Employment, Benefits and Pensions

By the very nature of this area of law, matters can be sensitive, urgent and, at times, both. In response, we act promptly and decisively, providing strategic, tailored advice to our clients and representing them in litigation, disputes and transactions.

Within a broad spectrum of expertise, we focus in particular on complex strategic board-level employment law issues, such as restructuring, compensation packages, advisory work on strategic HR decisions, as well as litigation, contract drafting, collective bargaining agreements or any other customised documentation. Our multidisciplinary team also guides national and international clients through all legal aspects of pensions, social security laws, and AI-related HR issues.

Motherboard
Matter
LU Law

Stibbe assists Uchida Yoko Co with the acquisition of Open Assessment Technologies

Stibbe assisted Uchida Yoko Co., Ltd., with the acquisition of 100% of Open Assessment Technologies S.A. (OAT™).

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Amsterdam Keizersgracht
Matter
NL Law

Legal sponsorship Stibbe x Fairwork

Stibbe has entered into a long-term partnership with FairWork, assisting it on important social and complex legal questions.

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Business meeting man woman
Matter
BE Law

Stibbe a assisté les trois outils économiques et financiers de la Région wallonne dans leur fusion au sein du nouvel outil fusionné: Wallonie Entreprendre

Stibbe a assisté les trois outils économiques et financiers de la Région wallonne dans leur fusion au sein du nouvel outil fusionné : Wallonie Entreprendre (WE).

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Business meeting man woman
Matter
BE Law

Stibbe assisted the economic and financial instruments of the Walloon Region in their merger into Wallonie Entreprendre

Stibbe assisted the three economic and financial instruments of the Walloon Region in their merger into a new instrument called Wallonie Entreprendre (WE).

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Services

Our practice covers the full range of individual and collective employment law services, such as the negotiating and drafting of employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements, as well as compensation and benefits schemes, and restructurings (including collective dismissals with or without closure), transfer of undertaking, outsourcing, and pensions.

Litigation on various employment and pension issues is an integral component of our work. We have been involved in many litigation cases against trade unions, employees, and executives acting in groups or individually. Given the many changes in the labour legislation in general and in pension matters in particular, we have represented several clients in creating new case law and thus achieving their business objectives. Our litigation expertise encompasses some of the highest profile cases to come to court in the Benelux – right up to board-level matters.

We handle all aspects of compensation topics, including executive remuneration cases, and complex corporate governance issues and supervisory board support, ensuring executive compensation and incentive schemes are strictly compliant with changing applicable laws and market practice.

For employers, pension funds and insurers, we draft and amend pension regulations and advise on their day-to-day pension activities and strategic projects. We also manage the pension aspects of acquisitions and divestments of businesses, outsourcing, collective dismissals, corporate transactions, severance packages, and golden handshakes. Furthermore, we advise pension funds on their structure, corporate governance rules and directors' liability, and we assist them in discussions or negotiations with the relevant regulators.

We also assist clients in the context of international secondments, as well as in complex investigations by the authorities about specific practices, i.e. at a pre-litigation stage.

The size of our team enables us to deal with large, complex and time-intensive matters, often involving cross-border issues, in all areas of labour and employment law. We also frequently advise on matters that lie between employment law and public, tax and (Belgian) sports law.

We are always one step ahead of legal developments and are at the forefront of new areas of labour and employment law. We have excellent contacts with trade unions and supervising authorities.

As strategic employment law and pension matters entail legal aspects beyond traditional employment law, we regularly work in close partnership with our regulatory, tax, corporate, public law and litigation specialists.

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Matters

Recognition & Awards

"The practice is formed by a highly knowledgeable mix of partners, senior and junior associates, all of whom have a deep understanding and expertise in employment disputes and advice. The team provides pragmatic, understandable and consistent high quality advice."

The Legal 500
2022
Employment

"This practice is incredibly forward thinking about the ways in which diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of what determines the quality of legal service provision."

The Legal 500
2023
Employment

"Stibbe delivers very practical and pragmatic advice. The team are good discussion partners."

Chambers Europe
2023
Employment

"Stibbe has a very strong employment law team, which stands out for its knowledge of our business and the ability to give practical advice while keeping the strategic rationale in mind. In many instances just a phone call is enough."

The Legal 500
2023
Employment

"The team is able to provide top-notch advice in the most complex situations. They not only provide legal analysis but also propose solutions to difficult matters. Their client base is impressive. Very responsive, very solution oriented."

The Legal 500
2023
Employment

"Stibbe’s team has a deep knowledge and understanding of our business and our constraints. They are good business partners. They are available and prompt to answer and advise."

The Legal 500
2023
Employment

"They work closely together and complement each other. They are always available and there is always someone who can help you with your case."

The Legal 500
2023
Employment

"Stibbe is a renowned Belgian law firm with a strong employment practice. Whenever my clients are in need of a Belgian lawyer, I will always choose Stibbe for their knowledge and professionalism."

The Legal 500
2023
Employment

"Stibbe is highly competent and up to speed with the latest developments".

The Legal 500
2021
Employment

Clients speak of the department's customer-centred style, one calling it "very client-driven, with a high knowledge level and a personal touch."

Chambers Europe
2021
Employment