E D I T O R I A L

The Belgian Legal Awards highlight trends in the legal sector.

The very first Belgian Legal Awards ceremony took place on February 6th 2006. This event, the first of its kind, was a great success. With over 450 participants (the organisers were obliged to refuse some 100 further guests), it gathered together some of the biggest names from the legal world.


Meeting of both worlds

The presence of a number of general managers, CEOs and secretary generals indicated that the ceremony transcended the microcosm of law and furthermore that the legal dimension is of fundamental importance to businesses.

The first edition of the Belgian Legal Awards has highlighted the developments and trends affecting the most prominent actors in the sector. Law is an extremely dynamic area, in which it is nonetheless difficult to identify the trends. Equally, the ceremony has drawn attention to the status of Brussels, a cosmopolitan capital linking the international, national and regional legal markets together.

The test definetely succeeded. This is largely due to the quality of patronage and sponsors gathered together, coupled with the credibility conferred by a board of jury members which is without doubt the most prestigious group ever constituted in this country for such an event. The Legal Awards will become the great annual “pilgrimage” of legal practitioners.


How to improve ?

Let’s not triumph. There is a range of points that we would like to improve for next year’s edition. Among others:

- Official partners. The OVB and the OBFG have not actively participated in the event this year. We will organise a round table to open up a debate with them and the representatives of the other legal professions.

- Awarding criterias. Although stricter than for many other equivalent events, the criterias to award a prize will even be made more objective.

- Evening. We will ensure a suitable free parking area for our numerous guests and the possibility for participants to do extra-networking after the ceremony.


We hope to see you on 15th February 2007 for the second Edition.

 

Laurent Marliere      President      Belgian Legal Awards