Administrative Law

Administrative law regulates all judicial matters relating to public administration and governs legal relations between the state, municipalities and their authorities on one hand and natural persons and their legal entities on the other hand.

In this multiformity of legal relations qualified legal assistance is often required.

Ivanov & Partners work with government and municipal authorities, large and small international and local businesses, start-ups, individuals, and trade associations. Our lawyers have substantial experience in administrative law and procedure in Bulgaria and are well equipped to assist in obtaining various administrative permissions, compliance with domestic laws and EU regulations, and representation in regulatory proceedings.  Our lawyers are adept at guiding clients through the appeal process for a wide range of issues, advising on everything required to successfully initiate an appeal within the necessary timeframe.

Where possible, we help clients to avoid issues that may arise by identifying legal risks and preventing them from becoming legal problems. We achieve this by ensuring clients are fully compliant with the regulatory environment in Bulgaria. This often entails drafting appropriate applications, formulating prudent business strategies and maintaining strong relationships with the Bulgarian administration.

It is not uncommon, however, for government and municipal bodies in Bulgaria to issue unlawful administrative acts, or to unlawfully refuse permissions for various activities. In such cases, we offer businesses the dedicated expertise required to navigate the specific rules and deadlines of the Administrative Procedure Code to defend infringed rights in a due and timely manner.

We defend our clients’ interests against accusations of unlawful business practices, and we appeal and challenge government agency decisions that become problematic for businesses. We represent clients who seek to review agencies’ decisions, whether those decisions are to grant or deny permits, licences, or approvals.

When all other options are exhausted, we litigate. Ivanov & Partners has a solid track record of succeeding for its clients before administrative courts and tribunals throughout Bulgaria.

We engage with clients to understand their unique situation and the government policy decisions that affect their businesses, tailoring our services to meet their needs.

Our administrative law services include but are not limited to the following:

• Legal Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Advice and Counselling
• Drafting and Negotiating Applications for Administrative Procedures
• Assistance in Obtaining Approvals, Permits and Licences
• Representation in Licence Renewal Cases
• Representation in Administrative Litigation
• Responding to Complaints made to Government Bodies by Businesses regarding Acts and Regulations
• Defence of Enforcement Actions
• Defence of Unfair Trade Practices
• Representation in Administrative Investigations and Enforcement Proceedings
• Assistance in Obtaining Planning Permission for Building Works
• Advising on Urban and Tourism Planning Processes
• Property Liability Advice and Counselling
• Representation in Expropriations, Reversions, and Subsidies Disputes
• Administrative and Court Review of Decisions concerning Construction Sites and Real Estate Developments
• Negotiating with Government Authorities
• Advising on Public Procurement Processes
• Advising on the Administrative Review of Contracting Procedures and Bid Protests
• Tax and Customs Advice
• Advising Franchise Businesses on Regulatory Issues