Bruno Blanpain

Bruno Blanpain has specialized in employment law, social security law, and immigration law since 1984.

He advises clients on all aspects of Belgian and European labour law, at both individual and collective levels, guiding them through every stage of the employment cycle. Clients also rely on his expertise in social security matters concerning both employees and self-employed individuals.

For Bruno, equality and diversity are not mere buzzwords introduced by European directives or national equality bodies. He views diversity management and its practical application as essential tools for HR managers to build, promote, and sustain a creative and effective workforce. His areas of expertise include positive action, diversity audits, training, and policy development — which he considers the most effective defences against discrimination claims.

Bruno has extensive experience representing clients in legal proceedings before Belgian courts in all his areas of expertise, both as claimant and defendant. He has also served as a deputy judge in the Labour Courts, where, between 1991 and 2002, he rendered more than 500 judgments as chair of panels for both blue-collar and white-collar cases.

Beyond litigation and day-to-day advice on Belgian labour law, Bruno has been involved in the reorganisation and restructuring of Belgian subsidiaries of major multinationals.

These projects often involve complex consultation and negotiation processes with works councils and trade unions, as well as the coordination of social plans and the handling of disputes related to picketing, illegal building occupations, hostage situations, property damage, and boycotts.  Bruno is the author of several books and numerous articles, and he frequently lectures on labour and social law.

He obtained his law degree from the Catholic University of Leuven (K.U.L.) and holds a Master’s degree in International Business Administration from the University of Kentucky.

Areas of expertise

• Employment Law
• Social Security
• Discrimination Law
• Immigration Law