JACQUES LIBOUTON (1946 – 2014)
Those who had the privilege of knowing him during his remarkable career will undoubtedly remember their first encounter with Jacques Libouton, who passed away on 11 February 2024 at the age of 77.
Born into a family of lawyers, Jacques Libouton obtained his law degree from the Université Libre de Bruxelles in 1969, was admitted to the Brussels Bar, and naturally joined his father’s practice, Maurice Libouton, with whom he became a partner in 1975. He left the family firm in 1985 to join Van Ryn, Van Ommeslaghe, Van Beirs, Faurès, and Flagey. Later, in 1993, alongside Philippe Gérard and other distinguished lawyers, he co-founded the law firm Gérard & Associés.
Jacques Libouton was primarily recognised as an expert in transport, shipping, and insurance law, fields in which he possessed encyclopaedic knowledge. Above all, he was a practitioner who litigated in both national languages before all the courts of the land. Listening to him argue a case was always a pleasure. With sharp brilliance and often a touch of humour, he debated the most complex cases in elegant language and presented intricate legal questions in a readily comprehensible manner. Clients could rely on his unwavering commitment and his remarkably clear perspective on matters.
Moreover, one cannot recall him without mentioning those he trained and profoundly influenced, to the extent that one could speak of a ‘Libouton generation’ at the Brussels Bar.
Jacques Libouton was also actively involved in professional bodies. He was a member of the Brussels Bar Council from 1989 to 1992 and played a significant role in the International Association of Lawyers, where he served as deputy treasurer in 1979 and later as financial director. He was a member of the board of directors of the Albert Lilar Foundation and, since 1995, a titulary member of the CMI.
In addition to his legal practice, Jacques Libouton was a prolific academic. From 1982 onwards, he was responsible for the ‘Chartering and Maritime Transport’ course at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, directed the specialised studies programme in air and maritime law at the same university from 1996 to 2003, and served as deputy director of its postgraduate Master’s programme in economic law, in charge of the ‘Transport Law’ section, from 2003 to 2012. His extensive list of scientific publications, including jurisprudence overviews, numerous articles, and case notes, is impressive.
We must also remember the man Jacques Libouton was: his sense of ethics, integrity, diplomatic finesse, optimism, kindness, readiness to listen, insight, and zest for life.
Viviane, his wife, survives him along with their three children, Alexandre, Denis, and Max, and six grandchildren.
His candid smile, cordial handshake, and sparkling eyes will be remembered by all who knew him.