Fifteen Years as a Firm. Four decades in the Making.
Three career paths, one way of working
The story of Lexing – Belgium did not begin with a brand or a development plan. It began with a meeting between three lawyers, followed by many more: with the men and women who joined them, and with the clients who entrusted them with their projects, their challenges and their disputes.
Frédéric Pottier was sworn in as a lawyer in 1986, Jean-François Henrotte in 1994 and Laurent-Olivier Henrotte in 1997. Their paths gradually began to cross. They shared cases, pooled their legal and technical expertise and, above all, discovered that they shared the same approach to practising law: listening before advising, working as a team whilst never diluting the personal responsibility of the lawyer supporting the client, and seeking a solution that is legally sound and practically useful.
In 2012, they established the firm in its current form. Their idea was simple: to bring together specialist expertise whilst preserving what matters most in a client’s relationship with a lawyer – a specific point of contact who is available and personally committed.
The firm then expanded to include other lawyers who helped it grow: Alexandre Cruquenaire became a partner in 2013, Fanny Coton and Alexandre Cassart in 2018, and Norman Neyrinck in 2023. This story is also that of the directors, associates, trainees, assistants and partners who have, each in their own way, contributed to the firm’s development.
An expanding range of specialities
The world is changing, and with it the needs of our clients. The firm is therefore continuing to expand both in established areas, such as real estate, construction, public procurement and urban planning, and in fields undergoing rapid transformation as a result of technological advances, notably data protection, software, intellectual property, cyber security and artificial intelligence.
However, innovation is not merely one of our areas of expertise. It also drives us to develop our organisation, our tools, our knowledge management and the services we offer our clients. This is what we summarise with the phrase: moving from the law of innovation to innovation in the law.
A Belgian firm, projects without borders
In 2012, Lexing – Belgium, together with five other law firms and on the initiative of Alain Bensoussan, participated in the creation of the international Lexing network.
Lexing, one of the first international networks of lawyers specialising in advanced technology law, now comprises around 40 offices across five continents.
For our clients, this network means they can continue to deal with a single point of contact who is familiar with their business and their case, whilst, where necessary, calling on a colleague based in the relevant country.
Our development is therefore based on two inseparable aspects: a strong local presence and an international outreach.
Places that mirror who we are
Having been present in Wallonia and Brussels from the outset, the firm has gradually consolidated its position in Belgium.
In Liège, Namur and Brussels, the firm is established in venues with character: the Hôtel Remouchamps by Paul Jaspar, an iconic 1960s villa, and the former Jacqmotte coffee factory.
The firm’s new office in Charleroi, which was set up in 2021, is part of the same initiative: to bring specialist expertise closer to the businesses, institutions and individuals who need it.
In 2025, the Charleroi-based team moved into the house where Jules Destrée was born. This choice reflects the identity of Lexing – Belgium: a contemporary firm, deeply rooted in its local area and respectful of its heritage.
We enjoy working in places that already have a history, preserving them and giving them a new purpose. These buildings say something about the way we move forward: preserving what is valuable, adapting it and preparing it for the future.
Closer to our clients in Flanders
For several years now, Lexing – Belgium has been supporting its clients in Dutch through its Dutch-speaking lawyers, some of whom are members of a Flemish bar association. In 2026, the partnership formed with Voka Limburg will strengthen the firm’s ties with the Flemish entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem and consolidate its ability to support clients throughout the country.
A story that continues with every case
The firm has grown. New generations of lawyers have joined it, new offices have opened and new areas of expertise have been developed.
The essence of what we do, however, has not changed: every case begins with a conversation. We first seek to understand our client’s situation, the issues at stake and their objectives. We then develop the strategy together with them, using clear language, whilst ensuring that the solution is legally sound and genuinely useful.
Our story is that of the lawyers and teams who have built up the firm. It also belongs to the clients and partners who have chosen to place their trust in us. It continues today with every new project, every new challenge and every new case.
Every new chapter begins in the same way: by listening.
(Timeline)
1986–1997
Three journeys begin
Frédéric Pottier, Jean-François Henrotte and Laurent-Olivier Henrotte began their careers as lawyers, one after the other. Their paths then converged, drawn together by their complementary skills and a shared vision of the profession.
2012
The current company structure was established with offices in Liège, Namur and Brussels.
They organised the firm into its current corporate structure.
In the same year, the Belgian firm, together with five other firms, helped to establish the international Lexing network.
2013
The project is opening up to a new generation
Alexandre Cruquenaire becomes a partner, thereby putting into practice the aim of gradually involving the lawyers who contribute to the firm’s development in the project.
2018
A new generation of partners and new areas of expertise
Fanny Coton and Alexandre Cassart also become partners.
The firm is also developing a department specialising in aviation law.
2021-2025
Establishment in Charleroi
Opened in 2021, the Carolorégien office will move into Jules Destrée’s birthplace in 2025.
2023
Development of teams and areas of expertise
Norman Neyrinck becomes a partner.
At the same time, the firm is strengthening its expertise in competition law and state aid.
2026
A more widespread practice in Flanders
Lexing – Belgium, which already serves a Dutch-speaking client base through its Dutch-speaking lawyers – some of whom are members of a Flemish bar – has entered into a partnership with Voka Limburg. This collaboration strengthens the firm’s ties with the Flemish entrepreneurial ecosystem and consolidates its multilingual positioning across Belgium.
Today
A local presence, a global reach
Lexing – Belgium advises and represents its clients across the country’s three regions.
Through the Lexing network, the firm also supports them in their international projects, whilst continuing to develop its practice areas in real estate, technology and economics.
