(Junior) Associate Commercial Law

Osborne Clarke; Brussel; Sur place; EUR 70 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Osborne Clarke Brussels is seeking a Junior Associate or Associate to reinforce its Commercial/Litigation practice in Brussels. You will work on distribution and franchising networks, draft and negotiate contracts, and advise on regulatory issues in a retail context.

The role offers exposure to cross-border mandates, collaboration with international teams, and opportunities to contribute to client alerts and trainings.

Qualifications

• 0–5 years' experience in commercial law, ideally with exposure to contract law, consumer and regulatory matters.
• Native French speaker with excellent English and good command of another national language.
• Belgian law degree with strong academic results; an additional UK/US LL.M. is an asset.
• Interest in complex matters and innovation-driven sectors.

Responsabilités

• Draft, review and negotiate distribution and other commercial contracts (including e-contracts, manufacturing and supply-chain arrangements, e-commerce and platform terms, leases and transfers).
• Advise on trade practices, sustainability, product safety and market access in a retail/commercial context.
• Assist on antitrust questions, GDPR and IP issues in retail and distribution projects.
• Participate in commercial and retail litigation before Belgian Courts and arbitral Tribunals.

Connaissances

Team player

International mindset

Communication skills

French native

English proficiency

Commercial law

Formation

Belgian law degree

LL.M. (UK/US)

Description du poste

The Role

We are looking for a Junior Associate or Associate to strengthen our Commercial/Litigation practice in Brussels.

In this role, you will:

• Work primarily on distribution and retail matters, supporting Belgian and international clients in the set up, expansion and management of their distribution and franchising networks.
• Draft, review and negotiate distribution and other commercial contracts (including e-contracts, manufacturing and supply‑chain arrangements, e‑commerce and platform terms, commercial leases and documents relating to transfers of business).
• Advise on trade practices, sustainability, product safety and market access, and consumer and product regulatory issues in a retail and commercial context.
• Assist on antitrust questions (vertical restrictions), GDPR and intellectual property issues in retail and distribution projects.
• Participate in commercial and retail litigation before the Belgian Courts and arbitral Tribunals, including drafting procedural documents and assisting in hearings.
• Collaborate with the wider Commercial/Litigation team (including work in logistics, infrastructure, operational real estate and construction, both on contractual and litigation aspects) and with colleagues in other Osborne Clarke offices on cross‑border mandates.
• Contribute to client alerts, presentations and trainings on developments in retail, consumer and commercial law.

Your Profile

We welcome applications from new graduates starting their career as well as lawyers with up to maximum 5 years' experience in commercial law.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has 0 to 5 years' experience in commercial law, ideally with exposure to contract law, consumer and product regulatory law and (commercial) litigation.
• Is a true team player with an international mindset.
• Is rigorous, precise, proactive and pragmatic.
• Has strong oral and written communication skills.
• Is a native French speaker, with excellent English and a good command of the other national language.
• Holds a Belgian law degree with strong academic results; an additional UK/US LL.M. is an asset.
• Enjoys working on complex matters, is keen to understand clients' businesses and has a genuine interest in innovation‑driven sectors.

What We Offer

• Advise leading Belgian and international retail and consumer brands on their day‑to‑day operations and strategic projects.
• Be involved in a broad mix of distribution, commercial, regulatory and litigation work, with real responsibility from the outset.
• Benefit from Osborne Clarke's investment in integrated systems, data and AI‑enabled tools, supporting efficient, high‑quality service delivery.
• Grow in a culture that combines high performance with heart: ambitious, collaborative, inclusive and focused on helping our people and clients succeed in tomorrow's world.
• Enjoy an open and inclusive working environment, with attention to wellbeing and sustainable careers.
• Receive continuous training, mentoring and international exposure to support your professional development.

How to apply

Interested? Please send your CV and cover letter by clicking the Apply button. We look forward to hearing from you.

Note: No external recruitment agency, direct application only. Applications will be considered as they are received, we therefore encourage candidates to apply early.