Evelien Van Espen

Overview

When disputes arise in important commercial contracts, companies trust Evelien Van Espen for strategic action and effective litigation. She represents clients in a variety of industries such as energy, marine infrastructure, life insurance, banking, distribution, and pharmaceuticals, both before the Belgian courts and the arbitral tribunals. Evelien has significant experience in national and international arbitration as legal counsel as well as a secretary administered under various arbitration institutions.

Evelien is an associate at Crowell’s Brussels office and a member of the firm’s International Dispute Resolution Group. Her practice focuses on international arbitration and commercial litigation. Evelien is also a member of the Centre for Methodology of Law at the Catholic University of Leuven, where she is a part-time lecturer.

During her studies, Evelien won the International Student Negotiation Competition organized by the American Bar Association Law Students Division. She also competed in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, where she was ranked best oralist.

Evelien devotes a large amount of time to pro bono work. She supports the Women, Business, and the Law "violence against women questionnaire" and participates in the TADA community program for children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, introducing them to the legal profession through interactive workshops. While earning her LL.M. at the University of Chicago, she also served as a child advocate at the Young Centre for Immigrant Children’s Rights.

Evelien’s native language is Dutch, and she is fluent in English and French.

Prior to joining Crowell, Evelien worked in the arbitration and litigation department of Allen & Overy in Brussels.

Career & Education

|

Catholic University of Leuven, Bachelor of law, cum laude, 2016
Catholic University of Leuven, Masters of Law, magna cum laude, 2018
University of Chicago, LL.M., 2019
- Catholic University of Leuven, Bachelor of law, cum laude, 2016
- Catholic University of Leuven, Masters of Law, magna cum laude, 2018
- University of Chicago, LL.M., 2019
Belgium
- Belgium
Professional Activities and Memberships

Centre for Methodology of Law at the KU Leuven
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Centre for Methodology of Law at the KU Leuven
Dutch
English
French
- Dutch
- English
- French

Evelien's Insights

Press Coverage | 10.24.24

'Investors Can Also Pursue Class Actions From Now On'

Event | 10.23.24
Your First Steps Towards a Successful Career - Diversity, Inclusion and CV / Application Workshop
Event | 09.10.24
Book Launch: “Collective Litigation in Belgium”
Client Alert | 22 min read | 05.31.24
2024: An Overview of New and Upcoming Belgian and EU Laws and Regulations – UPDATED in May 2024

View All Insights

Representative Matters

Arbitration

Represented a major Belgian pharmaceutical company in a CEPANI arbitration under Belgian law regarding a post-completion dispute in the pharmaceutical industry. The semi-virtual hearing lasted for 26 days and involved 17 witnesses, seven experts, and parties in three different time zones;
Represented a major Belgian company specialized in the fields of dredging, land reclamation, and marine infrastructure in a SIAC arbitration under UK law regarding the construction of a vessel; and
Acted as secretary in a CEPANI arbitration under Belgian law regarding various claims for breach of contract.

Commercial Litigation

Represented various Belgian distributors and principals before the Belgian courts in relation to alleged breaches of distribution agreements;
Represented an important Belgian medical laboratory in fast-track proceedings regarding claims of unfair competitive practices;
Represented an international energy company before the Belgian commercial courts regarding disputed invoices;
Represented a major Belgian life insurance company in legal proceedings regarding commission agreements involving complex investigations by court-appointed experts;
Represented a leading Belgian museum before the Belgian courts in relation to a stolen art work;
Represented multiple international life insurance companies in various legal proceedings before the Belgian (civil and criminal) courts in relation to claims of mis-selling and fraud;
Represented an important Belgian commercial landlord in proceedings against a tenant before the Belgian courts;
Represented a major Belgian bank in a highly contentious restructuring of its agency network; and
Represented a leading international clothing retailer in various disputes before the Belgian courts in relation to its commercial lease agreements.