What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate/Lawyer (5 Month Fixed Term Contract) position at fragomen?
Job Description Associate/Lawyer Contract: Full-time, 5-month temporary contract Team: Belgium Inbound Office Location: Brussels Context: To support the team during a colleague’s maternity leave, we are looking for a Belgian qualified Lawyer (or Legal Consultant) with a strong background in Belgian immigration law to temporarily reinforce our Belgium Inbound team. This assignment will give you exposure to complex Belgian immigration matters, including private client work, VIP cases and project-based advice for corporate clients. You will work in a collaborative and international environment where providing exceptional client service is at the core of what we do. The role: As a lawyer with Fragomen in Brussels you will work together with our Partner and the Management Team to deliver high quality legal advice and assistance to our Private Clients and on VIP or complex matters for our Corporate Clients, covering a variety of immigration processes. You will work as part of a team and may be involved in projects (both internal and external) that require legal expertise, The right candidate will be able to demonstrate ability to work in a team and coordinate a project. What your day will look like: Independently handle Private Client cases from A to Z, including initial intake and legal consultation, hands-on assistance with the immigration process, and administrative handling of the case (including time tracking and billing). Private client cases typically involve the following topics: Family reunification Freedom of movement for EEA and Swiss nationals Entrepreneurial immigration (Professional Cards) Retirement visa and other humanitarian visa Permanent residence and Belgian citizenship Schengen Visa and advice on short term travel Depending on team needs, independently handle VIP or complex matters for our Corporate Clients or provide guidance to more junior team members handling such matters. VIP and complex matters typically involve: Project-based advice, combining work-authorization exemptions or applications, Posted Worker Notification requirements, and social security coverage documents. White glove support to VIPs and their family members, including hands-on support through Visa D application process and town hall registration. Depending on team needs, contribute legal expertise to internal or external projects The team: The Belgium Inbound team provides immigration advice and services to a varied client portfolio, ranging from large multinational companies to small and medium local businesses and private clients and even governments and international organisations. The team consists of multilingual consultants with varying backgrounds and associate-attorneys and is managed by a senior manager who is also a Belgian attorney. What we are looking for: You will have a strong background in practicing Belgian Immigration Law, either as a qualified Lawyer, or during work completed as a Legal Consultant / Trainee Lawyer Fluency in English and in Dutch and/or French required An eye for detail with very good organizational skills Confident advising clients and solution-oriented while maintaining compliance What we offer: At Fragomen, we offer the opportunity to join our Belgium Inbound team on a temporary self-employed basis, supporting a varied client portfolio and working closely with experienced immigration professionals. Our offer includes: Competitive fee arrangement: We offer a professional fee aligned with your experience and the scope of the assignment. Time away: Agreed time away will be available during the assignment, based on 20 days per year plus 5 additional days, pro-rated where applicable and subject to prior agreement Public transport: Public transport costs for commuting to the Brussels office will be reimbursed at 100%. Interesting and varied work: You will work on a broad range of Belgian immigration matters, where no two days are the same. Collaborative team environment: You will work closely with our Partner, Management Team and multilingual Belgium Inbound team. Professional exposure: You will have access to relevant internal know-how, tools and resources needed to perform the assignment. Hybrid working arrangements: The role is based in Brussels and will require regular presence in the Brussels office, with some flexibility depending on team and client needs. Temporary assignment: This is a 5-month temporary self-employed assignment to support the team during a colleague’s maternity leave. What to expect: Once you have submitted your application, our Talent Acquisition team will review your skills and experience. If these match the requirements of the position, a member of our team will contact you to schedule an initial phone call. If shortlisted, you will be invited to participate in our interview process, which will consist of at least two stages, one of which will be conducted in-person. Depending on the role, you may also be required to complete a written assessment. After the interviews, we will carefully evaluate all candidates and make our final decision. You will be notified of the outcome and feedback will be provided. At Fragomen, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace for all applicants and employees. If you require any specific accommodations or support during the interview process, please let us know, and we will consider what reasonable adjustments are