Approach

VSA strives to deliver exceptional legal services, built on thoroughness, expertise, strategic insight, and a multidisciplinary approach. Our goal is to achieve legally and socially relevant results—not just in Belgium, but across Europe and worldwide.

Independence and impartiality are fundamental to VSA, ensuring that every lawyer can represent their clients freely, with integrity and unwavering dedication. Our core values include trustworthiness, integrity, and human dignity.

Our legal services are characterized by impeccable professionalism, creativity, and clear communication in all forms. We combine cutting-edge technology and well-structured business processes to guarantee excellence and innovation, always with the client at the center.

VS Advocaten - Teamleden - Walter Van Steenbrugge

With a mission for extraordinary defense

In the early 1990s, three young lawyers—Christine Mussche, Walter Van Steenbrugge, and Jo Van Acker—felt their shared vision was too strong not to collaborate. In September 1991, they founded their law partnership, specializing from the outset in both criminal law and corporate law.

The firm initially operated from a building in Gebroeders Vandeveldestraat in Ghent. On May 1, 1994, they relocated to Limburgstraat, where the team rapidly expanded with additional lawyers and administrative staff. In 2008, the firm moved to Merelbeke, but outgrew the space within seven years.

Since July 1, 2015, VSA has been headquartered in Mariakerke, surrounded by nature and tranquility, providing a unique environment for focus and excellence. The firm now consists of twenty-three lawyers and eleven administrative professionals, operating as a highly coordinated and efficient team.

At VSA, we believe in 360-degree teamwork, involving specialists across various legal disciplines. Continuous knowledge-sharing and strategic collaboration ensure that each case is handled with maximum impact and precision for our clients.

We fight for every case as if we were fighting for ourselves. The standard is high. Our only priority is the client’s best interest, and we pursue it without hesitation and without leaving any stone unturned.

  • The First Meeting
    During an initial consultation, we assess whether and how we can best serve new clients. Together, we determine if our expertise aligns with their needs. Clients receive a clear understanding of what to expect, the scope of our services, and an overview of costs, including the possibility of legal aid.
  • A Thorough Approach
    Every case follows a structured methodology, starting with a detailed legal and factual analysis, supported by multidisciplinary insights. This is followed by a well-thought-out strategy, always respecting human dignity.
  • A Strong, Multidisciplinary Team
    Our highly specialized lawyers tackle every aspect of a case, leveraging our multidisciplinary approach as a key advantage. Beyond our firm, we actively collaborate with an extensive network of external specialists—leaders in their respective fields—who provide critical insights and expertise that strengthen our legal strategies.
  • Creative & Tactical Legal Solutions
    We combine rigorous preparation with high levels of creativity and legal ingenuity. This enables us to navigate even the most complex situations effectively.
  • Expertise Across All Legal Domains
    With specialists in every legal field, we offer unmatched legal knowledge.
  • A Unique Style of Advocacy
    We do not practice ordinary law—we fight strategically and relentlessly for our clients, using every legal tool available to win the case.
  • Thorough Analysis & Strategy
    Every defense is built on a foundation of deep research and strategic planning. We believe that the best results come from the hardest work.
  • Innovation & Creativity
    High-level legal practice demands the ability to think beyond conventional solutions. At VSA, we are not afraid to break new ground.
van steenbrugge advocaten
vs advocaten

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind

– Gandhi

Know how development

Although VSA has over 30 years of experience in criminal and corporate law, we place immense value on continuous learning and professional development. Our lawyers stay at the forefront of legal developments at national, European, and international levels.

One of our key initiatives is the weekly “Intellectual Lunch”, where lawyers present and discuss the most relevant recent legal articles, rulings, and judgments. Complex cases are collaboratively reviewed—with full respect for client confidentiality—to ensure the strongest possible defense strategies.
Teamwork is one of VSA’s core strengths.

Forensic Competence Center (FCC)

VSA is a pioneer in integrating expertise from other disciplines, such as:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Every quarter, VSA hosts the Forensic Competence Center, inviting psychiatrists, psychologists, IT specialists, and scientists to analyze real (anonymized) case studies. The insights gained from these sessions often provide the missing piece of the puzzle, helping us build even stronger legal defenses.

Without dissenters, no progress is made.