backBRUSSELS, February 18, 2025 – King & Spalding has added leading international trade lawyers Arnoud Willems and Bregt Natens to its International Trade team and its Government Matters and Regulation practice group. Willems and Natens are based in the firm’s Brussels office.
Over his thirty-year career, Willems has built a leading practice advising global companies on a broad range of trade issues, including trade defence, free trade agreements, customs, trade controls and the application of World Trade Organization (WTO) law and other trade rules. His clients span sectors including technology, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, automotive, chemicals, energy and transportation.
Natens advises clients on EU and international trade law and regulations, with a focus on trade defence, customs rules, market access and regulatory barriers. He has significant experience representing clients in litigation before the EU courts and the WTO, and before EU and EU member state authorities in the context of trade remedies and customs matters.
“Arnoud and Bregt bring an impeccable reputation and diverse skills that broaden our European trade offering and build on our strong global capabilities at a time when U.S. and EU trade, economic and security issues are moving to the top of the agenda for clients,” said Steve Orava, leader of the firm’s International Trade team. “Arnoud and Bregt are team-oriented, collaborative leaders who will broaden our globally leading trade experience, expand our presence in Brussels and support the growth of many of the firm’s practices across Europe.”
Willems and Natens join the firm from Baker McKenzie. Willems earned his law degree from Leiden University in The Netherlands. He has consistently been ranked in Band 1 of Chambers Europe for Europe-wide International Trade/WTO Law. Natens earned his B.A. and an LL.M. in law from the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium, where he also earned his Ph.D.
“King & Spalding has a firm culture that is highly collaborative, which is more important than ever as the landscape for trade policy becomes more diverse, political and integrated across practices and geographies,” said Willems. “Bregt and I are enthusiastic about the opportunity to join this leading practice and work with our new King & Spalding colleagues to help our global clients address trade barriers, unlock new markets, decrease risk and improve compliance.”
About King & Spalding
King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with 1,300 lawyers in 24 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognized for the results it obtains, uncompromising commitment to quality, and dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients. More information is available at www.kslaw.com.
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