Junior lawyer Africa Desk

Our Africa Desk and Banking & Finance teams At Liedekerke,

we offer
a unique opportunity to develop your legal expertise within our Africa Desk at the intersection of Corporate and Banking & Finance, working alongside experienced lawyers on a broad range of challenging international transactions. Our Africa team advises Belgian and international clients on their activities and investments across Africa, with a particular focus on Francophone Africa. With offices in Brussels, Kinshasa (DRC) and Kigali (Rwanda), we combine international expertise with strong local knowledge to support clients navigating complex legal and business environments. Our Africa practice covers a wide range of matters, including corporate and commercial law, M&A, banking and finance, mining and energy, and other sectors. We also have extensive experience in OHADA law, which provides a harmonised legal framework across 17 African countries. Within our Africa Desk, our Corporate and Banking & Finance practices work closely together to advise clients on complex transactions and investments across Africa, including M&A, joint ventures, project finance, trade and commodity finance, and other cross-border financing arrangements.

What we offer
As a member of both teams, you will be involved in a diverse range of corporate and financing transactions, working closely with partners and experienced lawyers from both practices. Your responsibilities will include drafting, reviewing and negotiating transaction documentation, conducting legal research and due diligence, interacting with clients and their counterparts, and contributing to transactions from inception to closing. This position offers a motivated Junior Associate the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both Corporate and Banking & Finance matters, working on international transactions across diverse African jurisdictions within a dynamic, cross-border environment. Joining our teams means:
• Working on highly interesting, challenging and varied Corporate and Banking & Finance matters in Sub-Saharan Africa (particularly in the DRC), with significant international and cross-border exposure.
• Developing a dual expertise in corporate and financing transactions, with opportunities to work on matters involving both practices.
• Benefiting from direct client contact and hands-on transactional experience from day one.
• Collaborating closely with our local offices in Kinshasa and Kigali, as well as with leading foreign law firms.
• Working in an open, stimulating and multilingual environment where excellence, collaboration and initiative are valued.
• Receiving guidance and support from experienced professionals across both teams, with a strong commitment to your legal education, professional development and continuous know-how sharing.
• Accessing professional training on legal and non-legal topics, including business, communication, financial literacy, languages, AI and IT skills.
• Actively contributing to the development and growth of both practices.
• Enjoying a friendly and collegial atmosphere that values teamwork and work-life balance.
• Benefiting from an attractive compensation and benefits package, together with opportunities for personalised professional growth.
• Working from our Brussels office, conveniently located next to Brussels Central Station. What we expect Our new colleague:
• Holds a first-class Belgian/French law degree with strong academic results. Additional education abroad, an LL.
M. or an advanced master's degree is considered an asset.
• Has a genuine interest in both corporate law and transactional banking & finance, as well as an interest in other legal areas (mining, energy, telecommunications...).
• Ideally has some initial experience in corporate law, M&A and/or banking & finance, through internships or previous professional experience. Recent graduates are equally encouraged to apply.
• Has a strong interest in international and cross-border transactions, particularly those involving African jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of OHADA law or previous exposure to African legal or business environments is a strong asset.
• Has an excellent command of French and English, both written and spoken.
• Demonstrates strong analytical, drafting and organisational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Is proactive, curious and eager to learn, with a hands-on approach and a willingness to take initiative.
• Is client-oriented, with a practical and commercial mindset.
• Is a team player who can also work independently.
• Is adaptable and enthusiastic about working across different legal disciplines, teams and jurisdictions. Practical information
• Start date: as soon as possible
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Location:
Brussels Are you ready to start an exciting career at Liedekerke? Apply now via our website by submitting your CV, a motivation letter, and transcripts from each university year. If your application is positively received, the next steps include an interview with the partners from both teams and HR, as well as an assessment. We look forward to welcoming a motivated junior lawyer ready to grow and make an impact across our Africa Corporate and Banking & Finance practices.