A decision issued by a public authority can have immediate and serious consequences: sanctions, explicit or implicit refusals, withdrawal of authorisations, contract termination, formal notices, rejection of applications, exclusion from public tenders, disciplinary measures, and more. In administrative law, the right response is often to act quickly, with a clear legal strategy and a properly documented case.
Yaël Sion LAWYERS & ASSOCIATES Law Firm assists companies, public bodies, associations and individuals before administrative courts, including the Administrative Tribunal, the Administrative Court of Appeal and the Council of State. We act in Marseille and remotely throughout France.
When should you consult an administrative law attorney?
Administrative law governs disputes involving a public authority or a body entrusted with a public service mission. We regularly assist clients facing:
- a negative administrative decision (refusal, withdrawal, suspension, sanction, injunction),
- an implicit refusal (silence of the administration),
- a contractual dispute with a public entity (public contracts, concessions),
- civil service matters (disciplinary proceedings, career disputes, contractual agents),
- planning and zoning issues (permits, objections, enforcement),
- public domain disputes (occupancy permits, eviction, fees),
- a claim for compensation (administrative liability, public works damage, fault, loss).
Our role is to clarify your legal options, identify the appropriate type of action, and secure the strategy (evidence, deadlines, legal arguments and claims).
Administrative remedies: acting within deadlines and before the right court
In practice, many cases depend on two decisive factors: timing and the legal classification of the contested decision. Depending on the situation, we may initiate:
- an administrative appeal (gracious or hierarchical) when strategically appropriate,
- a judicial review seeking annulment of an unlawful decision,
- a full jurisdiction claim (liability, damages, contract disputes),
- specific proceedings relating to the interpretation or legality of administrative acts.
Key point: most administrative actions are subject to strict deadlines, often calculated from the notification or publication of the decision. Acting early preserves your legal leverage, especially where urgent measures may be required.
Emergency proceedings
before administrative courts
Administrative decisions are generally immediately enforceable, even when challenged on the merits. Where necessary, we may apply for emergency relief through appropriate interim proceedings.
Suspension proceedings
Used to request the suspension of an administrative decision pending judgment on the merits, where urgency exists and there is serious doubt as to the lawfulness of the decision.
Emergency protection of fundamental freedoms
Available where a serious and manifestly unlawful infringement of a fundamental freedom is alleged. The judge rules within a very short timeframe.
Interim measures proceedings
Allows the court to order useful or protective measures (orders to act or refrain), without challenging an existing decision.
Pre-contractual and contractual interim proceedings
In public procurement matters, these actions ensure compliance with transparency and competition rules, either before or after contract signature.
Other specific interim remedies may apply depending on the case. The key is to adapt the procedure to the real urgency, your objectives and the level of risk.
Main areas of practice
Administrative law governs the relationships between public authorities, civil servants and individuals. The firm assists clients in challenging, securing or navigating high-stakes administrative decisions, whether individual or collective.
Civil service law
Assistance to civil servants and contractual agents: disciplinary proceedings, challenges to sanctions, career disputes, individual rights and sensitive employment situations.
Public procurement and public contracts
Advice and litigation relating to bids and tenders, procedural irregularities, interim relief, contract performance, penalties, termination and compensation.
Public domain and occupancy
Public occupancy agreements, fees, authorisations, eviction proceedings, defence strategies and negotiation where possible.
Planning and local administrative decisions
Support in planning-related disputes: legal analysis of decisions, appeal strategy, argumentation, case preparation and procedural follow-up.
Administrative liability
Compensation claims involving fault, equality before public burdens, public works damage, and liability arising from administrative action.
Our approach:
clear, structured, results-oriented
In administrative law, the success of a claim relies on a clear method: quickly identifying the real issue, choosing the right strategy, building a robust case, and securing every stage of the procedure.
Initial legal assessment
We analyse the decision, its legal basis, applicable deadlines and your objectives (annulment, suspension, compensation, negotiation, business continuity).
Strategy and choice of remedy
Administrative appeal, judicial action, emergency proceedings: we define a consistent and defensible strategy, anticipating potential weaknesses.
Building a strong case
Administrative law is a law of evidence and chronology. We structure your file clearly: facts, documents, legal arguments and priorities.
Drafting, hearings and enforcement
We handle pleadings, procedural steps, representation before the court, and follow-up through enforcement and post-judgment protection.
Contact us
If you are facing an unfavourable administrative decision or proceedings before an administrative court, let us take a first look at your situation to assess urgency, applicable deadlines and the most effective legal strategy.
FAQ – Administrative Law
What are the deadlines to challenge an administrative decision?
They depend on the nature of the decision and the applicable procedure. In many cases, deadlines are short and start running from notification or publication. In urgent situations, specific procedures allow very rapid action. Early legal review is essential.
Can emergency action be taken if the decision applies immediately?
Yes. Depending on your situation, an interim application may provide urgent protection alongside (or before) proceedings on the merits.
Do you only act in Marseille?
The firm is based in Marseille but also acts remotely throughout France, depending on the nature and urgency of the case.
Do you represent both individuals and companies?
Yes. We assist individuals, companies, associations and public-sector actors, in both advisory and litigation matters.
