Clifford Chance
Dorothée Vermeiren is head of the Brussels litigation and dispute resolution practice. She has a strong track record in banking litigation and restructurings and insolvencies.
She also specialises in commercial arbitration (including acting as an arbitrator herself), competition litigation, and compliance with anti-corruption and sanctions litigation.
- Advising the GFG Alliance on the restructuring of Liberty-Liège Dudelange.
- Representing the Belgian State against liability claims brought against it by the shareholders of Arco in the wake of the financial crisis.
- Representing KONE in various proceedings brought against it (and three other elevator manufacturers) by the European Commission, the Belgian State and Buildings agency, and the Flemish Region and Community for several millions of damages allegedly flowing from the cartel addressed in the Commission's decision of 2007.
- Defending Amazon in proceedings launched by the Syndicate of French Language Booksellers relating to the alleged violation by Amazon of the Walloon book price rules.
- Defending RSCA in arbitration proceedings in relation to a challenge of its football license and various disputes with player agents.
- Advising Lucerne, a minority shareholder in Telenet, in respect of its campaign against Liberty Global, the majority shareholder, which it argues has a conflict of interest.
- Defending a private investment firm in set-aside proceedings before the Brussels Court of First Instance. The proceedings relate to a permanent court of arbitration award obtained in a bilateral investment treaty arbitration against an EU member state.
- Defending a private equity investor in summary proceedings launched by a manager of its portfolio company to suspend a private sale process.
- Assisting an aerospace company in multiple arbitration court proceedings, both in Belgium and abroad, in relation to disputes with its agents.
- A financial institution on a broad range of queries in relation to international law/immunity from suit issues, economic sanctions, anti-money laundering and anti-bribery compliance.
- Advising various companies on compliance with anti-bribery, anti-money laundering and sanctions legislation, including assisting several Belgian companies with the implementation and roll-out of their anti-bribery compliance programmes.
News and client work
Contact details
- Clifford Chance, Brussels
- +3225335063
- Email me
- Speaks Dutch, English and French
- Practice area Litigation, dispute resolution & risk management, Restructuring
- Sector Consumer goods & retail, Healthcare, life sciences & chemicals, Power & energy networks, Transport & logistics
Career and qualifications
- University of Ghent (licentiaat rechten) 2007
- Joined Clifford Chance 2007
- Admitted as an advocaat in Brussels 2007
- University of Ghent (doctoraat) 2010
- Counsel 2016 - 2019
- Partner since 2019
Professional bodies
- CEPANI (Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation)
Awards and citations
- ‘Dorothée Vermeiren is adept at making the client feel supported whilst being realistic about strengths and weaknesses of a case.’
Legal 500 – Dispute Resolution Belgium, Next Generation Partner - ‘I had the pleasure to work with Dorothée Vermeiren. Dorothée brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Her proactive approach and in-depth knowledge are truly remarkable, consistently providing invaluable insights and strategic advice. Dorotheé’s high level of availability and ability to anticipate and address issues sets her apart from competitors.’
Legal 500 – Dispute Resolution Belgium, Next Generation Partner - Named as a European Female Rising Star for 2021 on the list of Continental Europe's best 25 women in law aged under 40, complied by Law.com
- "Dorothée is recommended by clients for being "excellent" (Legal 500) and "very knowledgeable", manages matters very well and is very good in oral hearings.” (Chambers).
- Next generation Partner
Legal 500 EMEA 2021, Dispute Resolution - Up and Coming
Chambers Europe 2021, Dispute Resolution - 'Dorothée Vermeiren is a "personable and shrewd negotiator," commended for her skilful pleading of cases.'
Chambers Europe 2019, Dispute Resolution - Up and Coming
Chambers Europe 2019, Dispute Resolution - "Fantastic, very responsive and proactive – nothing was too much trouble for her."
Chambers Europe 2018, Dispute Resolution - 'Counsel Dorothée Vermeiren is "excellent."'
Legal 500 EMEA 2018, Dispute Resolution