Professional License Defense
Professional License Defense Attorney in New Jersey
When your professional license is on the line, so is your livelihood. A single disciplinary complaint — even if unfounded — can trigger a formal investigation, temporary suspension, or permanent revocation of your right to practice.
At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we defend licensed professionals across New Jersey in disciplinary proceedings, board investigations, administrative hearings, and appeals. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, educator, attorney, or state-licensed specialist, our firm provides strategic, aggressive defense designed to protect your reputation, your credentials, and your career.
In many cases, we can also represent professionals in other states, depending on the jurisdiction, board structure, and nature of the allegations. Contact us to discuss your options.
We understand the stakes. You didn’t spend years in school and thousands of hours in training to lose your license over an accusation. We act fast, build leverage early, and confront regulatory boards head-on.
Who We Represent in License Defense Matters
We represent individuals licensed under the:
- New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
- New Jersey Department of Education
- New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners
- New Jersey State Board of Nursing
Our clients include:
- Doctors, nurses, and physician assistants
- Pharmacists and mental health professionals
- Dentists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and optometrists
- Educators, school staff, and administrators
- Social workers, LCSWs, LPCs, and counselors
- Funeral directors, real estate agents, and cosmetologists
We also assist professionals in other states, especially in matters involving national credentialing or multistate regulatory exposure.
Types of Allegations We Defend
We represent professionals accused of:
- Ethical violations or dual relationships
- Impairment, substance use, or failure to self-report
- Negligence, malpractice, or incompetence
- Sexual misconduct or inappropriate boundaries
- Billing fraud, Medicaid/Medicare issues, or recordkeeping failures
- Unauthorized practice or falsified credentials
- HIPAA and privacy violations
- Criminal charges that affect licensure fitness
We understand both the law and the regulatory context that governs your specific profession. That means we don’t just respond — we defend, anticipate, and act strategically to limit consequences.
The License Disciplinary Process in New Jersey
Each profession and board has its own procedures, but most disciplinary actions follow a predictable path:
- Complaint filed by a client, colleague, or agency
- Notice of investigation from the licensing board
- Request for a written response or formal interview
- Record review, background checks, and prior complaint analysis
- Preliminary findings and disciplinary proposal
- Administrative hearing or negotiated consent agreement
We regularly appear before the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law (OAL) and defend licensees throughout all pre- and post-hearing phases.
Why Professionals Choose Ratliff Jackson LLP
We’re not compliance consultants. We are trial attorneys and professional defense lawyers with the litigation experience and regulatory knowledge needed to go toe-to-toe with your licensing board.
Clients choose Ratliff Jackson LLP because we:
- Move quickly to manage board communications and investigation strategy
- Prepare detailed responses and documentation with legal protections in mind
- Prevent cases from escalating to formal charges when possible
- Represent clients in full administrative hearings and appeals
- Provide discreet, reputation-conscious representation from start to finish
You built your career. We’re here to defend it — with the urgency and precision it deserves.
If you’ve received a disciplinary complaint, investigation notice, or letter from a licensing board — act now. Delaying can lead to waived rights, missed deadlines, and irreversible harm.
Call Ratliff Jackson LLP at 856-209-3111 or contact us securely online. We defend licensed professionals throughout New Jersey — and, under many circumstances, nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About License Defense in NJ and Beyond
I got a letter from the board — should I respond right away?
No. Not before speaking to an attorney. Even a “preliminary” or “courtesy” letter from a board is part of a formal process. We prepare board responses that protect your license, legal rights, and professional reputation.
Can I lose my license from a single complaint?
Yes — especially in regulated fields like medicine, nursing, or education. Some boards impose discipline after one incident, regardless of prior record. We take immediate steps to push back and control the damage.
Will this be made public?
That depends. Boards like the NJ BME and State Board of Nursing may publish final actions online. Some disciplinary records become permanent. We pursue confidential resolutions whenever possible.
Do you represent professionals outside of New Jersey?
Yes — in most cases, we can represent professionals in other states, depending on the jurisdiction and board rules. We frequently assist with multi-state license issues and national board actions.
What outcomes are possible in a license case?
Outcomes may include:
- No action / dismissal
- Private reprimand or warning
- Public censure or license probation
- Suspension or revocation
- Fines, monitoring, or retraining
Our goal is to avoid discipline entirely. But we always prepare for the worst — and fight for the best.