Find a Lawyer in Liege

The Liege-Huy bar covers an extensive territory that goes well beyond the city limits of Liege. It encompasses the judicial district of Liege, which includes 38 municipalities and serves more than 620,000 inhabitants. From Vise in the north to Huy in the southwest, through Seraing, Herstal, and Verviers, Liege lawyers serve a considerable population.

The new Liege Palace of Justice, inaugurated in 2018, marks an important step in the modernisation of local justice. This contemporary building, located in the heart of the city on the site of the former Baviere hospital, contrasts with the historic architecture of the Prince-Bishops' Palace that previously housed the courts. The new facilities offer modern courtrooms equipped for videoconferencing and digital recording of proceedings.

Liege's industrial history has profoundly shaped local legal practice. The rise of the steel industry in the 19th century, followed by the painful restructurings of recent decades, has forged particular expertise in employment and social law. Liege lawyers have supported thousands of workers during factory closures, collective dismissals, and battles for acquired rights. This tradition continues today, with recognised specialists in social litigation.

But the Liege bar is not limited to employment law. Family law occupies a prominent place, as it does throughout Belgium. Liege lawyers handle hundreds of divorce, child custody, and maintenance cases every year. Some have specialised in family mediation, offering an alternative to lengthy and adversarial court proceedings.

Criminal law is also well represented. Liege, like any major city, has its share of criminal and correctional cases. Experienced criminal lawyers provide defence for defendants before the correctional court and the assize court. The proximity of several penal institutions (Lantin, Marche-en-Famenne) facilitates visits to detained clients.

Access to justice is a major concern of the Liege-Huy bar. The Legal Aid Office has established an exemplary network of 12 consultation points spread throughout the district. Each week, more than 40 free duty sessions are organised, covering the main areas of law: family law on Tuesday morning, employment law on Wednesday afternoon, tenancy questions on Thursday. This organisation allows litigants to find a listening ear and initial advice without having to travel to the city centre.

The fees of Liege lawyers are comparable to those practised elsewhere in Wallonia, generally lower than those in Brussels. An initial consultation costs between 50 and 125 euros for a duration of 30 minutes to one hour.

For handling a case, the hourly rate of an established Liege lawyer is generally between 100 and 175 euros. Junior lawyers or trainee lawyers charge more accessible rates, while benefiting from the supervision of experienced colleagues.

Legal aid is widely accessible in Liege. The Legal Aid Office runs telephone duty sessions (04 325 02 58, Monday to Friday from 2pm to 4pm) for a free initial opinion. The income thresholds for qualifying for a pro deo lawyer are the same as elsewhere in the country: fully free aid below 1,526 euros/month for a single person, partially free aid up to 1,817 euros.