The ACWL provides legal advice on all WTO legal matters
The ACWL gives advice on all procedural and substantive issues arising under WTO law. The matters on which ACWL has provided legal advice may be divided into the following categories:
- Legal advice concerning measures taken or contemplated by the developing country or LDC seeking the advice,including proposed legislation and legislative changes. In these cases,the ACWL aims to help countries to realise their trade policy objectives in a manner consistent with WTO law.
- Legal advice concerning measures that the developing country or LDC seeking the advice considers challenging under the WTO dispute settlement procedures. In these cases, the ACWL provides an assessment of the chances of prevailing in a dispute settlement proceeding.
- Legal advice related to matters that are being negotiated in the WTO. In these cases,the ACWL aims to provide a full understanding of the legal implications of issues and proposals arising in negotiations.
Legal opinions by type of opinion 2005-2008
Legal advice is provided free of charge
In accordance with the Schedule of Fees set out in Annex IV of the Agreement (pdf), the ACWL provides advice to its Members and to the LDCs free of charge up to a maximum number of hours to be determined by the Management Board. Developing countries that are not Members of the ACWL may request legal advice on a non-priority basis. However, these countries would be charged fees at an hourly rate that varies between CHF567 and CHF405, depending on their share of world trade and per capita income.