Counsel – Customs & International Trade (8-15 years)

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

Global trade is being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, evolving customs regulations, sanctions regimes, sustainability requirements and increasingly complex supply chains. For businesses operating across borders, Customs & International Trade has become a strategic boardroom issue.

At CMS Belgium, we help clients transform regulatory complexity into commercial opportunity. We are looking for an experienced Counsel who combines technical excellence, strategic vision and entrepreneurial drive to help lead the next phase of growth of our Customs & International Trade practice.

Shape the future of Customs & International Trade at CMS

Our growing Tax Practice Group is looking for a Counsel (eight to fifteen years of relevant experience) to join and further develop our Customs & International Trade Practice.

This role is designed for an experienced customs and trade professional who combines strong technical expertise with commercial acumen and a genuine interest in helping multinational businesses navigate an increasingly complex international trade environment.

You will work closely with our Tax, Corporate, Regulatory, Competition and ESG teams, as well as with colleagues throughout the CMS international network. You will advise leading Belgian and international companies on strategic customs, trade and supply chain matters while playing an active role in the continued growth of the practice.

Profile:

What we need:

• Master of Laws degree from a Belgian or EU-based university or Master’s degree in Economics or Political Science
• Admitted to the Belgian Bar, or eligible for admission, is an advantage
• Approximately 8 to 15 years of relevant experience in customs and international trade matters gained within a law firm, consultancy, multinational company, customs administration or international organisation
• Strong expertise in customs law, international trade regulation and supply chain matters
• Proven ability to manage complex client relationships and sophisticated cross-border matters
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset
• Fluency in English and either Dutch or French; proficiency in all three languages is a strong advantage
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• The ability to operate confidently with legal, tax, finance, operational and executive stakeholders

What would make you stand out:

• Recognised expertise in customs valuation, origin, classification or customs litigation
• Experience advising multinational companies in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, life sciences, retail, consumer products, technology or energy
• Expertise in sanctions, export controls or trade compliance
• Experience dealing with Belgian customs authorities, the European Commission or international organisations
• A strong professional network within the customs and trade community
• A demonstrated track record in business development and practice building
• Experience managing international projects involving multiple jurisdictions

Main responsibilities:

One role, multiple dimensions

Advising clients on strategic customs and trade matters

You will act as a trusted advisor to clients facing complex customs and international trade challenges.

You will:

• Advise on customs valuation, tariff classification and rules of origin
• Support clients in designing and implementing customs-efficient supply chain structures
• Assist businesses in obtaining and maintaining customs authorisations, including AEO status and special procedures
• Advise on customs audits, investigations and disputes with Belgian and European customs authorities
• Represent and support clients in administrative and judicial customs proceedings
• Assist clients with customs compliance programmes, governance frameworks and internal controls
• Advise on customs aspects of mergers, acquisitions, restructurings and supply chain transformations
• Support clients in managing customs risks arising from geopolitical developments and evolving trade policies

Navigating the evolving international trade landscape

You will help clients understand and respond to regulatory developments impacting global trade. 

You will:

• Advise on EU and international sanctions regimes
• Provide guidance on export controls, dual-use regulations and trade restrictions
• Assist companies in designing and implementing trade compliance programmes
• Advise on CBAM, ESG-related trade measures and emerging sustainability requirements
• Support clients in assessing the customs and trade implications of digitalisation and supply chain transformation
• Coordinate multi-jurisdictional trade projects through the CMS international network
• Help clients manage regulatory interactions with Belgian, EU and international authorities

Building the practice and strengthening client relationships

As a senior member of the team, you will contribute actively to the development of the practice.

You will:

• Develop and strengthen long-term client relationships
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to business development initiatives
• Collaborate across practice groups to deliver integrated solutions to clients
• Mentor and support junior lawyers and associates
• Contribute to publications, webinars, conferences and client training programmes
• Help position CMS as a leading customs and international trade practice in Belgium and across the CMS network

What we offer:

• A senior and highly visible position within one of Belgium's leading international law firms
• Significant autonomy, direct client exposure and responsibility from day one
• The opportunity to help shape and grow a strategic Customs & International Trade practice
• Access to the CMS international platform, comprising more than 7,000 lawyers across 45+ countries
• Involvement in high-profile Belgian, European and global matters
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial environment that values initiative and innovation
• Competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package
• Genuine opportunities for professional growth and long-term career development
• 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 relevant experience and client opportunities
3. A final meeting with the team

Don't tick every box? Apply anyway.

We are looking for talented professionals who combine expertise, judgment, entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative mindset.

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.