possible to meet your needs Who we are: At Fragomen, we are more than a global immigration services provider – we are pioneers shaping the future of mobility. With a passion for navigating the complexities of immigration, we help individuals and businesses transcend borders, unlocking opportunities around the world. As a forward-thinking, global business, we combine deep expertise with innovative technology to craft solutions that not only simplify the immigration process but also drive strategic success for our clients. Whether it is assisting multinational companies or helping people start new chapters in their lives, we are driven by the belief that global movement is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities. We are proud of our team spirit, and we like to reflect this in the way that we work and everything we do. Our Responsible Business Practices ("RBP") prioritize Fragomen's social responsibility through a cohesive strategy covering five key focus areas: Corporate Social Responsibility, Culture and Inclusion, Sustainability, Well-Being and Pro Bono. Our RBP initiatives offer great opportunities for everyone at Fragomen to feel included, get involved and shape thoughtful initiatives and activities. For more information, please visit our website – https://www.fragomen.com/about/responsible-business-practices.html. Fragomen is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, heritage, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. All offers and/or employment contracts are contingent upon the successful completion of the Firm’s pre-employment screening process. This process may include verifying the candidate’s identity, confirming legal authorization to work in the offered position’s location, and conducting a comprehensive background check, where permitted by local regulations. We use limited AI‑assisted tools for administrative screening purposes only - never for decision‑making. All hiring decisions are made by people. Applicants may have rights to information and explanations regarding the use of such tools, or request human review, as required by applicable regional laws. Fragomen is the leading global immigration law firm with more than 6,000 professionals in nearly 70 offices across the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific, delivering services in over 170 countries. Ranked on both the Am Law 100 and Am Law Global 100, the firm is widely recognized for its leadership in immigration law and commitment to fostering a culture where diverse attorneys thrive and all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed. Fragomen helps corporations and individuals navigate the complexities of global mobility and provides end-to-end support across the immigration lifecycle, from strategic planning and policy design to compliance, government investigations, litigation and more. The firm combines legal acumen and advanced digital capabilities to simplify global mobility and deliver smarter, faster and more adaptive solutions via a suite of technology brands—including Nomadic, its business travel platform that enables real-time compliance, WorkRight, its multi-jurisdictional employment verification software and Simple Citizen, a digital solution designed to streamline the pathway to US citizenship. With a global presence, multidisciplinary approach and investment in technology, Fragomen is uniquely positioned to address today’s immigration challenges and shape the future of workforce mobility. Fragomen is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, heritage, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. At Fragomen, we do meaningful and impactful work for our clients and put a focus on our Responsible Business Practices: #LifeAtFragomen: We drive innovation and change. We respect colleagues, embrace diversity, and empower others. #FragomenForward: At Fragomen, pursuing an equal, diverse, and inclusive workforce goes beyond a policy. It’s part of our DNA—and always has been. Year after year, we are recognized as leaders in diversity in our industry. Giving Back. We have a deep history of giving back to the communities where we live and work—and we continue that mission today. Serving the less fortunate by providing advice and community support where it is most needed allows us to help immigrants secure a better future for themselves and their families. Corporate Social Responsibility. We believe there is more to success in business than generating profit—we want to do well by doing good. We are committed to considering the impact that our business decisions have on our people, our planet, the communities in which we work and our clients. Sustainability. Fragomen is focused on sustainability in our business operations and practices—and we know there is much work to be done, with countless opportunities available to minimize our impact on the environment Well-being. We are committed to implementing firmwide initiatives that support the health and wellness of our people, including programs to address work-life balance and benefits that cover a wide range of well-being needs of all employees. Our #FragomenWorks program provides the ability to be successful at home or in the office, via Hybrid & Remote work arrangements. Our Feedback Works process includes three managerial check-ins per year to help you progress in your career. Unique learning programs like: Fragomen Academy, Leadership Academy, Practical Management Academy, and Regional Development Conferences.