About us
We are a team of experts in competition, corporate, commercial law, dispute resolution and compliance. We assist clients in achieving their business objectives and navigating legal challenges with confidence.
Our values
What we stand for
We started out small. We’ve grown since then, but our values remain non-negotiable.
What you need, when you need it
Sometimes, what you need is a full-blown legal strategy. Sometimes, what you need is a quick call to ease your mind. Quality at contrast means that we channel our expertise into the only thing that matters to you: your next step.
Share thoughts to stay ahead
Through workshops, publications and our Distribution Law Center, we lead the conversation – also beyond the Belgian borders. Still, by always remaining Brussels-based and independent, we never had to water down our ambition.
We are in it together
Of course, every law firm takes the utmost care of its clients. But what is that worth if you do not genuinely commit to your colleagues and students as well? Outsiders are often surprised by how seriously we take team spirit and wellbeing.
Do the right thing
If you want to uphold integrity, that also means asking difficult questions. And sometimes “no” is the right answer. We encourage our clients to play fair, because ethical standards do not allow for cherry-picking.
When you commit, commit for real
At contrast, we are committed to our clients, our people and society. Commitment is not an add-on; it is embedded in how we work every day. ESG standards help shape both our strategic decisions and our day-to-day operations.
Sustainability
contrast cares
Doing good is not a checklist. It has to be part of how you do business. Of how you take care of people. Of how you look at the big picture, on a day-to-day basis.
eco Sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability and an environmentally conscious workplace is embedded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Story
Our story
A story that is still being written! But do allow us to take pride in the milestones we have reached along the way.
2026
Our first ever alumni event. It was a special day filled with sunny weather, delicious food and many conversations.
2026
Happy birthday to us, 20 years of contrast! Extras include the first alumni event, teambuilding in France, donations to Kick Cancer and celebrations to remember.
2026
The sixth M&A Survey breaks all records: more than 100 participating firms, more than 500 deals, more than 28 billion euros total deal value.
2026
Third Belgian edition of Distribution Law. A growing number of similar editions appears in other EU countries, published by the Distribution Law Center partners.
2025
With its fourth edition for Oxford University Press, Vertical Agreements in EU Competition Law has achieved classic status.
2025
Royalties of the book Bos Door De Bomen (‘seeing the wood for the trees’) go to new trees planted by the Buumplanters.
2024
contrast connects – and this also becomes the name of a trusted networking event for legal and business professionals.
2023
Singles and doubles, sign up! First summer table tennis tournament.
2023
Start of our sustainability journey with VOKA, the Flemish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with charters awarded in 2025 and 2026.
2022
Launch of a series of legal, but very hands-on series of monographs with a book on EU and Belgian competition law
2021
Founding of the Distribution Law Center as a EU-wide free knowledge platform for distribution law.
2020
Race for the Cure walk in support of Think Pink. Another annual tradition is born.
2018
First edition of Distribution Agreements - EU, Belgium, Netherlands with Larcier/SdU.
2018
Launch of the contrast codex series for competition and corporate law. This practical tool will become another lasting staple in many legal offices.
2016
The first official ugly Christmas sweater day at the office. There are only winners.
2016
Publication of Share Purchase Agreements - Belgian Law and Practice with Intersentia.
2015
Another medal earned. Band 1 ranking on Legal 500, retained since then.
2015
Publication of Horizontal Agreements and Cartels in EU Competition Law with Oxford University Press
2015
contrast reaches out. The compliance programme for competition law stands out for its strong follow-up, cartoon movies included.
2013
contrast achieves its Band 1 ranking on Chambers & Partner, renewed every year since then.
2010
Launch of the contrast law seminars. It offers an overview of key legal developments and warning signals (‘knipperlichten’) from the past year in business law.
2009
The first student ruler. With yearly updates, how many pages of legal code would they have helped to highlight by now?
2008
contrast is growing fast. We move to our current address in Zaventem, near Brussels – and we are here to stay.
2007
First M&A Survey, the first of its kind in Belgium. It keeps track of recurring elements in M&A transactions and the terms and conditions commonly used.
2006
First edition of Vertical Agreements in EU Competition Law with Oxford University Press. New editions will follow in 2011, 2018 and 2025.
2006
contrast is born. The dotted logo represents our seven initial lawyers.
