I am David Leys

A passionate, dedicated and innovative lawyer who counsels and represents clients in European and International Business Law.

PRACTICES

EXPERIENCE

My professional experience combines international legal practice, cross-border advisory work and litigation, with a particular focus on the intersection of law, business and regulation. Having worked at leading international law firms in Brussels, I have developed a multidisciplinary approach to complex legal matters, informed by an understanding of European and international regulatory frameworks and the commercial realities facing businesses operating across jurisdictions.

I have advised and represented governments, Fortune Global 500 companies, multinational enterprises, SMEs and industry associations on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters. My work encompasses international trade and regulatory affairs, competition law, corporate transactions, contractual negotiations and the resolution of commercial disputes. I have particular experience advising clients in highly regulated and internationally connected industries, including technology, digital services, food and agriculture, energy, and the cultural and creative sectors.

Selected assignments include contributing to EU merger control proceedings involving a Fortune 500 company, conducting legal due diligence in connection with an initial public offering (IPO), and advising public and private-sector clients on international trade and agri-food regulatory matters. I have also assisted businesses in navigating complex contractual relationships, developing legal and regulatory compliance frameworks, and addressing the legal implications of technological and commercial developments.

My experience extends to the entertainment, media and creative industries. Having participated twice in the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, I have worked on licensing arrangements, commercial partnerships and confidentiality agreements for companies operating in these sectors. This experience has provided valuable insight into the legal and commercial considerations underlying intellectual property exploitation and international business collaborations.

In parallel with my advisory work, I represent clients in disputes before Belgian courts of first instance and appeal, including commercial and intellectual property litigation. My contentious practice informs my approach to contractual drafting, negotiations and risk assessment, with particular attention to the practical enforceability of legal arrangements and the prevention and resolution of disputes.

Across these areas, my work is guided by a commitment to analytical rigour, sound legal judgment and a clear understanding of clients’ strategic objectives. I seek to provide advice that is not only legally robust but also commercially meaningful, taking into account the broader economic, institutional and international context in which legal decisions are made.

PRACTICES

  • International Trade Law and WTO Regulation
  • EU Law, Regulation and Public Policy
  • Competition Law, Antitrust and Merger Control
  • Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Duties and Trade Remedies
  • Customs Law and International Trade Compliance
  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity
  • Technology, Digital Platforms and Artificial Intelligence
  • Intellectual Property, Licensing and Technology Transfer
  • Media, Entertainment and Creative Industries
  • Advertising, Marketing and Consumer Protection
  • Public International Law and International Economic Governance
  • Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Policy Advocacy

INDUSTRIES

  • Aerospace, Aviation and Airlines
  • Agribusiness, Food and Beverages
  • Consumer Goods and Retail
  • Digital Platforms and E-Commerce
  • Energy and Natural Resources
  • Fashion, Luxury Goods and Lifestyle
  • Financial Services and FinTech
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
  • Media, Entertainment and Film
  • Real Estate and Construction
  • Sports and Leisure
  • Technology, Software and Artificial Intelligence
  • Video Games and Interactive Entertainment


EDUCATION

  • Duke Law School, Durham, North Carolina, Visiting Scholar, 2025
  • Columbia University, School of Law, New York City, Master of Laws (LL.M.), 2020
  • College of Europe, Bruges, Master of European Law (LL.M.), 2012
  • Université catholique de Louvain, Master in Law (J.D. equivalent), 2011
  • University of Copenhagen, School of Law, Erasmus, 2011
  • Université Saint-Louis, Brussels, Bachelor in Law (bilingual: French and Dutch), 2009

ADMISSIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Member of the Brussels Bar (Avocat) – A list
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E)

LANGUAGES

  • English
  • French
  • Dutch

PUBLICATIONS

Books
  • Code essentiel – Droit du commerce international et européen, Larcier, 2026, 1,340 p.
  • Lexique juridique du commerce international et européen, Bruylant, 2025, 860 p.
  • Société à responsabilité limitée, Répertoire pratique du droit belge, Larcier, 2023, 479 p. (co-author).
Book Chapters
  • « Livre 17 sur le parti politique européen (articles 17:1 à 17:11) and Livre 18 sur le groupement européen d’intérêt économique (articles 18:1 à 18:8) », in Commentaire systématique du Code des sociétés et des associations, Wolters Kluwer, 2026.
  • « Livre 16 sur la société coopérative européenne, articles 16:1 à 16:31 », in Commentaire systématique du Code des sociétés et des associations, Wolters Kluwer, 2026, p. 223–356.
  • « Livre 15 sur la société européenne, articles 15:1 à 15:34 », in Commentaire systématique du Code des sociétés et des associations, Wolters Kluwer, 2025, p. 319–463.
  • « Livre 11 sur la fondation, articles 11:1 à 11:16 », in Commentaire systématique du Code des sociétés et des associations, Wolters Kluwer, 2024, p. 225–268.
Articles
  • « Le marché intérieur comme œuvre de paix », Revue du droit de l’Union européenne, no. 3, 2026, p. 87–91.
  • “Joint Venture Between Jennifer Lopez and DSW to Boost Sales of Shoes and Bags,” Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Blog, New York State Bar Association, February 2020.
  • “The (Legal) Challenges of New York Fashion Week,” JLA Beat, Columbia Journal of Law & the Arts, February 2020.
  • “Atlanta: A Top-Notch Location for the Film and Television Industry,” JLA Beat, Columbia Journal of Law & the Arts, November 2019.
  • “The Trade and Customs Law Consequences of Brexit,” Global Trade and Customs Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, March 2017, p. 117–124 (co-author).
  • “Diplomatic Protection and Individual Rights: A Complementary Approach,” Harvard International Law Journal Online, vol. 57, January 2016, 14 p.
  • “EU Competence in Foreign Direct Investment: Will the EU Court of Justice End the Controversy?,” Global Trade and Customs Journal, vol. 10, nos. 7–8, August 2015, p. 268–273.
  • “Changes in the Treatment of Trademark Royalties in EU Customs Law: The Example of 3D Printing,” Global Trade and Customs Journal, vol. 10, no. 5, May 2015, p. 172–175 (co-author).
  • « Espace de liberté, sécurité et justice (arrêt Diakité) », Revue du droit de l’Union européenne, no. 2, 2014, p. 411–417.
  • “Does a Theory of Causation Exist Under the WTO Safeguards Agreement?,” Global Trade and Customs Journal, vol. 9, no. 1, 2014, p. 10–19.
  • « Liberté d’établissement (arrêt Landsbanki) », Revue du droit de l’Union européenne, no. 4, 2013, p. 812–819.

MEMBERSHIPS

  1. AmCham Belgium
  2. De Warande
  3. University Foundation
  4. College of Europe Alumni Association
  5. Columbia Alumni Association
  6. Royal International Château Saint-Anne
  7. European Law Institute
  8. IAPP