Reliance : a new law firm by ex-Linklaters and ex-Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Koen De Bisschop, principal associate of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Edward Carlier, managing associate of Linklaters, have created a new lawfirm, Reliance, located at Mechelen, between Brussels and Antwerp.

Reliance wants to answer a market need to offer the values of the Magic Circle firms, i.e. client focus, high quality legal services and a sense of urgency at rates that are competitive on the Belgian market.

Koen De Bisschop practices labor law since 2001. From 2001 to 2006, he worked in the labor law department of the international law firm Linklaters (former De Bandt, Van Hecke & Lagae). Since 2007, Koen led the Brussels employment practice of the international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. As head of this practice, Koen was confronted with the most diverse aspects of employment and labor law, including employment and dismissal of executives, the design of competitive salary structures, negotiations with unions, employment aspects of corporate transactions and data privacy.

Edward Carlier practices labor law since 2000. From 2000 through 2009, he worked in the labor law department of the international law firm Linklaters (former De Bandt, Van Hecke & Lagae), where he was co-heading of the Brussels employment practice for several years. Edward has a particular experience in restructuring companies, complementary pensions and employment disputes. As author of a leading book in this field, Edward is a specialist in tackling competition by (former) employees.