Yvette Verleisdonk, Partner
I have a specific interest and passion for social enterprises and impact investments. In addition, I have extensive knowledge about and experience with innovatif impact finance (including social impact bonds, blended finance and impact linked loans) and innovative governance structures (such as steward ownership). I have also been advising Belgian and international companies in connection to financings, restructurings, governance, M&A and investments for more than 30 years.
I am a partner at Aurion Law, widely recognized for my unparalleled expertise in social enterprises, impact investing, and innovative financing structures. With over 30 years of experience advising Belgian and international clients, I am known for delivering strategic, forward-looking advice in areas ranging from investments, financing, restructuring, governance, and M&A to impact investors, social entreprises and impact funds.
I have particular expertise in innovative impact finance instruments, including social impact bonds, blended and impact-linked finance. I am also at the forefront of advising on novel governance structures such as steward ownership, helping mission-driven organizations align their financial models and governance with their social objectives.
My practice is distinguished by a deep understanding of both the social and regular economy, guiding clients across sectors in navigating complex transactions, investments, and corporate reorganizations. Since 2015, I have been instrumental in developing the social entrepreneurship and impact investing practice in Belgium.
Clients consistently praise me for my dedication, responsiveness, and ability to balance legal precision with a clear strategic vision. The Legal 500 recognises me as a Leading Individual in the not-for-profit category, highlighting client feedback describing me as “a very dedicated professional with a passion for the social sector and impact investing” and commending my “outstanding legal skills” and “broad perspective.”
My career spans leadership roles at several international law firms in New York, Rotterdam, and Brussels. I am also a director in multiple Belgian and international organizations, reflecting my deep engagement in the sectors I advise.
In addition to my legal practice, I regularly publish and speak on topics such as legal due diligence, women-friendly HR policies, social impact bonds and steward ownership. I am a co-founder of Women in Law and Leadership (WILL), an initiative supporting the careers of women in law firms.
I hold master’s degrees in law (University of Leiden, cum laude), French language and literature (Catholic University of Nijmegen), and an LL.M. in International Business and Trade Law (Fordham University New York, magna cum laude). I am a member of the Brussels Bar and previously of the Rotterdam and New York Bars.
“Yvette Verleisdonk is a very dedicated professional with a passion for the social sector and impact investing. She is very responsive, punctual, available and willing to go the extra mile. It has been a pleasure working with her, both because of the service and the gentle approach.”
“I have never worked with a lawyer who is as professional as Yvette Verleisdonk. Yvette combines outstanding legal skills, very extensive experience and is very dedicated. She can be very detailed, if need be, but also always has the broader picture in mind, and keeps reflecting on better ways to solve the issues at hand. Furthermore, she listens well to the issues, delivers in the time promised, and she is very nice to work with.”
“The team is super responsive, always follows up, communicates clearly the next steps and delivers in agreed timeframe.”