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Brussels Newcomer
This section focuses on information for lawyers and legal support staff interested in working in Brussels' international legal environment. In particular, this section is aimed at people who:
- are researching information about working in some part(s) of Brussels' international legal environment (such as Brussels-based law firms or international institutions); or
- are actually soon coming to work in Brussels' international legal environment.
While this section does not focus on general living and working issues in Brussels (such as health, social security, public administration matters), it directs you to websites giving such information.
Some articles about a few Brussels-based professional organisations which are useful for newly-arrived lawyers are kept in our Useful Organisations List.
Law Firms
This is a comprehensive list of Brussels law firms specialising in EU and/or international law.
Read More...Fiscal Planning: Estate Matters (2)
In his second article on estate planning, Brussels-based tax planner Fabrice Ketoff outlines the topic of using gifts to transfer assets during your lifetime.
Read More...Fiscal Planning: Estate Matters (1)
Many people only start to plan their estate (or inheritance) matters towards the end of their lives. By then there is a lot to learn and often fewer choices available.
Fabrice Ketoff writes the first of two articles giving a broad overview of estate planning issues.
In this first article, Mr. Ketoff considers the issue of who you want to favour in the distribution of your estate.
Fiscal Planning: Property
Most foreign self-employed lawyers working in Brussels sooner or later consider purchasing a house or apartment in the Brussels area.
Fabrice Ketoff, a Brussels-based tax planner, gives an overview of the main fiscal issues for self-employed lawyers when acquiring a property.
Fiscal Planning: Introduction
With busy working lives, few site users have the inclination to look at the fiscal aspects of issues like property purchasing and estate planning.
But these fiscal aspects are important: making informed financial decisions can make a big difference to a person's financial well-being.
Fabrice Ketoff, a Brussels-based tax-planner, explains more.
Fiscal Issues (7): Car
An overview of the main issues involved in buying or leasing a car for professional use.
Read More...Newcomer Practical Tip 4: Language Issues
Which languages are spoken in Brussels? What do you need to get by?
Read More...Newcomer Practical Tip 3: Healthier Brussels Living
An informed insider's tip on arriving in Brussels and staying healthy.
Read More...Newcomer Practical Tip 1: Initial Visit to Brussels
A few of our own practical tips on researching or settling in to Brussels.
Tip 1 concerns an initial visit to Brussels.
Lawyer-Accountant: Practical Advice
Articles advising on small practical issues concerning your professional relationship with your accountant.
This second series has been written by Belgian accountant, Mr. Bart Van den Bossche.
Lawyer-Accountant: (4) Disputes
What happens if a dispute arises between you and your accountant? How should you handle it and what action can you take?
Read More...Lawyer-Accountant: (1) Practical Matters
A few practical matters concerning the fiscal administration of your professional activities.
Read More...Fiscal Issues for Self-Employed Lawyers
A series of seven articles outlining common fiscal issues facing newly-arrived, self-employed lawyers in Brussels.
This series has been written by Mr. Bart Van den Bossche, a Belgian accountant.
Fiscal Issues (3): Social Security
Self-employed lawyers are responsible for their own social security contributions. This article explains the basic information you should know.
Read More...Fiscal Issues (2): Corporate Form
Before you start practising, you should make an informed decision about the fiscal form of your professional establishment.
Read More...Fiscal Issues (1): Accommodation
Before you have even settled in Brussels, keeping an eye out for the right type of property can have a fiscal benefit.
Read More...Newcomer Practical Tip 2: Settling In - Accommodation
About to start looking for somewhere to live? A few tips to help you with this important task.
Read More...Introduction (6): Advice on Choosing an Accountant
Finding the right accountant can make a big difference to your professional life in Brussels. This article offers some guidance in making your decision.
Read More...Introduction (5): The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an Accountant
A few factors to consider in whether or not to choose an accountant.
Read More...Introduction (4): Who Can Help Me With These Tasks?
You are not alone! There are lots of people who can help.
Read More...Introduction (3): What does Self-Employment Involve?
Which tasks should I be aware of when commencing my self-employed activity?
Read More...Introduction (1): Help! I am confused ...
Help! I am confused: I want to work as a lawyer in a Brussels-based law firm and yet I understand I have to be self-employed.
Read More...Trainee Information
The various EU institutions offer short-term positions for trainees/interns (referred to as "stagiaire" positions).
Stagiaire positions can offer a valuable insight into how a particular EU institution operates, as well as the opporunity to make useful professional contacts.
Other stagiaire positions are offered in a variety of international and NGOs in Brussels.
Introduction (2): Current Situation Overview
The status of self-employed lawyers in law firms is under review. This article gives a brief overview of the ongoing scrutiny.
Read More...Just Arrived, No Idea What To Do Next...
Most lawyers working in Brussels-based law firms find they are classified as self-employed. This unfamiliar status can be initially quite disorientating, particularly when settling in a new city in a foreign country.
The following introductory series of short articles gives a soon-to-arrive or newly-arrived lawyer a basic overview of the issues to look out for.
Practical Tips: Introduction
Interested in working in Brussels?
Some practical advice for newcomers researching about or actually soon settling here.
Information Sources for General Living and Working Issues
Arriving in Brussels with so many things to research, organise and find out?
Here is a list of useful websites that help deal with general living and working issues in Brussels.
