professional license

Understanding Professional and Occupational License Defense

A professional license is one of the most valuable assets you can have. If you find yourself facing a situation where your license may be at risk, it is crucial to be aware of your legal options and the defenses you can pursue. However, you need to also understand that you do not have to take on this challenging and complex ordeal alone. When you work with an experienced professional license defense attorney, you can have dedicated and experienced legal help on your side fighting for your future. 

What Does a Professional License Defense Attorney Do? 

A professional license defense attorney is a legal professional who specializes in defending individuals whose licenses are at risk of suspension, revocation, or other disciplinary actions as a result of alleged violations of professional standards or regulations. These attorneys often represent clients from various fields, including law, healthcare, finance, real estate, and others. 

Although the attorney’s specific responsibilities will depend on their client and the case, their primary duties often include the following:

  • Offering legal advice and guidance to those facing disciplinary action from their licensing agency
  • Representing individuals in front of administrative agencies, licensing boards, and other courts
  • Engaging in negotiations to resolve disputes and mitigate potential penalties with regulatory bodies
  • Defending individuals in trials and hearings
  • Assisting individuals in complying with regulations and relevant laws to avoid future problems

Why Would a Licensed Professional Need a Professional License Defense Attorney?

When a licensed professional faces a complaint or investigation from a professional licensing authority, it can lead to serious consequences. However, licensed professionals tend to underestimate the impact of an adverse professional licensing action on their practice. As a result, many professionals try to resolve these licensing issues on their own, even if this is not always the best strategy. 

While not all license complaints are valid, the risk of sanctions far outweighs the cost of hiring a lawyer. A skilled professional licensing attorney can assist these individuals in not only reducing the associated penalties, but also, depending on the circumstances, endeavor to secure a dismissal, all while advocating for the professional’s right to practice.

What Cases Does a Professional License Attorney Handle?

Professional license defense attorneys handle numerous types of cases. However, some of the more common cases they tend to encounter include the following:

Defending a Real Estate or Insurance License 

Real estate agents and insurance agents can be subject to disciplinary actions for various violations, such as misconduct, failure to uphold professional standards, or criminal activity. When real estate and insurance professionals work with an experienced professional license attorney, these lawyers may be able to help them safeguard their ability to work in their chosen profession.

Defending a Medical License

Medical professionals, such as doctors or nurses, may face disciplinary actions from their respective state licensing agencies  for issues such as substance abuse, malpractice, or other ethical violations. A professional license defense attorney aims to protect these medical licenses by disputing allegations and negotiating settlements or reduced penalties.

Other Professionals

Aside from the fields mentioned, many other professions, such as architects, financial services professionals, engineers,  and social workers, also require licenses. Each of these professions has its own regulatory body and set of standards. Dealing with these diverse and intricate regulations makes the role of a professional licensing attorney so crucial.

Contact Gould, Hahn, & Reinhardt Today To Learn More About Professional and Occupational License Defense

At Gould, Hahn, & Reinhardt, our legal team of professional licensing attorneys specializes in handling a wide range of licensing issues, including requests for reinstatement and appeals in cases where a license has been suspended or revoked. 

If you need further information about professional and occupational license defense or how our legal team can help you, contact Gould, Hahn, & Reinhardt today.