Rules of professional conduct

Foreign lawyers registered on the EU-list must adhere not only to the regulations of their home bar but also to the professional conduct rules, known as the Codex, which apply to Flemish lawyers listed as trainees or on the tableau (double deontology). You can access the compiled Codex Deontology OVB-NOAB [here].

Please note that the following obligations do not apply to B-list lawyers.

Third party or escrow account

The Codex mandates that every lawyer must maintain a third-party or escrow account registered either in their own name or in the name of the law firm where they practice (Article 130 Codex). This account is designated for the receipt and disbursement of funds on behalf of clients, excluding lawyer fees and expenses.

Third-party or escrow accounts can be established at any bank that has entered into an agreement for this purpose with either the Brussels Bar or the Order of Flemish Bars (OVB). These agreements stipulate that the accounts will not accrue interest and grant the President of the Bar (Stafhouder) the authority to inspect the accounts and their transactions.

Additionally, the lawyer’s contact information on www.advocaat.be should include the number of the third-party or escrow account.

Each year, before the end of February, lawyers are required to submit a report on their third-party account (Article 136 Codex).

Continuing professional development

Lawyers registered on the EU-list of the Brussels Bar are obliged to obtain and report 20 points of continuing professional education each judicial year.

The Institute for Continued Education of the Brussels Bar (VIA) organizes webinars and seminars throughout the year on various aspects of law and a wide range of skills, enabling lawyers to perform their duties as professionally as possible. An overview of all courses and seminars can be found in the members section of the website https://my.advocaat.be/ – select “opleidingsinstituut” (training institute) – select “opleidingsaanbod” (training overview).

The Order of Flemish Bars (OVB) can award credits for certain courses and lectures taken in n a lawyer’s foreign home country. Lawyers can submit an application for recognition in the members section of the website https://my.advocaat.be/ – select “opleidingsinstituut” (training institute) – select “dien een aanvraag in” (submit an application).

For any questions regarding continuing professional development credits, seminars and applications for recognition, please contact opleidingen@ordevanvlaamsebalies.be or permanente.vorming@ordevanvlaamsebalies.be.

For all other questions regarding continuing professional development at the Brussels Bar (Dutch speaking section), please contact permanentevorming@baliebrussel.be.