International legal practice Osborne Clarke announces four senior promotions in Brussels. Effective 1 January 2024, Laurens Dauwe and Valentin de le Court are promoted to Partner. Both new partners are on the Data/IP/IT team. Tonya Aelbrecht and Philippe Brabanders are promoted to Counsel. Tonya is a member of the Corporate team and Philippe of the Commercial & Disputes team.
Laurens has been on the Data/IP/IT team in Brussels since 2018. Over 15 years, he developed a strong technology transactional and regulatory expertise across key sectors such as Technology, Media and Communications, and Financial Institutions and Services. He advises Belgian and international clients on the negotiation of IT contracts and software licenses, outsourcing deals and cloud computing agreements, as well as exiting from (global) outsourcing set-ups and transferring to new suppliers. Laurens also leverages his deep understanding of the technology market and assists on cutting edge issues in the field of digital platforms, cybersecurity, blockchain and artificial intelligence.
Valentin joined Osborne Clarke in 2021 as an expert in contentious IP law matters with a focus on patent disputes and trade secret protection. He also has a recognized expertise in transactional work and helps clients develop open innovation strategies, in particular with a focus on the Life Sciences sector. Valentin has significantly developed the IP and patent litigation practice since his arrival. Having lived and worked in Shanghai for several years, Valentin also brings an on-the-ground China IP expertise, and regularly assists Belgian biotech companies with their technology transfer agreements to China. Alongside Valentin, the team regularly advises on IP litigation and contracts, with a strong focus on patent and trade secrets, as well as digital copyright and non-personal data related matters.
Tonya has been with Osborne Clarke since 2015, having joined as a junior associate. She focuses on all aspects of finance and corporate law, including public and private M&A, public offerings, corporate lending, venture debt and general banking transactions. Tonya has particular expertise supporting clients in the Financial Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare and Tech, Media & Comms sectors with their banking and finance transactions.
Philippe has been on the Commercial team in Brussels since 2017. Philippe specialises in business and commercial litigation, representing corporate clients in a wide range of industries, including Retail, Mobility and Infrastructure, and has successfully handled high-stakes cases before the Belgian courts. His expertise extends to breach of contract disputes, insolvency proceedings, and complex commercial transactions. Philippe is also well versed in analyzing intricate legal issues, develop effective litigation strategies, and minimizing risks for his clients.
David Haex, Managing Partner, comments, "I am delighted to congratulate Laurens, Valentin, Tonya and Philippe on their well-earned promotions. These milestones in their careers reflect how they have deepened their specialised knowledge while providing excellent client service and taking more on more responsibility and leadership roles in our office. It is fantastic to be able to promote new partners and counsels from our own ranks, which is made possible thanks to our continued growth over the years."
Benjamin Docquir, Head of the Data/IP/IT practice comments, "It's exciting to have such a visible confirmation of how our team has grown not only in size but in expertise. Laurens and Valentin have helped so many of our clients effectively grow their business and take advantage of new technologies. Their promotion reinforces our commitment to help our clients facing the challenge of ever increasing regulation and rapid changes to the market."
Osborne Clarke's Belgian office is in the heart of Brussels, advising clients on national and EU law and acting as trusted partners for businesses of all sizes. The promotions reflect the growing expertise and size of the Brussels office which has welcomed several strategic senior hires in the past year and a half to further develop their legal offering, including FinTech, Competition & Antitrust and Life Sciences Regulatory specialists.
