Ward Van Dorpe obtained his master’s degree in law with distinction from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 2022, specialising in civil and procedural law. He went on to deepen his knowledge of family property law and completed an advanced Master’s in Notarial Law at KU Leuven in 2023.
After graduating, Ward started his career as a notarial lawyer with Notary Bart Cluyse in Pittem. In 2024, he began his traineeship at the Ghent Bar, initially under the supervision of his traineeship mentor, Walter Van Steenbrugge, focusing mainly on estate planning. He then joined De Groote – De Man, where he continues to specialise in family property law within the Family Law & Family Property Law team.
Alongside his work as a lawyer, Ward is a member of the Trainee Lawyers’ Committee of the Ghent Bar.
What particularly appeals to Ward about De Groote – De Man is its entrepreneurial client base and the substantive, challenging cases that come with it. He also values the firm’s collegial, social atmosphere. The close collaboration with colleagues and the strong personal contact suit the way he likes to work. The firm also gives him the opportunity to further develop his business development skills.
In his free time, Ward regularly trains at the gym, focusing on strength training. He also has a strong interest in motorcycles and classic cars. When he’s not working or exercising, he enjoys spending time at the seaside with friends.
Publications
DE PLUS S. en VAN DORPE W., ‘De Belgische stichting doorgelicht’, VZW-Actueel 2024/18, 3.
DE PLUS S. en VAN DORPE W., ‘Hoe zou het nog zijn met het UBO-register? Een laatste stand van zaken’, VZW-Actueel 2025/23, 1.