Gov & Administrative Law Lawyers

Government and Administrative Law Lawyers in the United States

Government and administrative law governs how federal, state, and local agencies create rules, enforce regulations, and make decisions that affect individuals and businesses. These agencies touch nearly every part of daily life — from licensing and permits to benefits determinations and environmental enforcement. When an agency acts unfairly or exceeds its authority, a lawyer who specializes in this area can challenge those actions.

What Government and Administrative Law Covers

Administrative law deals with the rules and procedures that government agencies must follow. This includes regulatory compliance, rulemaking challenges, agency investigations, and appeals of agency decisions. Lawyers in this field represent clients before agencies like the Social Security Administration, EPA, OSHA, and hundreds of state-level boards.

The scope also extends to government contracts, public employment disputes, Freedom of Information Act requests, and professional licensing matters. If a state board threatens to revoke a doctor's license or a federal agency denies disability benefits, this is the area of law that applies.

When to Hire a Government and Administrative Law Lawyer

• A government agency has denied your application for benefits, permits, or a professional license
• You are facing an agency investigation or enforcement action against your business
• You need to challenge a regulatory decision through a formal administrative hearing
• Your government contract has been terminated or you're involved in a bid protest
• You want to participate in or challenge an agency's rulemaking process

How the Administrative Law Process Works

Most disputes begin at the agency level, not in court. You typically must exhaust administrative remedies before a judge will hear your case. This means filing appeals within the agency, attending hearings before an administrative law judge, and following the agency's internal procedures.

Administrative hearings resemble court trials but are usually less formal. An administrative law judge reviews evidence, hears testimony, and issues a written decision. According to the Office of Personnel Management, there are roughly 2,000 federal administrative law judges handling cases across more than 30 agencies. If the agency's final decision goes against you, judicial review in federal or state court may be available.

How Outcomes Are Determined in Administrative Cases

• Benefit reinstatement — wrongly denied Social Security, veterans' benefits, or unemployment claims can result in back payments covering months or years of missed benefits
• License restoration — a successful appeal can reverse a suspension or revocation, protecting your ability to earn a living
• Monetary damages — in government contract disputes, compensation may include lost profits, bid preparation costs, and contract value recovery
• Penalty reduction — businesses facing agency fines can negotiate reduced penalties or alternative compliance agreements
• Injunctive relief — courts can order agencies to stop enforcing unlawful regulations or to process delayed applications

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do administrative appeals typically take?

Timelines vary widely by agency. Social Security disability appeals average 6 to 18 months at the hearing level. Federal contract disputes before the Board of Contract Appeals can take one to three years. Filing deadlines are strict — many agencies give you only 30 to 60 days to appeal a decision.

Can I represent myself in an administrative hearing?

You have the right to represent yourself before most agencies. However, agencies employ experienced attorneys who know their own procedures inside and out. Studies show that claimants with legal representation win Social Security disability hearings at significantly higher rates than those who appear alone.