Hugo is a partner in the Commercial and Dispute Resolution practices and heads the Insurance and Reinsurance team.
Specialist areas
Hugo has a particular focus on:
- large, complex liability and insurance claims
- commercial law
- commercial litigation / arbitration
Expertise and experience
Hugo is the trusted adviser of a large number of international and Belgian insurers and reinsurers, brokers and law firms and has been involved in most of the largest and high-value insurance disputes in Belgium in the last 25 years. With over 30 years of experience in commercial law and commercial litigation, he regularly advises on liability and insurance claims in such areas as all-risk property, construction all risk insurance, BI insurance, D&O, professional indemnity and product liability insurance
He is one of the few Belgian lawyers with expertise in complex insurance and reinsurance disputes, in all lines of insurance, before Belgian courts and arbitration panels. As he often represents international clients, he is very well aware of the cultural and legal differences in commercial contracts between Belgian and non-Belgian companies. Who’s Who Legal has recognised him as one of the only 10 Thought Leaders in Litigation in Belgium, reflecting his unique blend of expertise and experience.
Furthermore, thanks to Hugo and Sandra Lodewijckx, our insurance practice has consistently achieved the esteemed Tier 1 ranking in Belgium by Legal 500 since 2017, further solidifying our undeniable market leadership in this area of law in Belgium. This recognition is a testament to Hugo's exceptional contributions and the collective expertise of our team.
Hugo also handles arbitration and mediation cases. He acts as counsel, arbitrator and mediator.
Background
Hugo graduated with a law degree from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL) in 1991. In 1995, he obtained a degree in insurance science from the IPO Management School of the University of Antwerp (UIA). In 2002 he completed a postgraduate course in financial management at the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL). Hugo was admitted to the Brussels bar in 1991 and is now a member of both the Brussels Bar and the Limbourg Bar, admitted to plead cases before all Belgian courts.
Publications and speaking engagements
He frequently speaks at the request of insurers, brokers and universities on insurance topics. He has also published in professional journals on topics such as directors’ liability and indemnification.
Distinctions
- Legal 500 2024 - Hugo Keulers was ranked as "hall of fame" in insurance, the highest distinction.
- Chambers Europe and Global 2024 - ranked as Band 3 in dispute resolution.
- Legal 500 EMEA 2024 – ranked as Leading Individual in Insurance
- Who’s Who Legal 2023 – recommended in Litigation
- Member of the insurance committee of the International Bar Association (IBA), of the Belgian Risk Management Association (BELRIM) and of the Belgian Association of Insurance Lawyers (AJA)
- Member of the British Insurance Law Assocation (BILA)