About De Minimis Law
De Minimis Law is a Geneva-based boutique firm specializing in international trade law, international commercial arbitration, and sustainable development (ESG) law. We deliver strategic legal solutions for governments and corporations navigating complex trade issues. The firm is ranked by Leaders League in the categories WTO/International Trade (Switzerland) and Arbitration (Switzerland) and is a member of the Advisory Centre on WTO Law's (ACWL) External Counsel Roster.
The Role
We are seeking a Partner to initiate and lead the De Minimis Law Brussels office — a rare opportunity to build a European presence for an already recognized international boutique in one of the world's premier trade law hubs.
The role combines contentious and non-contentious work across the full spectrum of international economic law, including:
* EU Trade Regulatory Compliance
* Sanctions & Export Controls
* Trade Remedies
* Customs & Market Access
* International Commercial Arbitration
* WTO & Regional Dispute Settlement
Key Responsibilities
* Build and lead the Brussels office from the ground up
* Drive business development and strategic growth
* Manage and grow client relationships at senior levels
* Mentor junior lawyers and develop a high-performing team
* Collaborate with the Geneva office on complex cross-border mandates
What We Offer
This is an equity partnership — no fixed salary, with profit sharing and unlimited earning potential. The successful candidate will benefit from:
* Full institutional and operational backing of the Geneva office
* Access to the firm's existing client base and global network
* Freedom to bring a portable book of business
* Autonomy to shape and scale the Brussels office
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a senior trade law or international arbitration attorney who combines sharp legal acumen with a genuine business orientation and entrepreneurial drive. The ideal candidate:
* Has experience as a Senior Trade Lawyer, Senior Associate, or Counsel with complex stakeholder management
* Demonstrates a track record of engaging senior executives, clients, and key networks
* Is grounded, pragmatic, and hands-on, with a transformational leadership style
* Has strong executive presence, influencing skills, and personal integrity
* Is culturally sensitive and comfortable operating across international environments
* Holds a legal qualification and is admitted in any EU country
Qualifications
* Expertise in WTO law, international trade, and international arbitration
* Proven experience in drafting, negotiating, and interpreting complex legal documents
* Strong skills in legal research and analysis
* Exceptional client relationship management and business development capabilities
* Fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages is advantageous
* Advanced degree in law, with a focus on international trade or arbitration
* Ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid work environment
* Experience in leadership roles within a legal practice is a plus
Location
Brussels, Belgium
Contact
For confidential inquiries, please reach out to:
Anastasia Volkova — anastasia@purplesquirrelrecruitment.com | +44 (0)75 512 7 1322
Manuel Sánchez Miranda — smiranda@deminimislaw.com | +41 (0)78 694 1217