Professional License Defense Attorney
Defending the Licenses and Reputations of North Carolina’s Professionals
Brooks Peterson PLLC dedicates its entire practice to professional license defense. From healthcare providers and educators to engineers and real estate professionals, the firm represent those whose livelihoods depend on their professional license.
Your professional license is more than a credential—it’s the foundation of your career. When it’s threatened by an investigation, complaint, or disciplinary action, you need an attorney who not only understands the law, but also how your board operates. That’s where we come in.
We are proud to stand beside licensed professionals across North Carolina to protect their right to practice, defend their reputation, and help them move forward after an allegation or mistake.
North Carolina Boards We Defend Against
Our firm represents professionals across numerous boards and agencies, including:
North Carolina Board of Nursing
North Carolina Appraisal Board
North Carolina Board of Pharmacy
North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examiners
North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
North Carolina Real Estate Commission
NC Division of Child Development and Early Education
North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners
North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy
North Carolina Psychology Board
North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Land Surveyors
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Services Regulation
North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings
North Carolina Collection of General Statutes
While each of these entities regulates a different profession, their disciplinary procedures share similar structures. The key difference lies in the specific standards and expectations each board applies. Understanding those expectations—and how to address them effectively—is critical to achieving the best outcome.
What Does a Professional License Defense Attorney Do?
Professional license defense law is a highly particular field focused on representing individuals before North Carolina’s licensing boards and administrative agencies. It involves the defense of allegations such as:
Professional misconduct/negligence
Substance use or impairment issues
Criminal convictions or arrests reported to a board
Boundary or ethical violations
Documentation or billing irregularities
Standard-of-care or competency concerns
A professional license defense lawyer navigates these complex regulatory waters, ensuring clients are treated fairly under the law and that their rights are protected throughout the process.
While criminal or civil courts are familiar to most people, the administrative law system that governs professional boards operates very differently. Each board has its own rules, regulations, and culture—but all are bound by the North Carolina Administrative Procedure Act (APA), their specific practice act, and their adopted administrative codes.
Knowing how these legal frameworks interact is essential. That’s why our firm focuses exclusively on this area of law.
Understanding North Carolina’s Professional Licensing System
Every professional board in North Carolina is governed by three primary sources of authority:
The North Carolina Administrative Procedure Act (APA) – Governs how agencies conduct hearings, issue findings, and enforce disciplinary actions.
The Profession’s Practice Act – Defines what constitutes professional misconduct or unprofessional behavior.
The Board’s Administrative Code – Provides detailed rules and procedures specific to that profession.
Many attorneys overlook one more vital source of law: the North Carolina Constitution. Unlike the federal Constitution, our state constitution often provides similar or even broader/specific protections for due process, notice, and fairness, which can be leveraged in certain license defense cases.
A skilled professional license defense attorney must be fluent in these legal frameworks while also understanding how to present evidence, witness testimony, and expert opinions before administrative bodies.
How Licensing Boards Conduct Investigations
A typical disciplinary case begins with a complaint—from a patient, client, employer, or even an anonymous source. Once a complaint is received, boards may open an investigation, request documents or statements from you, or refer a case to a formal hearing.
Many professionals make the mistake of responding to the board without legal representation, believing they can “clear things up.” Unfortunately, informal responses can unintentionally provide information that strengthens the case against them.
Having a professional license defense lawyer from the start ensures that communications are handled strategically and that your rights are protected.
Administrative Hearings and Due Process
If an investigation leads to a hearing, the process operates much like a trial—but with key differences:
The rules of evidence and civil procedure are less formal.
Public members often sit on the board and may not fully understand your profession.
The standard of proof may change depending on the board you are in front of, as some boards provide higher standards while others use lower ones leading to higher rates of discipline.
A board hearing requires preparation, strategy, and advocacy. A professional license defense attorney can ensure your side of the story is clearly understood, your professional standards are accurately represented, and you are treated fairly under the law.
Working With Your Professional License Defense Lawyer
Defending a professional license requires collaboration. No lawyer can know the inner workings of every profession—from nursing procedures to architectural practices or accounting methods. That’s why we work closely with our clients to understand their roles, responsibilities, and work environments.
In some cases, we engage independent experts in the same profession to testify on your behalf. These experts can provide clarity to board members who may not fully grasp the technical aspects of your work.
This collaborative approach helps us build strong, fact-based defenses that highlight your professionalism, competence, and integrity.
License Reinstatement and Reapplication
Discipline isn’t always the end of a professional career. Many boards allow individuals to petition for reinstatement after suspension or revocation.
At Brooks Peterson PLLC, we guide clients through the reinstatement process, helping them demonstrate rehabilitation, continued education, and a renewed commitment to ethical practice.
We also assist those seeking initial licensure who have a prior criminal conviction or past disciplinary history. Our firm helps present your background honestly while emphasizing evidence of growth, accountability, and character improvement.
Even minor misunderstandings on an application can delay or derail licensure. Having counsel ensures that your submission is clear, complete, and compliant.
Why Choose Brooks Peterson PLLC
Choosing the right attorney can determine the course of your professional future. Here’s why professionals across North Carolina turn to us:
Focused Experience: We practice exclusively in professional license defense law.
Board Familiarity: We know how boards investigate, negotiate, and decide cases.
Client Collaboration: We take time to understand your work and tell your story.
Strategic Representation: We prepare each case as if it will go to a hearing—because preparation often leads to better settlements.
Statewide Reach: We represent clients throughout North Carolina, from Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington and everywhere in between.
Your license is worth protecting. Our mission is to make sure you don’t face your board alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What should I do if I receive a letter from my board?
Do not ignore it, and do not respond without legal advice. Contact a professional license defense lawyer immediately. Early intervention often prevents small issues from becoming serious disciplinary actions.
Can my license be suspended without a hearing?
In some cases, yes—especially when the board believes there’s an immediate threat to public safety. However, emergency suspensions can be challenged.
Can I get my license back after it’s been revoked?
Yes, but it depends. Most boards allow reinstatement petitions after a waiting period. A lawyer can help you prepare the required documentation and evidence of rehabilitation.
How long does the disciplinary process take?
It varies by board and case complexity. Some matters resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or more.
Can a lawyer help me apply for a license with a criminal record?
Yes. We can help you prepare explanations and documentation that show honesty, rehabilitation, and readiness to practice responsibly. A lawyer can also help assess whether this is a good option for you.