Sidley offers experienced lawyers boundless opportunities to work on interesting and challenging projects for high-calibre clients.
We have built a reputation as a premier legal advisor for global businesses and government entities, providing exceptional legal representation spanning the full range of trade, competition, litigation and regulatory matters.
The quality of work given to associates in Brussels is first rate—cutting edge and complex, and often high profile.
In addition to an attractive and competitive compensation package, we provide an exceptional range of benefits.
We operate an annual bonus scheme that rewards associates for the quality of their work as well as billable hours, with credit given for pro bono contributions.
We are committed to training and developing our lawyers so that they continue to grow and learn throughout their careers.
Sidley has made a deep and ongoing investment in our world-class learning and development function, which plays a critical and strategic role within the firm and supports our stellar client service ethic.
In addition to the New Associate Orientation and Mid-Level Associate programmes presented annually, we offer a superb technical training programme designed by and for each individual practice group. Soft skills training is tailored to your level of qualification. Our Business Development Programme provides high-level, personalised coaching around communications and networking, client engagement and winning new business.
We are continuously looking for new talent to join our practice. Successful candidates will have an excellent academic record coupled with a proven interest and training in EU competition, trade or regulatory law.
There is no Sidley stereotype—we recruit from a variety of backgrounds, nationalities, ages and experience. We seek to hire individuals who are committed to serving clients and have strong business instincts. People who are approachable and easy to work with, self-disciplined and ambitious, and driven to deliver results.
Individuals with a law degree who are qualified to practice law, preferably in one of the EU Member States, and have all required paperwork and permits for performing in Belgium are welcome to apply for an associate position. Fluency in English, demonstrated through education and writing samples, is a prerequisite.
Typically, our new recruits bring work experience they have gained from serving in government, an association or an EU institution, or as a scholar, in-house counsel or in another professional capacity.
We also recruit for analyst and paralegal positions:
Analysts
Analysts do not necessarily have a legal degree, but do have a particular link with the work we are doing. Many analysts have an economics degree, often combined with experience in public affairs or international relations.
Paralegals
A paralegal typically has a law degree or specialised training. Paralegals support the associates and partners in serving clients. They perform research, prepare first drafts of submissions and often provide knowledge management support.
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Sidley’s Brussels office focuses on EU law, particularly competition, trade and regulatory matters. Our lawyers have a rare combination of private and public sector experience and a sophisticated understanding of EU institutions and policies. We represent clients on a wide variety of matters before the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, EU Member State authorities and the European Courts.
Talent. Teamwork. Results.
Sidley’s reputation for excellence is a result of the firm’s commitment to cultivating a deep reserve of legal talent in numerous substantive areas, modelling an environment of teamwork and mutual respect, and achieving results for clients across all industries and stages of the business cycle.
Work Environment
Sidley has built an inclusive, collegiate culture firmwide that supports internal cooperation and rewards good work. Our lawyers place a premium on helping each other out, lending assistance and experience on projects that can span multiple offices and practice areas. We believe our culture sets us apart from other firms and enhances the professional experience and satisfaction of our lawyers.
Our Brussels office offers the best of both worlds—the experience of working in one of the largest international law firms along with the relaxed, down-to-earth friendliness of a smaller office.
Located in the heart of the European Quarter, near Place Luxembourg and close to the Metro and Brussels-Luxembourg train station, our office is home to a diverse group of international lawyers representing some 17 different nationalities. You will find a great social scene within the office, with organised events including sailing weekends, quizzes, seasonal parties and charitable team activities like the Legal Run.
Professional Development
We provide comprehensive resources to assist all lawyers in reaching their professional goals. Lawyers are encouraged to have informal discussions about their progress and future on an ongoing basis and can adhere to a mentoring scheme, which matches new associates with partner and senior associate mentors of their choice from a practice group other than their own. These mentors serve as an alternative source of advice and coaching.
Commitment to Diversity
Sidley has a long history of taking committed action to diversify its own ranks, to achieve an inclusive and welcoming culture, and to increase the diversity of the legal profession as a whole. Our mission is to continually attract, retain and promote to partnership and leadership outstanding lawyers who reflect the global marketplace and communities that we serve.
Tradition of Service
Sidley lawyers recognise their responsibility to use their training, skills and experience to provide legal services to underserviced communities and to charitable, community, governmental and educational organizations that could not otherwise afford legal representation. Sidley lawyers and staff devote more than 100,000 hours annually to serving those most in need. The firm’s first global pro bono initiative, the Sidley Emerging Enterprises Pro Bono Program, is led by lawyers in Sidley’s Brussels and Geneva offices.