We handle matters at the intersection of business and public administration — from proceedings before an authority of first instance to cassation appeals before the Supreme Administrative Court.
An administrative decision can halt an investment, revoke a permit or impose a penalty amounting to hundreds of thousands of Polish zlotys. We work on both sides of this relationship: representing businesses in disputes with administrative authorities and advising public sector entities on how to conduct proceedings in compliance with the law.
Proceedings Before Administrative Authorities — Where Cases Are Decided
Experience shows that administrative cases are won before the authority of first instance, rather than only in court. This is where the evidence on which subsequent instances will rely is gathered. We prepare applications, submissions and legal positions during proceedings, formulate evidentiary motions, and participate in inspections and administrative hearings. We ensure that the case file contains everything that may be needed during judicial review — including arguments that may currently seem secondary. We advise on concessions, permits, register entries, grants and proceedings concerning the recovery of public funds.
Appeals, Reopening of Proceedings and Declaration of Invalidity
An unfavourable decision may be appealed, but the Polish Code of Administrative Procedure also provides for extraordinary remedies: reopening proceedings and declaring a decision invalid. Each is based on different grounds and produces different legal consequences. We assess which route offers a genuine opportunity to change the outcome and prepare the appropriate submission — an appeal, a request for reconsideration, an application to reopen proceedings or an application for a declaration of invalidity. We represent clients before appellate authorities, including local government appeals boards and supervisory authorities.
Complaints to Administrative Courts
We prepare complaints to Voivodeship Administrative Courts and cassation appeals to the Supreme Administrative Court. We also prepare complaints against administrative authorities for failure to act or excessive delays in proceedings, preceded by a formal request to expedite the case — often the only way to move forward a matter that has remained unresolved for months. We file applications to suspend the enforcement of decisions where immediate enforcement could have irreversible consequences for a client's business. We represent parties at court hearings.
Administrative Financial Penalties and Enforcement
An increasing number of regulated sectors rely on administrative penalties imposed without court proceedings — including environmental protection, waste management, transport, personal data protection and construction supervision. We defend businesses in such cases: we challenge factual findings, demonstrate grounds for waiving or reducing penalties, and apply for payment by instalments. We also represent clients in administrative enforcement proceedings, including objections to enforcement and applications to suspend enforcement measures.
Legal Services for Public Sector Entities
We advise local government units, municipal companies, healthcare providers and public agencies from the other side of the administrative process: how to conduct proceedings so that decisions withstand judicial review, how to justify discretionary decisions, how to respond to requests for access to public information and how to prepare for inspections. We review draft legal acts, arrangements and agreements entered into by public sector entities. We provide training for public administration employees on the practical application of administrative procedure.
Administrative Law – Appeals, Court Complaints and Disputes - Styczynski-Keller
