“We have worked with Alternativ in the past and very much appreciated their attention to detail and the project manager’s ability to listen. The teams in the field are exceptionally efficient. We give preference to a relationship of trust and again appointed Alternativ to design the offices for the FLINN law practice”.

Let’s innovate, together!

15 lawyers conducting their profession within niche legal structures decided to create a new law practice together. Its name: FLINN, which stands for Fusing Law and INNovation. Innovation – definitely in Legal Tech, communication and management methods. FLINN needed a work setting that would reflect the ambitions of the people involved. Which is why they placed their trust in Alternativ.

The virtual world enables us to interact and be connected and linked at all times. So much so that the frequency of messages is sometimes more important than their content! However, too many e-mails stifle the very concise aim of e-mail, swamping productivity. What if we could find a more “natural”, more “social” way of being intelligent in this ultra-connected world? This was the thinking that prompted Benoit Simpelaere and his four associates, Laurence Hayaux, Anna Gibello, Pierre Vanhaverbeke and Emmanuel Verraes, to totally rethink their mission and create FLINN.

Our DNA

FLINN brings together fifteen lawyers operating in a dozen or so niche areas. Each one has developed great expertise in the following: Biotech, Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Distribution, Employment Law, Energy, EU and Regulatory, Family Law & Private Clients, etc. “We also have a Media & Entertainment department that works solely to handle matters relating to copyright and intellectual property rights,” explains Benoit Simpelaere.

An innovative team

FLINN for INNovation. “Innovation in ‘Legal Tech’, using technology and software to provide legal services that meet people’s real needs. A more direct and personal approach, both within the team and vis-à-vis clients. The great turnout of Belgian and international peers at the inauguration cocktail underlines FLINN’s openness of mind and the desire to work in a team. Creativity in the areas we cover, yes, but also in our management methods: how, for example, do we control the influx of e-mails? Previously, we used to receive a deluge of e-mails, both in-house and from the outside. Today, we sit around a table and deal with problems during the course of the day. FLINN meets the need to be more efficient by encouraging direct communication between associates and by establishing personalised dialogue with clients,” argue the five associates with conviction. Finally, innovating sometimes means reactivating good practices from the olden days. Which is why FLINN asked Alternativ to find an old ship’s bell; when it’s rung, the whole FLINN crew can convene in a matter of minutes…

A friendly practice

“We wanted a pleasant working space; somewhere that wasn’t partitioned off, which helps strengthen the image of a transparent law practice that is open to direct communication. And one that enjoys works of art – we are one of the partners of the Artonov Festival, which encourages the interdisciplinarity of the arts,” explains Laurence Hayaux. Alternativ took no time at all to respond. Consulting with FLINN, the interior designer opted for glass walls that would provide good sound insulation while still respecting the obligations of confidentiality inherent to the legal profession. FLINN’s lawyers love them: “These glass walls have the additional merit of making the space appear bigger while also making it lighter visually.” And to meet FLINN’s second requirement, the designer included picture rails for hanging photos and paintings on the big white walls of the office. That was the art effect sorted!

Alternativ: the ideal partner

“We have worked with Alternativ in the past and very much appreciated their attention to detail and the project manager’s ability to listen. The teams in the field are exceptionally efficient. Pressed for time – we all had to vacate our respective offices on 25th August and open FLINN on 1st September – we gave preference to a relationship of trust and again appointed Alternativ to design our practice offices,” says Laurence Hayaux, who is pleased with this choice, emphasising the responsiveness of the specialist areas brought together by Alternativ and their definite timeliness. “It’s a real pleasure to work with Alternativ,” she concludes