On 24 April 2014, Van Bael & Bellis' Managing Partner Jean-François Bellis was honoured by Chambers & Partners for his Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession. The award is one of Chambers' most prestigious prizes and is given to lawyers who have had a significant impact on the European legal market. The awards ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London.
Jean-François Bellis is one of the most renowned practitioners in European Competition and Trade law. His career began in Brussels in 1975, and a few years later he served as Legal Secretary to Lord Mackenzie Stuart at the Court of Justice of the European Union. In 1986, he co-founded Van Bael & Bellis with his mentor and friend, Ivo Van Bael.
Jean-François Bellis is widely acknowledged as a leading figure by peers, who are quick to highlight the overall impact of his work on the general development of the market. He is currently best known for his work in cartel and abuse of dominance proceedings and has acted as lead counsel in some of the most high-profile antitrust cases in recent years involving Microsoft, Skype and BHP Billiton.
The Chambers Europe Awards for Excellence recognise firms and lawyers that have been involved in market-leading deals and received exceptional client feedback. The Outstanding Contribution Awards are given to the most influential practitioners to emerge from their respective markets.
