De Block Law Office: The winner takes it all

“It may sound like a cliché, but De Block Law Office really is unlike any other law firm,” explains Marc De Block, the congenial founder and owner of the Antwerp-based business law practice. “We don’t aim to build out an empire for ourselves, but put our clients’ needs first. That’s what has kept us in business for 33 years already. That’s why our clients keep returning. That’s what makes us unique.”

When Marc De Block founded his firm in 1986, he knew exactly what he wanted it to become. He kept a safe distance of practicing law in the spotlight and decided to run a small-scale business law practice at which he could work on a wide array of interesting cases and forge relationships of confidence with his long-term clients: an approach that stands the test of time. “All depends on why you are taking on a certain case. For me, there always has to be a sparkle of interest for the enigma I’m facing. If a case with small stakes fascinates me, I will sink my teeth into it just as much.”

That doesn’t mean De Block and his team always opt for an aggressive approach. “Our first aim is always to settle a case outside of the court room. Solutions like these are beneficial for our client, their opponent and the business relationship between the both. If it is, however, in the interest of our client that we settle it in court, we can do that just as well.”

Left: Marc De Block

De Block’s passion for the field and his clients has taken him to all corners of the world. In his 30s, he had already won a high-profile case against a battery of respected lawyers in New York. Later, he pled cases in Dubai, Africa, India and plenty of other places, where he always showcases a big understanding for cultural differences. “Every country has its own cultural sensitivities. We, Flemish, have a natural talent for adapting to those, as our region is so tiny that we have to work with foreigners every day and in different tongues. That puts us way ahead of lawyers from most other countries.”

Yet, the main strength of De Block Law Office is the straight-forward legal advice that it provides. The team knows what it is doing and dares to think outside of the box. “Practicing law is not a gambling game. If you know what you are doing, you can win very often.”

Web: www.deblocklaw.com