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From a passion for family law to smooth interaction in cases: meet lawyers Jennifer Van Rompay and Stefanie Wouters
Lawyers Jennifer Van Rompay and Stefanie Wouters are united by a special interest in family law. They took very different paths to get there, however. Stefanie became fascinated with private lawduring her studies, while Jennifer's passion was only sparked on the job. We talked to them about their career paths, satisfied clients and smooth teamwork. Read more!
- Lives in Knokke-Heist
- Joined the Brugge Bar Association in 2015
- Enjoys padel and horse riding in her spare time
- Lives in Leuven
- Joined the Leuven Bar Association in 2018
- Avid volleyball player and tennis player
Hi Jennifer and Stefanie. How did your careers at Nelissen Grade start?
Stefanie: “After completing my law studies , I wanted to work as a lawyer. I was looking for an internship in the Leuven area, and Nelissen Grade was the law firm that stood out most to me. I took a chance and applied, and was hired. I started as a trainee lawyer in September 2018.”
Jennifer: “My story is very different: I joined this firm a little over a year ago. Before that, I was a lawyer in West Flanders. I got to know Nelissen Grade in court—one of the partners was my opponent in a case several years ago. With an eye toward further professionalisation, I quickly connected with the firm, which has a specialist family law department.”
When was your interest in family law kindled?
Jennifer: “Only after my studies. I never wanted to be the typical divorce lawyer. (laughs) That certainly didn't go as planned. In my first year of internship, I was given cases that covered a variety of subject matter, including family law. That enabled me to determine my preferred field, and is when my love for family law and family property law was born. I took additional training afterwards as a working student, including a second master's degree in notarial law.”
Stefanie: “I am the opposite. Personal law and family law were already my favourite subjects during my undergraduate degree, so I resolutely chose private law as my major in my master's year. The interest lingered after my studies, and I immersed myself in family property law while working on my second master's degree in notarial law.”
“Being able to practise your profession with great conviction and authenticity translates into great commitment, good follow-up and continually deepening your knowledge to better assist clients.”- Jennifer Van Rompay
Stefanie, you started your internship at Nelissen Grade right away. Have you seen yourself evolve?
Stefanie: “Yes, tremendously. During the first four months of my internship, I received intensive supervision, went along to court, participated in meetings, etc. You see everything up close and gain an incredible amount of knowledge in a short time. I have now been a lawyer for five years and handle my own cases from start to finish.”
Within the family lawdepartment?
Stefanie: “Yes. I was welcomed here with open arms immediately.”
Jennifer: “I can totally relate to that. The family law department consists of exclusively female lawyers, which definitely has its strengths. Although we each have our own cases, good cooperation is key.”
Stefanie: “Exactly. In complex cases, we put our heads together and can get right back on track. That goes for all the lawyers at Nelissen Grade, by the way.”
What gives you the most satisfaction in your job as a lawyer?
Jennifer: “Being able to help clients. Divorces, interim measures, parentage cases, inheritance issues, settlement distribution, etc.—both amicably and through proceedings—we see it all. It is fulfilling when clients feel supported and satisfied with the result.”
Stefanie: “What appeals to me about family law is also what deters many other lawyers: the intense personal contact with clients. The satisfaction you get when you close a case and the client is satisfied—that is the best part of my job.”
Jennifer: “The tougher the problem, the greater the satisfaction. A client who was broken because he could not see his children on Friday night and now, through the assistance of his lawyer, can: that is why I am a family lawyer.”
“There are no winners or losers in family law. A good verdict hinges on a satisfied client.”- Stefanie Wouters
What is the atmosphere like at Nelissen Grade? Do you have much contact with the other departments?
Jennifer: “Absolutely. You can always check with a colleague if your case touches on another subject. The atmosphere is very warm and open.”
Stefanie: “I agree; your colleagues are always happy to help you with questions or brainstorm on a particular case.”
Does your contact with colleagues extend beyond work hours?
Stefanie: “Yes. After-work activities are organised regularly at Nelissen Grade. A Christmas dinner, drinks in a Leuven bar, the Nelissen Grade Bake-Off, and much more!”
Jennifer: “Stefanie didn't win, but I thought her cheesecake was the best; the combination of white chocolate and cheese was superb. You had my vote! (laughs)”
In conclusion, what qualities should a family lawyer possess?
Stefanie: “Identifying with clients' personal situations and empathising with their case. Family law is closely tied to everyday life, and clients have different questions at different times of the day. Always being ready to answer those questions is essential as a family lawyer.”
Jennifer: “I can certainly attest to that. Also, being able to practise your profession with great conviction and authenticity—that translates into great commitment, good follow-up and continually deepening your knowledge to better assist clients That, to me, is the essence.”