How This Lawyer Built a Firm on Her Own Terms While Protecting Entrepreneurs

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-08-20

Nele Somers didn't just start a law firm. She built Artes Law at 34, driven by a simple, powerful idea: doing things her way, without compromising who she is. She's not just another attorney. She's a founder who's grown a niche practice specializing in intellectual property, tech, privacy, and cybersecurity into something remarkable. Today, her firm has offices in Antwerp and Hasselt, with dreams of expanding to Ghent and Leuven. She's aiming for a team of 30 people and a revenue target of approximately $10.8 million. But the story isn't just about growth. It's about the lessons learned along the way. ### The Legal Pitfalls Most Entrepreneurs Don't See In a refreshingly clear conversation, Nele outlines the common—and costly—legal mistakes business owners make without even realizing it. She cuts through the legal jargon to explain the practical stuff that keeps you up at night. - **When should you have registered your brand?** Often, it's much sooner than you think. - **Who owns the logo your freelancer designed?** Hint: it might not be you if your contract isn't airtight. - **How do you protect trade secrets when an employee leaves?** It's more than just a non-compete clause. - **What is 'shadow AI' and why is it a risk for your business?** It's the unsanctioned use of AI tools by your team, and it can open a Pandora's box of liability. These aren't hypotheticals. They're the real-world issues that can derail a promising venture. ### Building a Business, Not Just a Practice The conversation goes deeper than legal advice. It delves into the philosophy of building a company Nele's way. It's about creating a team and a culture where people genuinely want to work, even when that feels like a utopian goal. She opens up about the grind of pursuing a doctorate over five years while working full-time and raising young children. She calls one particular investment her 'own worst' and admits to carrying impostor syndrome for years. Through it all, she held onto a core principle: refusing to diminish herself, even for the sake of her profession. Her hard-earned advice to her past self? "Don't be so insecure. You already know a lot more than you think." It's a reminder that entrepreneurship is as much about internal resilience as it is about external strategy. The journey involves false starts, self-doubt, and learning to trust your own accumulated knowledge. ### A Blueprint for Authentic Growth Nele Somers' story offers more than just legal insights for entrepreneurs. It provides a blueprint for building a business that aligns with your values. It shows that you can scale a professional services firm ambitiously while insisting on a culture that doesn't grind people down. Her focus on protecting other businesses stems from understanding the founder's journey firsthand—the vulnerabilities, the blind spots, and the sheer amount of yourself you invest in the venture. Her path demonstrates that the most sustainable growth often comes from a place of authenticity, not just ambition. It's about knowing your niche, serving it exceptionally well, and creating an environment where your team can thrive alongside your clients. For any professional or founder looking to build something meaningful, her experience is a compelling case study in doing it right.