care sector matters, and Robbie Tas is a key contact for advice on director liability cases, acquisitions of non-profit entities and day-to-day business issues, to name a few areas of expertise. Matthias Jans assists clients with company law matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Anneleen Steeno; Robbie Tas; Caroline Hotterbeekx
Autres avocats clés:
Kim Van Herck; Matthias Jans
Les références
‘The team has a lot of experience. They look for solutions for any problem that appear during the long journey of a legal dispute.’
‘Robbie Tas is very experienced, with broad knowledge.’
‘My experiences with this firm have been very good. Excellent advice and follow-up.’
Principaux clients
Vulpia Group
Premed
KBVB (Royal Belgian Football Association)
Tree-Nation
Partena
Regionaal Landschap Haspengauw en Voeren
Jessa Ziekenhuis
Regionaal Landschap Kempen & Maasland
Autotechnica
Principaux dossiers
- Acted as counsel to the Vulpia Group, a Belgian non-profit residential care operator, on a broad range of matters.
Monard law
Monard law‘s not-for-profit and trade association team advises national and international non-profit organisations, trusts, and charities in the healthcare, education, and charity sectors. The practice has a solid track record in handling corporate, employment, real estate, public law, finance, and liability matters. Bert Theeuwes is a very experienced employment law practitioner, and Wouter Moonen is a key contact for not-for-profit entities regarding procurement matters. Pieter Van den Broeck specialises in company and corporate law. Another key name to note is Thomas Christiaens.
Responsables de la pratique:
Bert Theeuwes; Wouter Moonen; Pieter Van den Broeck
Autres avocats clés:
Thomas Christiaens
Les références
‘At Monard you can count on a professional, expert team. They listen to your question carefully and provide targeted advice. They have a to-the-point approach and think alongside the customer.’
‘What I appreciate about Monard Law is their high expertise in sub-areas of law, which allows them to provide very good advice. They also have a hands-on and straightforward approach, so you can quickly get on the same page.’
‘Hands-on and experienced team.’
Principaux clients
Brussels University Hospital
University College Leuven-Limburg
Racing Track Terlaemen
Living Tomorrow
Ghent Hospital AZ Jan Palfijn
Hospital AZ Vesalius
Hasselt University
Bednet
Limburg.net
Kanvaz
Edgar & Cooper Foundation
KOBel VZW
Clova
Sint-Trudo
KVS
Wico Scholengroup
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Path on internal structuring and dealings as a non-profit association with the authorities.
- Advising the main Brussels university hospital and a higher education facility, UZ Brussel, in setting up a joint venture to integrate their partnership.
Pierstone
Pierstone‘s broad offering includes providing advice on IP, IT and data protection matters, as well as contractual issues. The team acts for clients in the life sciences and energy sectors, among others. Practice head Patrice Vanderbeeken brings experience in handling intellectual property rights matters, IT projects and EU funding issues, and Alain Strowel is a technology law expert with a strong track record in acting for trade associations in the technology and software industries.
Responsables de la pratique:
Patrice Vanderbeeken
Autres avocats clés:
Alain Strowel
Les références
‘Patrice Vanderbeecken has become, over the years, a trusted reference point for me and the associations I have managed or work with. He is open to new ideas and tailored solutions, pursued with a rigorous attitude and an open mind.’
‘Great team!’
‘Very knowledgeable.’
Principaux clients
European Food Information resource international association (EuroFIR)
European Energy information Sharing and Analysis Centre Association (EE-ISAC)
Gas Infrastructure Europe International association (GIE)
Meters & More international association
Prime Alliance international association
Polyolefin Circular Economy Platform (PCEP) international association
The Rising World Foundation (India)
Fonds Joseph Maisin pour la recherche contre le Cancer
The Joint Institute for Innovation Policy (JIIP)
UnionCamere Europa
Petcore
PolyREC
Trees4Kids
FEST – the European Federation of the Sanitary and Heating Wholesale Trade
Union of the European Lubricants Industry (UEIL)
Groupement d’Intiative Italienne (GII)
EDDIE (Education for Digitalisation of energy)
DigitalEthics
Dawlaty
E4S Alliance (Edge for Smart Secondary Substation (E4S) Alliance)
EWIA (European Wireless Infrastructure Association)
METREX – The Network of European Metropolitan Regions
Transfrigoroute
Kairali
Merryweather
French Tech
European Refrigerant Distributor Association
Paneuropean Union Belgium
Principaux dossiers
- Acted as counsel to METREX on internal governance matters.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird‘s team advises European scientific, educational, and environmental institutions on a broad range of legal matters. Practice co-head Cedric Berckmans handles corporate work for non-profit and research associations, and practice co-head Brent Springael specialises in tax matters. Anne Federle brings competition law expertise, while Paul Hermant assists with funding cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Cedric Berckmans; Brent Springael
Autres avocats clés:
Anne Federle; Paul Hermant
Principaux clients
Orphanet
The European Virus Archive (EVA)
SERMI
Forum on Automotive Aftermarket Sustainability (FAAS)
Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA)
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
IAGOS
CLEPA
Principaux dossiers
- Assisting SERMI with the conversion of its unincorporated joint-venture structure into a non-profit association.
