E D I T O R I A L

The Belgian Legal Awards highlight trends in the legal sector.

With more than 600 participants and a 30 % increase in attendance, the second ceremony of the Legal Awards was an undeniable success. Everyone who counts in the legal sector was there !

There are various factors which make this event such a success.

1. The quality of our official partners and especially the patronage provided for the European chapter by the President of the European Commission, Mr Barroso.

2. The good work provided by our numerous media partners at both local and international levels ;

3. Our sponsors who truly are committed to offering the most adequate and up to date products and services to the legal industry.

4. The jury of the Legal Awards which is undoubtedly the most prestigious jury ever gathered in this country. Our judges provide this event with great legitimacy.

5. Last but not least, the lawyers and in-house counsels who have done a tremendous job in compiling memos for the jury with professionalism. The Awards are undoubtedly an important recognition of achievement for lawyers. The quantity and quality of entries received each year indicates that the accolades are valued highly by the industry.


Playing at home with European resonance

In London or in New York City, there are similar respectable ceremonies that grant prizes but they have another flavour as the Legal Awards. Because in Brussels, firms are playing at home. In front of their public, their audience, their clients, their colleagues, their bosses.

The acknowledgement is even greater as we stick very closely to the new trends in the market and that we, before anyone else, can spot the new “kids on the block”, see how the “old guys” are doing in their traditional areas of practice or in new areas in which they are developing. We are the first witnesses of change, innovation and continuity. But this acknowledgement is not only local.

Brussels is one of the world’s main legal capitals if not THE world’s legal capital. The exposure for the participants is thus even greater.

The event gathered together the biggest names from the legal world and it provided a unique networking opportunity.


A year of consolidation

Although a great success, such an event needs to evolve. There is a range of points that we would like to improve for next year’s edition. Among others:

- Transparency. Although stricter than for many other equivalent events, the criterias to award a prize will even be made clearer and more transparent. Efforts need to be done in communicating on this professional procedure and why awards are allocated.

- Glocalisation. We want to make the event more international. Brussels deserve it. We will try to involve the European Institutions and tailor the prizes remitted accordingly.

- Evening. We would like to bring more sobriety to the event although keeping it spectacular; pass on the words to winners, and adapt the schedule to the expectations of the participants.

- Networking. We are thinking of ways to ensure even greater networking before, during and after the ceremony.

We hope to see you on 6th March 2008 for the third Edition.

 

Laurent Marliere      President      Belgian Legal Awards