01/06/21

New Tax Of Counsel joining Fieldfisher Belgium

European law firm Fieldfisher is delighted to announce that Lionel Wellekens has joined its fast-growing Belgian Tax practice as Of Counsel.

Lionel Wellekens specialises in indirect taxes, with a particular focus on VAT.

For more than 15 years, Lionel has gained extensive experience in various indirect tax aspects within top-tier law and consultancy firms where he became the trusted indirect tax adviser of clients mainly active in the technology, financial and real estate sectors. He has developed a particular expertise in the indirect taxes aspects of real estate, M&A and financial transactions. He is also advising companies on the indirect taxes consequences of their European and international trading of goods.

He frequently lectures and gives speeches on various indirect tax topics.

Lionel Wellekens holds a Master’s degree in law from the University of Louvain-la-Neuve (UCL) and a post Master’s degree in tax from the University of Antwerp (UA).

Leveraging his natural synergies with Geoffroy Galéa (with whom he has previously worked with), he will further develop the fast-growing Belgian Tax practice covering indirect taxes, notably VAT, excise, customs and registration duties. Lionel brings with him a wealth of experience, both in assisting clients with complex indirect tax issues or in representing them in complex tax litigations.

Commenting on this arrival, Jean-François Germain, Joint Managing Partner, said:

We are delighted that the Belgian Tax practice of Fieldfisher is already expanding. The arrival of Lionel will add new tax capabilities to our fast-growing Tax practice set up by Geoffroy Galéa one year ago. It shows that our Tax practice is now ready to go to the next level, as an independent fully-fledged international Tax practice. Within Fieldfisher, we all look forward to finding out what is coming next!"

Geoffroy Galéa, Head of the Belgian Tax practice, commented:

"Lionel's profile fits perfectly with the needs of our Tax practice, and will allow us to provide high quality tax services ranging from corporate tax to VAT or customs duties. Furthermore, adding a senior profile with a mixed experience (consultancy and law firms) is in line with our forward-looking Tax practice providing our clients with top-notch practical advice that is not limited to their traditional legal aspects but that is also covering the economics behind any issue. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to work again with Lionel and to bring our natural synergies, both technical and personal, to our Tax practice."

On this arrival, Lionel Wellekens commented: “I am thrilled to join Fieldfisher. The firm really charmed me by its dynamism and positive atmosphere. The notable growth of the Tax practice set-up by Geoffroy is just one example of the firm’s positive dynamism. I am really looking forward to working again with Geoffroy and further expanding the offering of the Belgian Tax practice. We indeed have strong synergies with Geoffroy and this will be a real added-value for the firm's clients. Geoffroy, Alain Thilmany (associate within the Tax Practice) and myself share the commitment to provide first-class and pragmatic assistance to clients.”

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