Founded in 1983 the European Company Lawyers Association is an international non-profit association governed by Belgian law, comprising national associations of company lawyers within Europe, and, through these associations, over 12000 company lawyers, working for more than 5000 companies. Its seat is in Brussels, Blegium. The main purposes of the Association are: to represent its members on a European and international level; to create centres for studies, documentation and contacts for the purpose of improving the exchange of professional information among its members; to organize meetings, conferences and seminars relating to legal matters; to promote legal research. The Association is governed by a Board of Directors composed of one Director nominated by each member. Member Associations exist in the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, England and Wales, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Spain.