Administrative law covers every situation in which a ministry, agency or municipality decides something about you or your business: permits and licences, inspections and sanctions, public procurement and concessions, and compensation when the state causes harm through unlawful action or inaction.
The single most important rule is the deadline. Most decisions must be challenged within 14 days, and a challenge filed late is almost always lost regardless of its merits.
Where we help
- Refusals. Migration permits, visas, building permits, registrations and licences — including the immigration refusals we regularly overturn, from the Migration Directorate to a consulate abroad.
- Inspections and sanctions. Penalty notices, enforcement measures and audit findings, from the moment the inspection starts.
- Permits and licences. Preparing applications for regulated activities so that they are complete and consistent the first time.
- Public procurement and tenders. Bids, documentation, auctions and appeals — including a lease won at a state-enterprise tender.
- Claims against the state. Damages under the State and Municipalities Liability for Damage Act for losses caused by unlawful acts or failures to act.
Our work includes
- Appeals against administrative acts, administrative and judicial
- Defence against unlawful inspections, audits and enforcement measures
- Applications for permits, licences and registrations
- Representation in public procurement and tender procedures
- Damages claims against public bodies
- Regulatory advice and compliance
- Complaints to the Ombudsman and specialised supervisory bodies
Questions clients ask
How long do I have to challenge an administrative decision?
Under the Administrative Procedure Code, usually 14 days from receiving the written decision, unless a special law sets a different period. Where the authority simply fails to decide within its deadline (a tacit refusal), the period is one month. Late appeals are only admitted in exceptional cases, such as proven force majeure.
Should I appeal to the higher authority or go straight to court?
Both are usually possible. An administrative appeal is cheaper and sometimes quicker, but authorities rarely overrule their own staff. When the grounds are legal rather than factual, or time matters, going directly to court is often the better choice. The first-instance judgment can then be appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court.
Which licensing procedures benefit most from legal help?
Those with heavy documentary requirements and several regulators involved: construction, financial and payment services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare facilities, gaming, and customs or export authorisations. A procedural mistake in these regimes can cost months.
