Associate – Customs & International Trade (1-5 years)

Customs, Trade & Supply Chain Advisory | Brussels / Antwerp | Hybrid

Global trade is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Geopolitical tensions, new customs requirements, sanctions regimes, sustainability regulations and increasingly sophisticated supply chains are transforming the way businesses operate across borders. For ambitious legal professionals, Customs & International Trade has become one of the most dynamic and strategically important areas of practice.

At CMS Belgium, we help clients transform regulatory complexity into commercial opportunity. We are looking for a talented Associate who combines intellectual curiosity, technical rigour and a genuine interest in international business to join our growing Customs & International Trade Practice within the Tax Practice Group.

Shape the future of Customs & International Trade at CMS

Our growing Tax Practice Group is looking for an Associate (one to five years of relevant experience) to join our Customs & International Trade Practice.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in one of the fastest-growing areas of legal practice while working alongside recognised specialists in Belgium and throughout the CMS international network.

You will advise leading Belgian and international companies on customs, trade and supply chain matters, contribute to complex cross-border projects and gain exposure to high-profile matters from the outset of your career.

You will work closely with our Tax, Corporate, Regulatory, Competition, ESG and Supply Chain teams, allowing you to develop a broad understanding of the legal and commercial challenges facing multinational businesses.

Profile:

What we need:

• A Master of Laws degree from a Belgian or European university
• Admission to the Belgian Bar, or a clear intention to pursue a legal career within the profession
• Approximately 1 to 5 years of relevant professional experience gained within a law firm, consultancy, multinational company, customs administration or international organisation
• A strong interest in customs law, international trade, indirect taxation, supply chains and international business
• Excellent analytical, drafting and communication skills
• A proactive and solution-oriented mindset
• Fluency in English and either Dutch or French; knowledge of all three languages is a strong advantage
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• A genuine curiosity about international trade and regulatory developments

What would make you stand out:

• Previous experience in customs, VAT, international trade, tax, regulatory or international business matters
• Exposure to customs audits, customs compliance or customs litigation
• Experience working with multinational businesses or international organisations
• Knowledge of sanctions, export controls or trade compliance frameworks
• An academic focus on tax, customs, European law or international trade
• Experience studying or working abroad
• Strong commercial awareness and an interest in understanding clients' businesses

Main responsibilities:

One role, multiple dimensions

Advising clients on customs and international trade matters

You will support clients facing a wide range of customs and international trade challenges. 

You will:

• Assist in advising on customs valuation, tariff classification and rules of origin
• Support clients in obtaining and maintaining customs authorisations, including AEO status and special procedures
• Contribute to customs audits, investigations and interactions with Belgian and European customs authorities
• Assist with customs litigation and administrative proceedings
• Support the implementation of customs compliance programmes and governance frameworks
• Help clients identify customs opportunities and manage customs risks within their supply chains
• Conduct legal research and prepare practical, business-oriented advice for clients
• Participate in customs aspects of corporate transactions, restructurings and supply chain transformation projects

Navigating the evolving international trade landscape

You will help clients understand and respond to an increasingly complex international regulatory environment. 

You will:

• Assist in advising on EU and international sanctions regimes
• Support matters involving export controls, dual-use regulations and trade restrictions
• Contribute to the development and implementation of trade compliance programmes
• Assist clients in understanding CBAM and other sustainability-related trade measures
• Monitor legislative and policy developments affecting international trade
• Participate in multi-jurisdictional projects involving CMS offices across Europe and beyond
• Help prepare submissions and communications to Belgian, European and international authorities

Contributing to the growth of the practice

As a member of the team, you will play an active role in the continued development of the practice. 

You will:

• Build strong relationships with clients and colleagues
• Collaborate across practice groups to deliver integrated solutions
• Contribute to legal publications, client alerts and thought leadership initiatives
• Participate in conferences, webinars and client training programmes
• Support business development initiatives and market visibility efforts
• Develop your expertise through close collaboration with senior lawyers and partners

What we offer:

• The opportunity to build a specialised practice in one of the most dynamic areas of business law
• Early responsibility and direct exposure to clients and complex matters
• Access to leading customs and international trade expertise in Belgium and across the CMS network
• Involvement in high-profile Belgian, European and international projects
• A collaborative, supportive and entrepreneurial working environment
• Structured training and mentoring from experienced practitioners
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
• Competitive remuneration and benefits
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexibility
• Access to international CMS trainings, conferences, secondments and networking opportunities

Recruitment process

The process consists of three steps:

1. An introductory conversation
2. An interview with the practice leadership, including a discussion of your experience, interests and career ambitions
3. A final meeting with the team

Don't tick every box? Apply anyway.

We are looking for talented individuals who combine intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, team spirit and a willingness to learn. We value potential just as much as experience.

Want to talk first?

Camille Vanhelleputte (HR Officer) is happy to have an informal, confidential chat: [email protected] | +32 2 743 69 28.

Direct applications only. No recruitment agencies or headhunters, please.