Eubelius
Noted for its excellent track record in representing healthcare companies, Eubelius' not-for-profit team is equally well-versed in advising associations, foundations, and other not-for-profit entities on corporate, tax, data protection and employment law issues. Matthias Wauters handles operation and governance matters, while Barteld Schutyser focuses on public procurement and environmental law cases and Korneel Decroix assists with business tax, VAT, and real estate work. Hans Plancke brings expertise in public procurement and administrative law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthias Wauters; Korneel Decroix; Felix Dobbelaere; Barteld Schutyser; Hans Plancke; Liesbet Vandenplas
Les références
‘This legal team distinguishes itself through strong sector expertise, responsiveness, and a client-focused approach. Clients appreciate their deep understanding of EU law, particularly in public affairs and non-profit governance, as well as their ability to deliver clear, practical advice under pressure.’
‘They offer great flexibility and a fast turnaround.’
‘Matthias Wauters has demonstrated exceptional commitment and insight, often going beyond expectations to ensure legal solutions are aligned with our operational and governance needs.’
Principaux clients
Woonmaatschappij Vlaamse Ardennen BV
Lokaal Fonds Mol/Dessel
Volley Vlaanderen
OKE.Zorg
Koiba
Embuild
Brussels Centre for Collaboration in Health (BCCH)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | Free University of Brussels
Green Energy Park VZW
NMBS | SNCB
FCV Dender E.H. VZW
FCV Dender
International Horizon Scanning Initiative IVZW
Principaux dossiers
- Advising the Brussels Centre for Collaboration in Health (BCCH) on a wide range of legal matters.
- Acted as counsel to Woonmaatschappij Vlaamse Ardennen BV/SRL in relation to multiple social housing projects.
Osborne Clarke
At Osborne Clarke, the not-for-profit group operates from within the firm’s wider corporate and M&A department. Under the leadership of Ruth Wirtz, the team routinely advises charities, NGOs, foundations and lobbying associations on domestic and cross-border mergers and restructurings. The practice has also seen an increase in instructions concerning environmental, ESG, real estate and construction law issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ruth Wirtz
Les références
‘While giving legal advice, they also take into account the commercial practicalities or implications of such advice relative to the size of your business.’
‘Ruth Wirtz is extremely perceptive and knowledgeable in her field, she seems excited by any new challenge or query we bring to her and her enthusiasm to solve it is evident. She is a brilliant communicator and so approachable. ’
‘Osborne Clarke has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to rapidly assemble highly skilled, sector-specific legal teams tailored to our needs. Their agility in mobilising experts across relevant domains has been a key differentiator, allowing us to move swiftly and confidently through complex legal matters.’
Principaux clients
European Chemical Industry Council – Cefic
International Council of Chemical Associations – ICCA
International Software Testing Qualification Boards AISBL
Eclipse Foundation
European AI Forum AISBL – EAIF
IAAPA EMEA IVZW
European Network of Fibromyalgia Associations – ENFA
Open Source Technology Improvement Fund Inc
European Council of Shopping Places AISBL -ECSP
Synchrotron SOLEIL
KI Bundesverband e.V.
Principaux dossiers
- Advising a US-based nonprofit corporation on all aspects of the incorporation of an international not-for-profit association under Belgian law, with the purpose of establishing a presence in the EU.
- Acting as counsel to the Eclipse Foundation on a broad range of matters.
- Advising IAAPA EMEA on the corporate, tax, and employment aspects of an operational restructuring.
PwC Legal
PwC Legal‘s dedicated not-for-profit team has particular expertise in advising on the restructurings of national and international not-for-profit organisations. The group is equally adept at handling governance matters. Practice head Thomas Daubit supports not-for-profit clients with a range of tax issues, including wealth taxes. Other key practitioners to note include Oliver Chapelle, who acts on cases involving employment law issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Thomas Daubit
Autres avocats clés:
Oliver Chapelle; Sixtine Borres; Emilie Espinosa
Les références
‘Very pleasant cooperation, knowledgeable and capable and strong communication and management, involving people from other departments (VAT, business plan model) where needed.’
‘Very reasonable and very solid, tailored advice.’
‘The dedication, individual expertise, and flexibility of Sixtine Borres has been crucial in supporting us in the many challenges we face as a growing organisation.’
Principaux clients
Intercommunale BEP
International Association of Sedimentologists (IAS) IVZW
OpenPeppol AISBL
Opéra royal de Wallonie
Sint-Trudo Ziekenhuis
Site Sint Anna VZW
SmartCoop SCES
Sofico
Solidaris
Stichting European Climate Foundation (ECF)
Principaux dossiers
- Acting as counsel to OpenPeppol AISBL on a range of legal matters.
- Assisting Smart with a restructuring, involving advising on tax, employment and regulatory issues tailored to the needs of the not-for-profit sector.
- Advised the European Climate Foundation on optimising its organisational structure.