Legal Counsel in Brussels

What does a Legal Counsel do?

In Belgium, a Legal Counsel plays a strategic role in ensuring that the company complies with national, European, and international laws. They provide day-to-day legal support: drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting risk analyses, managing litigation, coordinating with lawyers and authorities, and explaining legal concepts in layman's terms. They collaborate with other departments and advise internal teams, offer legal training, and support management in its decision-making. Lastly, they ensure regulatory compliance, guaranteeing good governance and the sustainability of the company in a complex legal environment.

What are the responsibilities of a Legal Counsel?

Advising management and departments on legal matters, including corporate, commercial, labor, and data protection law.

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, agreements, and any other kind of legal documents.

Ensuring that activities comply with Belgian and European legislation and regulations, including GDPR and sector-specific regulations.

Managing litigation and disputes and ensuring coordination with external legal advisors.

Supporting M&A activities, corporate governance, and obligations under the Companies and Associations Code.

Conducting legal risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies.

Providing training and guidance to internal teams on legal and compliance topics, as well as explaining policies drafted in legal jargon in layman's terms.

Monitoring changes in legislation and advising on their impact on the business.

hat are the required skills and proficiencies for a Legal Counsel?

Languages: Fluency in French, Dutch, and English is essential for legal counsels in Belgium, especially in Brussels. In Wallonia or Flanders, knowledge of the regional language is an asset, but English remains indispensable, particularly in international environments or to compensate for the absence of a national language.

Legal expertise: Strong knowledge of Belgian legislation (particularly corporate, commercial and contract laws). European law (different from the laws applicable in European countries) is relevant in certain specific roles but is by no means required for all in-house legal positions.

Analytical skills: Ability to interpret, summarize, and simplify complex legal texts, as well as assess business implications.

Communication: Clear and persuasive communication with both legal and non-legal stakeholders, ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms, defend one's point of view, and stand firm.

Negotiation: Skilled in contract negotiation and conflict resolution.

Discretion: Very high level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information.

Business acumen: Understanding of business operations and strategic thinking.

Relationships with colleagues: advising colleagues to ensure that activities comply with the law, as well as the security and the stability of the company.

What background is needed to become a Legal Counsel?

A Master’s degree in Law (LL.M. or equivalent) from a recognized Belgian. An additional degree from a Belgian or foreign university is a big asset and is sometimes required (e.g. in tax law).

Admission to the bar (advocaat/avocat) is often preferred but not always required.

Several years of experience in a law firm or in-house legal department.

Specialized knowledge in areas such as corporate law, IP, data protection, or compliance is a plus.

Experience working in a multilingual and international business environment is highly valued.

What are the career prospects for a Legal Counsel?

Legal Counsels in Belgium can take two different career paths.

Usual career evolution:

Senior Legal Counsel: Handling more complex legal matters and mentoring junior staff.

Head of Legal / Legal Director: Leading the legal department and advising executive leadership.

General Counsel: Serving as the top legal advisor within an organization.

Alternative career evolution:

Compliance Officer or Risk Manager: Specializing in regulatory compliance and risk management.

We sometimes see a reconversion towards Privacy/GDPR/Data protection or even HR.

With Belgium’s central role in the EU and its strong corporate presence, Legal Counsels with multilingual skills and cross-border legal expertise are in high demand.

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Salary for Legal Counsel in Brussels

3981 - 8095

25th percentile

3981

The candidate is new to the role and building the needed skills, experience and autonomy.

Demand: Low

50th percentile

5970

The candidate has the experience to perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.

Demand: Moderate

75th percentile

8095

The candidate delivers value beyond the stated job duties, has advanced qualifications and experience.

Demand: High

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