Administrative Law & Defense of Professionals

Silverman Thompson offers robust representation in administrative law matters, focusing on professionals and businesses.  

State and Federal Administrative Proceedings 

Our experienced attorneys navigate the complexities of state and federal administrative proceedings, including hearings at the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). We tackle various issues, including agency decision challenges, rule disputes, bid protests, and regulatory enforcement actions. 

Defense of Professionals 

For professionals, particularly those facing disciplinary actions, we provide skilled counsel familiar with regulatory bodies and the administrative law landscape. We have successfully defended judges, lawyers, healthcare providers, and other licensed professionals before various commissions and boards, often resolving cases without formal charges. Our expertise extends to cases that may run parallel to criminal investigations, involving agencies like the SEC, FTC, and various Maryland boards. 

Representation of Businesses 

For businesses, Silverman Thompson is adept at defending against actions initiated by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, including cease and desist orders and licensing issues. Our proactive approach ensures that we address and mitigate regulatory challenges effectively, safeguarding our clients’ interests. 

When to Hire an Attorney

In state or federal administrative proceedings, a case often begins with an official notice letter being sent to the licensee or professional being investigated by the agency. This notice letter will state the violations being investigated and will quote from the various rules and regulations of that agency. You may have an opportunity to respond in writing or in person, depending on the type of investigation.

It is critical to have competent counsel at this early stage of the case for several reasons: 

• First, having an attorney write your response to the agency is critical.  It demonstrates that you are taking the matter seriously and will defend your rights.  
• Second, an attorney will be able to negotiate with the agency more effectively on your behalf. 
• Third, an attorney will protect your rights from government overreach.  Fourth, an attorney will be able to formulate defenses to the potential administrative case early on and before any more issues arise. 
• Last, and most importantly, in administrative cases deadlines are often inflexible and an attorney will be aware of deadlines and help you timely prepare your defense.

Having an attorney experienced in administrative law is important.  The rules of evidence are relaxed, and hearsay is often admissible in these types of cases.  These hearings are much like trials, but they impose a different set procedures and practices than regular court rules, which your lawyer should be intimately familiar with. 

Having an attorney familiar with those procedures and practices can mean the difference between winning and losing your case.  Furthermore, the timing and deadlines associated with these cases are also very important to know and be aware of, something that an experienced administrative attorney can exploit to your benefit.

Our attorneys negotiate with elected and appointed officials at all levels and regularly appear before various governmental and quasi-governmental regulatory bodies, including:

• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Maryland Securities Commission
• Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
• U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Maryland Consumer Protection Division
• The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
• National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD)
• American Arbitration Association
• Maryland Insurance Administration
• Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
• Private and Public College and University: Suspension and Expulsion Hearings
• Private Maryland Secondary Schools: Suspension and Expulsion Hearings
• Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission
• Maryland General Assembly
• Maryland Attorney General: Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation
• Maryland Board of Physicians
• Maryland Board of Nursing
• Maryland Department of Social Services (DSS)

We invite you to contact us or call our office at 410.385.2225 or 800.385.2243 for a complimentary consultation to see how we can make a difference for you.

Meet Our Team