In memoriam of John Bigwood, a founding partner of our firm, we reflect on the significant contribution he made to the legal profession, his commitment to the Brussels Bar and his role in the history of Simont Braun. Mr Bigwood, who passed away on 2 October 2026, was a highly respected lawyer and arbitrator whose career spanned more than six decades.
A Founding Figure of Simont Braun
A Founding Figure of Simont BraunJohn Bigwood occupies a special place in the history of our firm. When Simont Braun was established on 1 January 2003, following the merger between Braun Bigwood and the team led by Lucien Simont, he was among the founding lawyers whose experience, talent and shared values laid the foundations of what Simont Braun has become today.
As one of the architects of the firm, John helped shape a culture defined by legal excellence, independence of thought and commitment to clients. His influence remains woven into the identity of Simont Braun and the principles that continue to guide the firm more than two decades later.
A Distinguished Lawyer and Arbitrator
A member of the Brussels Bar since 1959, John established himself as a highly respected practitioner in business litigation and arbitration, recognised for his technical excellence, sound judgement and professionalism.
He had extensive experience in commercial and international arbitration and served on the panels of leading arbitration institutions, including the ICC, CEPANI and the American Arbitration Association. Alongside his arbitration practice, he advised Belgian and international clients on commercial transactions, disputes, contract law and company law matters.
For many clients and colleagues, John represented a style of legal practice in which deep legal expertise went hand in hand with pragmatism, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.
Serving the Legal Profession
John’s commitment extended well beyond his work for clients. After serving as a substitute judge at the Commercial Court of Nivelles and later at the Brussels Court of Appeal, he was elected Bâtonnier (President) of the French-speaking Brussels Bar, a position he held from 2004 to 2006.
His time as Bâtonnier was marked by important initiatives in defence of the profession. Under his leadership, the Brussels Bar brought a constitutional challenge against legislation that threatened professional secrecy. This ultimately led to the Constitutional Court’s landmark judgment of 23 January 2008. He also championed a significant reform of the traineeship regulations, first in Brussels and later at the OBFG, aimed at increasing the minimum remuneration of trainee lawyers.
These achievements reflected his deep attachment to the legal profession, its values and its independence.
The Man Behind the Professional
John’s professional achievements tell only part of the story.Those who knew him remember not only an accomplished lawyer and respected leader of the Bar, but also a colleague whose intellectual rigour was matched by generosity, humanity and a genuine interest in others. His experience and judgement were valued by many throughout his career.
Beyond the law, John was also a keen sportsman and an accomplished golfer. The tribute published by the Brussels Bar recalled a man who was warm, witty and deeply human, qualities that left a lasting impression on many of those who encountered him.
A Lasting Legacy
As one of the founders of Simont Braun, John Bigwood helped establish the foundations upon which the firm continues to grow today. His contribution to the profession, his commitment to excellence and his role in shaping the firm’s identity remain an enduring part of our heritage.
More than twenty years after Simont Braun’s creation, his influence can still be felt in the values that continue to guide the firm and in the legacy he leaves to future generations.