Proceedings for and against the government have a dynamic all of their own and involve not just legal aspects, but also political and administrative sensitivities.

Public law practice is characterised by deadlines that are often short and strict, complex rules of procedure and the involvement of a large number of interests and parties. Often, proceedings are conducted not only between a government body and a party at which a government decision is directed, but may also involve competitors, local residents, interest groups or even other authorities too.

The stakes are high in many cases: permits that are crucial for a project, an imminent company closure, raids, the imposition of penalties and fines, naming and shaming by publication of government decisions, important subsidies that are withdrawn or losses sustained as a result of government action and decision-making.

BarentsKrans has an eye for the interests at stake. We are accustomed to conducting proceedings for and against the government, before the civil court and the administrative court (both in the first instance and in appeal, before courts, the Council of State, the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (College van Beroep voor het bedrijfsleven (CBb)) and the Central Appeals Tribunal (Centrale Raad van Beroep (CRvB)). However, proceedings always form part of a broader strategy for us, in which the objectives of the client, its business operations and reputation are key.