How to select a lawyer ?

Look for a lawyer who is competent in the legal field relevant to your case. Please note that a distinction is drawn between a specialist and a practitioner. A specialist lawyer is recognised by his or her bar and Community bar association for expertise in one or more specific areas of law. Valid for  five years, the title is awarded according to strict standards and is renewable. Lawyers who do not hold the specialist title are considered practitioners. Whatever the case, we advise you to look into the lawyer’s practice and expertise.

The language in which you communicate with your lawyer and the language used in legal proceedings are essential for gaining a clear understanding of your case and your needs. Please check the directory to see the languages that the lawyers you have selected speak. 

There is no fixed fee schedule in Belgium. Each lawyer sets his or her fees freely, subject to reasonable moderation, which may be reviewed by the Bar Association. Before any work is undertaken, ask your lawyer about the method he or she uses to calculate fees and expenses. For further details, see our FAQ on fees.

The Brussels Bar is committed to providing access to justice for victims of violence. On 8 March 2022, our Bar Association signed the Charter of Fundamental Principles on Access to Justice for Victims of Violence issued by the International Union of Lawyers. In support of this commitment, lawyers trained in handling and experienced with gender-based violence issues have been listed. The full list of lawyers trained in sexual and domestic violence is provided below.

Both Bar Associations of the Brussels Bar have also launched the Lawyers Victims Assistance (LVA) project, which offers specialised support for victims of sexual and domestic violence. Trained volunteer lawyers provide fast legal consultations to victims free of charge. This pilot initiative is in line with a protocol signed in 2023 with the Brussels Crown Prosecution Service and six Brussels police zones.

Collaborative law is a voluntary and confidential negotiation process where the parties, assisted by specialist lawyers, work together to reach a mutually acceptable and lasting agreement. The aim of this approach is to create bespoke solutions that reflect the priorities of each party. Where desired by the parties involved, collaborative law agreements may be submitted to the court for ratification. See the list of lawyers trained in collaborative law.

Conflict resolution is not limited to legal procedures. Alternative methods such as mediation provide many advantages. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process for resolving disputes, conducted by a neutral third party, i.e. the mediator, who is independent and impartial.

To become a mediator, it is necessary to complete an officially recognised specialist training programme and obtain official accreditation. The list of accredited mediator lawyers is provided below.