Stefaan Raes has joined Liedekerke as partner in the Competition and European law Practice Group.
Stefaan was President of the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) from 2004 until 2013. He contributed largely to putting the BCA on the map. During his tenure, landmark enforcement decisions in the field of restrictive practices, both provisional and on the merits, as well as in the field of merger control were rendered.
Before and after his BCA presidency, he was a well-known and highly respected judge of the Brussels Court of Appeal and, earlier on, the Brussels Court of First Instance. At Court, he was a member and a presiding member of the Chamber that has jurisdiction over cases concerning competition law and other regulatory matters, as well as of Chambers hearing cases on many other subject matters, primarily in the field of economic law.
In an unprecedented move for a judge of his stature, Stefaan has returned to the bar. He will put his rich and varied experience to the benefit of the clients of our firm.
His strategic insight into the workings of competition authorities-national competition authorities in the EU and beyond, and the European Commission-and courts will offer a unique, new perspective on the practice of competition law and related areas.
In addition to competition law, he is generally recognized as a specialist in civil procedure.
Stefaan obtained his law degrees from the University of Antwerp and the University of Leuven (1980) and from the University of Chicago Law School (LL M 1981).
Jules Stuyck, head of Liedekerke's Competition and European law practice, says: " I have known Stefaan for many years and I am very proud he decided to join the team. His arrival is a milestone in the development of our Competition practice. His experience as a judge and head of the Belgian Competition Authority is invaluable to our practice group and clients. It is our honour to have him on board".
Vincent Busschaert, Managing Partner of the firm, adds: "This appointment is unique and exciting. Liedekerke is investing heavily in the growth of our firm, and I am very happy to see such a distinguished player in the market choose our firm to continue his career."
