Legal Counsel at Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines, Belgium's flag carrier and a member of the Lufthansa Group, is hiring a Legal Counsel for its headquarters in Machelen, Flemish Region. This mid-senior level, full-time position offers a unique gateway into the fast-paced world of aviation law and in-house practice. The role, posted on LinkedIn two days ago, has already attracted 36 applicants, signalling strong competition. For lawyers with 3-5 years of experience, this is more than a job — it is a career-defining move into the European aviation elite.

The Legal & Compliance Department at Brussels Airlines operates as a true business partner — going beyond legal support to shape commercial strategy. As the aviation industry rebounds from the pandemic, adapts to sustainability mandates, and embraces digital transformation, in-house counsel must navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the role, the ideal candidate profile, and actionable strategies to help you win this coveted position.

Why This Legal Counsel Role Matters

Working as Legal Counsel at Brussels Airlines means operating within the vast Lufthansa Group, one of the world's leading airline conglomerates. You will be exposed to Europe's most intricate aviation regulations, multi-jurisdictional contracts, and cross-border disputes. You will collaborate with legal teams across Swiss, Austrian, and Eurowings, building a powerful professional network. For international lawyers, especially those from India or other non-EU jurisdictions, this role offers a rare foothold in the European legal market, provided you meet the language and experience expectations.

The company culture is equally distinctive. The job posting explicitly states:

At Brussels Airlines, we believe in making people grow. Therefore, we are not looking for white ravens: we are looking for people that match with our company's goals and culture, and that can elevate us to even higher heights.

This reveals a preference for collaborative, down-to-earth professionals who can integrate seamlessly into a team. Cultural fit is often as important as technical brilliance in this hiring process.

Core Responsibilities: What You'll Actually Do

The role is broad and strategic, far removed from the narrow specialisation of law firms. You will provide "pragmatic legal advice on commercial, contractual, regulatory and aviation-related matters." More specifically, you will:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of national and international contracts, including aircraft leases, maintenance agreements, slot arrangements, and ground handling services.
• Support strategic projects by balancing legal risk with commercial objectives — from fleet expansion to code-share agreements and joint ventures.
• Manage disputes and litigation, including claims, investigations, and arbitration matters.
• Monitor regulatory developments in the EU and translate them into actionable business guidance, particularly in Brussels — the heart of EU policy-making.
• Optimise legal processes, templates, and workflows to enhance department efficiency, embracing legal operations and technology.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Brussels Airlines and the Lufthansa Group, building cross-functional relationships.

You will report directly to the Head of Legal & Compliance, giving your advice executive-level visibility and impact. This is an excellent springboard for future leadership roles, whether as a Senior Legal Counsel, General Counsel, or even a Chief Compliance Officer.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

The formal requirements are clear: a Master's degree in law and 3-5 years of experience as a lawyer at a reputable firm or as in-house counsel in an international company. The role is categorised as Mid-Senior level, so it is not designed for fresh graduates.

However, the differentiators lie in the soft skills. You must possess excellent drafting and presentation skills, analytical rigour, and strong legal judgement. Crucially, you need to be commercially minded and solution-oriented, comfortable balancing legal risk with business objectives. In aviation, every transaction has substantial financial implications, so demonstrating that you have advised on commercial matters — not just interpreted legal texts — is essential.

Language proficiency is a major gatekeeper. Fluent English is mandatory, and knowledge of Dutch, French, or German is a strong asset. In Belgium, most business is conducted in Dutch and French, so trilingual candidates will be at a significant advantage. If you are an international applicant, you should highlight any language-learning plans or past exposure.

Aviation Law: A High-Value Specialisation

Aviation law is one of the most intellectually stimulating areas of legal practice. It combines international public law (Chicago Convention, bilateral air service agreements), EU regulatory law (EASA, passenger rights, slot allocations), and private commercial law (aircraft finance, leasing, insurance). The sector is currently undergoing transformative changes: airlines are investing heavily in sustainable aviation fuels, carbon offset schemes, and AI-driven operations. Legal counsel in this space must stay ahead of emerging issues like data privacy, cybersecurity, and environmental compliance.

Experience in aviation, transport, or any regulated industry is considered a strong asset. Even if you have never worked for an airline, a background in energy, telecommunications, or finance can be transferable. The key is to frame your experience in terms of regulatory complexity, contract sophistication, and business partnering.

Strategies to Position Your Application for Success

The application deadline is not specified, which means the role could close at any time. With 36 applicants already in the first two days, early action is critical. Here are five practical strategies:

• Tailor your CV to the job description using the exact keywords: commercial, contractual, regulatory, aviation, negotiation, business partner.
• Write a compelling cover letter that tells a story of how you resolved a legal challenge or enabled a transaction. Quantify your impact where possible.
• Leverage referrals — LinkedIn notes that referrals can increase your chances by 2x. Connect with current or former Brussels Airlines employees.
• Prepare for competency-based interviews, using the STARR method to structure answers, and be ready for a case study on a commercial scenario.
• Demonstrate cultural fit by showing genuine enthusiasm for Belgium, travel, and the airline's warm brand personality.

Long-Term Career Impact

This role is more than a job; it is a launchpad. In-house counsel at a Lufthansa Group airline gain experience in M&A, procurement, compliance, and litigation, becoming highly versatile legal professionals. Alumni frequently move into senior in-house roles at global corporations, become partners at elite law firms, or join legal tech ventures. For Indian lawyers with international ambitions, this is an invaluable opportunity to build a European career and gain exposure to world-class legal operations.

The position also aligns with the global shift towards "legal business partnering." By combining legal expertise with commercial awareness, you make yourself indispensable to any organisation. Brussels Airlines offers you that platform — it is up to you to seize it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the salary range for this Legal Counsel position?

The job posting does not disclose a salary figure. For a mid-senior legal counsel at a multinational in Belgium, the typical gross salary ranges from €70,000 to €100,000 per year, plus benefits such as a company car, meal vouchers, and pension contributions. The exact amount will depend on your experience and negotiation.

2. Can non-EU candidates apply?

The posting does not specify visa sponsorship. Usually, companies like Brussels Airlines may sponsor work visas for highly qualified roles if no suitable EEA candidate is found. EU citizens or those already holding a Belgian work permit will have a clear advantage. If you are non-EU, explicitly mention your eligibility in your cover letter.

3. How long does the recruitment process take?

Typical recruitment timelines at Lufthansa Group subsidiaries are 2–8 weeks. The process may include an HR screening call, an interview with the hiring manager, a case study or presentation, and a final interview with senior leadership. Given the early volume of applicants, early applications will be treated favourably.

4. Is this role open to candidates with more than 5 years of experience?

Although the posting specifies 3-5 years, it does not strictly exclude more senior lawyers. However, the role is classified as Mid-Senior, and you may be better suited for a Senior Legal Counsel position. If you apply, tailor your CV to show how you can add value without being overqualified.

In conclusion, the Brussels Airlines Legal Counsel role is a rare gem in the European legal market. It combines aviation law, in-house business partnering, and the prestige of the Lufthansa Group. Whether you are based in Belgium, elsewhere in Europe, or in India, a targeted and well-prepared application could set you on a trajectory to the highest echelons of the legal profession.