Impact Advocaten, established in February 2019, is Belgium's pioneering niche law firm dedicated to providing tailored legal services to not-for-profit associations, social businesses, and impact entrepreneurs. The firm offers comprehensive support throughout an organization's lifecycle, from inception to dissolution, including networking, mergers, and restructuring. Their clientele spans diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, social economy, and philanthropy, encompassing entities like hospitals, schools, public administrations, and social impact investors.

Renowned for their expertise, Impact Advocaten's founding partners bring extensive experience to the firm. Marleen Denef, with nearly 30 years in the sector, specializes in organizational matters and precedent-setting litigation. Coralie Mattelaer focuses on transactional and advisory work related to non-profit issues, excelling in conflict management. Benoit Spitaels is recognized for his proficiency in transactional work, organizational issues, and tax matters pertinent to the charity sector.

Impact Advocaten's client-centric approach emphasizes co-creation, knowledge sharing, and innovation. The firm is committed to sustainability and positive impact, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the development of a social impact economy. Their dedication to clients is reflected in testimonials highlighting their professionalism, responsiveness, and tailored advice. Operating from offices in Leuven and Brussels, Impact Advocaten serves clients in Dutch, French, and English, ensuring accessibility and effective communication.

About impact advocaten

Founded in 2019


Practice areas
Business
Employment & Labor
Intellectual Property
Lawsuits & Disputes
Real Estate

Languages spoken
English

Social media

Practice areas

Business

Impact Advocaten specializes in providing tailored legal services to social enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, and their partners, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, welfare, culture, education, and social innovation. The firm offers expertise in governance, partnerships, mergers, and reorganizations, assisting clients through all stages of change and transition. By understanding the unique challenges faced by impact-driven businesses, Impact Advocaten delivers strategic guidance and creative solutions to help clients achieve their social and commercial objectives.
Accounting & Auditing
Administrative
Admiralty & Maritime
Agriculture
Antitrust
Aviation
Banking & Finance
Business Registration
Communications & Media Law
Contract
Due Diligence
Employer
Environment
Franchising
Gaming
Government Contract
Health Care
Investment
International
Legal Document
Licensing
Merger & Acquisition
New Business Formation
Office Solutions
Oil, Gas & Energy
Securities
Tax
Transportation
Venture Capital
Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations
International Trade Law
Government Relations & Lobbying
Financial Services Regulation
Tax Increment Financing

Employment & Labor

Impact Advocaten provides comprehensive legal services in employment and labor law, assisting clients with drafting and reviewing employment contracts, ensuring compliance with labor regulations, and resolving workplace disputes. Their expertise encompasses advising on collective labor relations, managing negotiations with trade unions, and guiding clients through restructuring processes, including collective dismissals. The firm also offers support in handling social inspections and due diligence, ensuring that clients meet all legal obligations. By staying abreast of evolving labor laws, Impact Advocaten delivers tailored solutions that align with each client's specific needs.
Employment Rights
Hiring & Firing
Job Discrimination
Labor Law
Pension
Retirement
Sexual Harassment
Social Security
Wage & Hour
Wrongful Termination
Whistleblower & Qui Tam
Employment Benefits & Executive Compensation

Intellectual Property

Impact Advocaten provides specialized legal services in intellectual property law, assisting clients in protecting and managing their innovations, designs, and brand identities. Their expertise encompasses advising on the registration of trademarks and trade names, drafting and negotiating licensing agreements, and enforcing intellectual property rights against infringement. The firm serves a diverse clientele, including not-for-profit associations, foundations, cooperatives, companies, and public administrations, across sectors such as healthcare, culture, education, and social innovation. By offering tailored solutions, Impact Advocaten ensures that clients' intellectual assets are effectively safeguarded and leveraged to support their organizational objectives.
Copyright
Patent
Trademark
Art & Cultural Property Law

Lawsuits & Disputes

Impact Advocaten specializes in representing clients in complex lawsuits and disputes, offering tailored legal strategies to effectively resolve conflicts. Their team combines in-depth legal knowledge with a pragmatic approach, ensuring clients' interests are safeguarded throughout the litigation process. By focusing on clear communication and meticulous preparation, Impact Advocaten strives to achieve favorable outcomes in both national and international disputes.
ADR Mediation & Arbitration
Appeal
Class Action
Litigation
Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Real Estate

Impact Advocaten offers comprehensive legal services in real estate law, assisting clients with property transactions, lease agreements, construction projects, and related disputes. Their expertise encompasses advising on purchase and sale contracts, drafting and reviewing lease agreements, and providing guidance on construction law matters. The firm represents clients in negotiations, mediations, and litigation concerning property rights, co-ownership issues, and building regulations. By combining in-depth knowledge of real estate law with a client-focused approach, Impact Advocaten ensures tailored solutions that address the specific needs and objectives of each client.
Commercial Real Estate
Housing, Construction & Development
Foreclosure
Land Use & Zoning
Landlord & Tenant
Mortgage
Real Estate Due Diligence
Real Estate Contracts and Negotiations
Brokerage
Natural Resources