Michael Patchett-Joyce acts for a Bulgarian client before the European Court

On 19 September 2012, Michael Patchett-Joyce appeared as co-Counsel before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Luxembourg at the oral hearing in Case C-285/11, BONIK EOOD. Michael acted alongside Bulgarian Counsel, Advocate Ognyan Minchev.

As well as being an important case in its own right on the right of deduction of input VAT, the professional cooperation between Michael and Maître Minchev demonstrates Michael’s proven ability to act as a key part of an international legal team.

This was Michael’s fourth appearance before the European Court. His appearances have extended beyond VAT cases (Bond House Systems Limited, Halifax plc, BONIK EOOD) to include judicial review of EU legislation (Alliance for Natural Health).

Michael and Maître Minchev came to work together because Ogy Minchev had been “inspired” by Michael’s work in the Bond House Systems Limited case.

There is a growing, and unmet, need for international professional cooperation between lawyers in cases before the European Court, and beyond. Michael is looking forward to acting in a similar capacity in other cases in the future.

News 24 Sep, 2012