How to select a lawyer ?
Finding a lawyer suited to your specific needs is an important step to ensure that your rights are defended effectively and efficiently. Â
Directory
Official directory of lawyers registered with the French-language Bar Association of the Brussels Bar.Â
Highlighted names of lawyers that match your search criteria indicate their status as specialists. A specialist lawyer is one whose expertise in one or more areas of law has been formally recognised by his or her bar and Community bar association. Valid for a period of five years, this title is renewable and awarded on the basis of strict criteria. Lawyers whose names are not highlighted do not have specialist status but practise in the field. We recommend that you inquire about the lawyer’s experience and expertise in all cases.
Directory form
What criteria should I consider when selecting my lawyer?Â
Alternative dispute resolution methods Â
MediationÂ
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process to resolve disputes with the help of a neutral third party. Independent and impartial, the mediator facilitates dialogue between the parties to help them reach a mutual agreement, without judging or advising. The parties play an active role, and mediation may take place alongside or instead of legal proceedings. If the mediator is officially accredited, agreements may be ratified by a judge.Â
Collaborative law Â
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.Â
Negotiation Â
This informal approach is aimed at resolving conflicts amicably through dialogue and compromise. It may be conducted directly by the parties, through their lawyers, or with the support of a third party of their choice. Unlike mediation and collaborative law, negotiation has no specific framework and requires no formal training. It can take place at any stage—before, during, or after legal proceedings—and the resulting agreements may be submitted to the court for ratification.Â
Conciliation Â
Conciliation is a process that involves a specialised third party who actively facilitates an agreement. The conciliator is independent and active, listens to the parties, evaluates their positions and proposes solutions to find common ground. The parties define the scope of the conciliation, including confidentiality and the issues to be broached. In certain instances, a judge may also conduct the conciliation process.
Arbitration Â
Arbitration is a formal process where one or more arbitrators, chosen and paid by the parties, resolve a dispute outside traditional courts. The arbitrators review the case and then issue a binding ruling that can be enforced like a court judgment. Unlike judgments, arbitration decisions are generally not subject to appeal unless previously agreed by the parties. This method requires the consent of the parties and is often used in technical or international cases. Certain matters, such as family law issues, cannot be settled by arbitration.
Binding third-party decision
This is an alternative conflict resolution method where the parties appoint a “third-party decision maker” who is neither an arbitrator nor a judge to decide on one or more legal or technical issues. Equivalent to a contractual agreement, his or her decision is binding for the parties. The judge is also bound by the decision of the third-party decision maker and must comply with it if a dispute is subsequently brought before them, except in certain specific circumstances.