Lovells

• we provide expert advice on the interpretation of EU legislation and Treaty provisions.  This typically occurs in the context of actual or potenial disputes before national courts, but may also involve a more strategic review of the client's rights and obligations

• where our client is adversely affected by a national law or the actions of a national administration, we assist with informal or formal complaints to the European Commission.  We also carry out judicial challenges before national courts and before the European Court of Justice on 'preliminary reference'.  We bring proceedings for compensation against State and entities for breach of EU law.

On the other hand, the issues may originate at European level:

• we advise clients on all aspects of their dealings with the European Commission and EU regulatory agencies such as OLAF, the European Medicines Agency and the European Food Safety Authority

• working closely with our Regulatory and Public Affairs colleagues , we provide legal input into strategies to influence decision-makers in relation to EU legislation

• we routinely challenge decisions of the European Commission and other EU agencies before the Court of First Instance and the European Court of Justice, seeking compensation where necessary

• we challenge EU directives and other legislation, where necessary by implementing a strategy of litigation initiated before national courts and resulting in a 'prelimiary reference' to the European Court of Justice on the legality of the EU law in question

• we represent trade associations and other interest groups before the European Courts, where they benefit from preferential rights of intervention in some cases.