Practice

Michiel stands alongside his clients as they navigate disputes, uncertainty and crises. He has broad experience in commercial, corporate and financial litigation, as well as regulatory investigations. He represents clients before Belgian courts and supervisory authorities and acts as counsel in national and international arbitrations.

Michiel’s approach

Michiel takes a pragmatic approach, mindful of the pressures and tensions that litigation can bring. As in a good novel, he looks beyond the plot to understand what drives the characters. He combines professionalism with a sense of humour, bringing perspective to challenging situations both in the courtroom and at the negotiation table.

Qualifications

Michiel holds an LL.M. in Commercial Law from the University of Cambridge (2016) and graduated magna cum laude with a Master’s in Law from the University of Leuven (2013). His studies in Leuven included a semester at the University of Edinburgh. He is a member of the Bar since September 2016.

Recent matters

Michiel’s recent experience includes:

• Representing CMB in proceedings before the Belgian Market Court concerning its mandatory public takeover bid for Euronav and in related proceedings before the Antwerp Enterprise Court, brought by minority shareholders challenging major corporate decisions and transactions.

• Representing a Belgian listed company before the FSMA Sanctions Committee and the Belgian Market Court in relation to alleged breaches of the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR).

• Acting for a Big Four firm in a high-profile dispute involving court proceedings and regulatory investigations, amid intense media scrutiny.

• Advising and representing individuals and Belgian and international financial institutions in financial disputes within the Antwerp diamond industry.

• Acting for private equity funds in post-acquisition claims, leaver disputes and domestic and cross-border proceedings concerning control of portfolio companies.