Brussels

For information on the key credentials of our Brussels office, click here.

Herbert Smith's office in Brussels is located in the central part of the city. It shares a new building with both our Alliance firms, Gleiss Lutz and Stibbe. The modern and spacious office is located within a block of the Gare Centrale, close to the historic Grand Place.

Working environment
The Brussels office works on European Union, trade and competition law. Its proximity to the European Commission means that our team has on the ground experience of the Commission's activities.

The Brussels team is small and friendly. It works closely with the international offices, especially London and Paris, and increasingly, with our Asian offices. Of course, being under the same roof as our Alliance firms Stibbe and Gleiss Lutz, the Herbert Smith Brussels office offers ideal opportunities for cooperation and communication with our Alliance friends.

Living and working in Brussels
Brussels is a truly international city at the heart of Europe, yet it is relatively small and easily accessible.

In the local area there are excellent restaurants of every type, as well as many bars, shops and markets, and a high-quality subsidised gym. The famous Grand Place is only a short walk from the office, as is the historic and charming Sablon area (where you can find one of the best chocolate shops in Belgium). The old town quarter is also well worth exploring.

Because of Brussels’ role in European politics, the city has a multicultural and dynamic population. Throughout the year, there are a wide variety of cultural events – ranging from jazz festivals to special art exhibitions at the many museums and galleries – and many sporting and other group activities open to everyone. Of course, there are also lots of lectures and talks by leading EU academics, practitioners and EC Commission staff.

You can find good quality accommodation in the centre of the city, with many amenities within walking distance. But even if you commute, it's likely that the commute will be short as the bus, train and metro systems are very reliable.

Brussels is an excellent base from which to travel to other European cities with good rail, air and road connections. Within Belgium, trains serve the historic towns such as Ghent and Bruges, the university town of Leuven and the fashion centre of Antwerp.

Benefits vary depending on your role with the firm, but can include participation in the bonus/profit share scheme, contribution to a gym membership, payment of quarterly accounting fees for Of Counsel, pension contribution and lunch vouchers.