In the anniversary edition of our magazine, we gave companies in the maritime and logistics sector a chance to showcase themselves. Quadrant focuses on transport and logistics as a niche law firm.
“We are a newly established niche law firm with a focus on transport & logistics, customs and insurance and international trade. Quadrant forms a close-knit team of driven lawyers who make it a point of honour to represent the best interests of their clients. We are committed to the future and chose a modern working environment with all the necessary facilities, where experienced forces and up-and-coming talent meet.”
How did your firm come into being?
“Quadrant Lawyers was formed in April 2023 from the merger of two existing firms with years of experience. We soon found out that we are very complementary and also share a similar vision of the modern legal profession in a world that is changing at lightning speed,” says Patrick Rubens.
Why the name Quadrant?
“The name Quadrant was chosen deliberately,” explains Dirk Noels. “The quadrant is the forerunner of the sextant, a navigation instrument we still know from shipping. Navigating is giving direction and that is exactly what we want to do for our clients. We want to give them legal guidance. In the past, family names were often used for law firms. We have chosen not to do that. We form a team and want to present ourselves that way.”
How did you get into the logistics world as lawyers?
“I have a lot of family members working in logistics, freight forwarding and shipping agency. So it was almost obvious that I would also end up in that sector. Actually, I wanted to go into diplomacy, but I was soon won over to the Bar,” laughs Dirk Noels. “The fascinating thing in logistics is that you are constantly dealing creatively with different areas of law: transport law, general commercial law, tax law, European law, and so on. Even criminal law we come across. This nice mix is exactly what makes it very challenging.”
In the port, all worlds come together, how do you deal with that?
“A lot of what goes on in the world ultimately has repercussions on what happens in the port,” says Rubens. “After major events such as a banking crisis, a pandemic or a war, their impact usually follows a year or so later – or often much sooner – in the port. But it extends far beyond the port alone. The entire logistics sector feels the consequences. Our firm therefore has all the legal branches and know-how to provide legal support within the broad logistics sector and international trade.”
Your firm has grown to a firm of 12 lawyers in a short period of time. Does everyone have their speciality?
“Absolutely. We always give new associates a taste of all the sectors in which we operate. This lays a broad foundation, and it quickly becomes clear where their emphases lie. Interest and passion foster drive,” says Noels.
“Our lawyers also constantly educate themselves and closely follow the evolution in their field. For example, we have lawyers with a special interest in customs matters. Others prefer to focus on everything to do with liability, contracts and concessions. This range of expertise is an important asset!”, Rubens concludes.