In the anniversary edition of our magazine, we gave firms in the maritime and logistics sector a chance to put themselves in the spotlight. In this contribution, firm Forum Advocaten explains how they work locally for international clients.
Forum Advocaten positions itself as a strong team of ‘legal architects’ and ‘legal engineers’. Drawing on expertise and experience, they take a solution-oriented approach with a relationship-oriented focus. Thus, they are committed to building legal bridges and professional relationships with clients.
“Since 2012, our firm has grown into an organisation of about 20 lawyers. With a multidisciplinary team, we unburden our clients so that they can focus on their core business. Based in the metropolis of Antwerp, we can serve a diverse range of international clients locally,” says lawyer Ilse De Geyter.
From where does the name Forum Advocaten come?
“Forum traditionally refers to the place in Ancient Rome where law was ‘practised’,” says De Geyter. “At the same time, the word is also alive and kicking and currently symbolises communication and connection. That is also what we stand for. We connect the interests of our clients with those of other professional relations. We do not write hollow words or empty texts, but we make contracts and monitor professional relationships: between buyers and sellers, tenants and landlords, builders and contractors, employers and employees, concessionaires and concessionaires, between companies and the government, and so on. We ensure that those professional relationships of our clients are (legally) guarded and strengthened.”
Where are the emphases at Forum Lawyers?
“In terms of content, we mainly work in four major areas: business and company law, construction and real estate law, government and environmental law, and labour and social law. Our approach is very relationship-oriented. We are committed and think along with our clients in a proactive way. ‘We work for people not just clients’ is our motto. We are also always open and transparent: we say what we do and we do what we say. In doing so, we take a no-nonsense approach.”
Are you also active in the maritime and logistics sector?
“Definitely. As an Antwerp firm, we are the permanent counsel for a number of logistics players, whereby they can come to us for a whole range of legal services in the areas we offer,” says lawyer Frederic Rosiers. “There is a lot of demand for logistics space, so there are a lot of questions about environmental permits, concessions, warehouse leases and so on.”
“We are also consulted by foreign logistics companies that want to become active in Antwerp and need assistance in this regard, including in setting up a branch or taking over a company. Thanks to a German-speaking partner and employee, a lot of German and Austrian companies also know how to find our office. For our clients, we want to be a one-stop-shop where they can put all their legal problems so that they can continue to focus on their core business.”
How does Forum Lawyers look to the future?
“We are building on trust. We find that our solution-oriented approach works and that clients appreciate this. The area around Antwerp, with its port and international appeal, is of course also a challenging place to work. Every day, we support our companies with smart legal solutions to meet ever new challenges. In this way, we not only propel our clients forward, but help build resilient businesses.”
