History
Celebrating 75 years of history as Belgium’s oldest law firm
Discover our newly published collective book
Marking the 75th anniversary of Belgium’s oldest law firm, this volume is authored by Janson’s partners and associates. It offers insights across the full spectrum of business law and illustrates the diversity and vitality of the firm’s expertise.
Published by Larcier-Intersentia, the book is now available for purchase on the publisher’s website.
To accompany this publication, we are also sharing an introductory historical chapter written by François Glansdorff and Michel Lévy Morelle, both former partners of the firm. This short piece looks back at the origins of Janson in 1950, the pioneering spirit behind Belgium’s first association of lawyers, and the key figures who helped shape the firm’s identity.
Back in 1950, Jean Baugniet together with two lawyer friends, Emile Janson and André Janssens-Brigode had the idea to team up and create the first lawyers association in Belgium. They succeeded in convincing the Bar authorities of their project and the first real law firm in Belgium was founded: “Janson Baugniet” (currently “Janson”).
In those days, Belgian society was divided between the progressists and conservatists. Nevertheless the Belgian worldwide reputed capacity to find compromise overruled such division as from its earliest days on the firm succeeded to join the forces between progressists and conservatists.
The founding fathers turned the firm into a success and trained several generations of well-reputed and most respected lawyers such as Lucien Janson, Roger Dalcq, Jacques De Gavre and Edouard Jakhian. The firm did not forget its roots and is grateful for the founding fathers and the success that is Janson today with nearly 100 lawyers serving clients across the most diverse industries and in practically all fields of law.
Still within the idea of compromise, Janson now has offices in Brussels, Ghent and Mons, allowing to optimize services to clients not only in Brussels but also in Flanders and Wallonia. As an independent law firm Janson is also active on the international scene and supports its clients abroad through its qualitative network of correspondents ensuring the same craftsmanship as Janson.