California Professional License Defense Lawyer

What to Expect — and Why Early Legal Strategy Matters

If you’re facing discipline or license denial from a California licensing board, you have legal rights — including the right to a formal administrative hearing. But what many professionals don’t realize is that other important legal steps, like pre-hearing and settlement conferences, can significantly impact the outcome before your hearing ever begins.

At the Law Office of Jonathan Turner, we represent licensed professionals across California in every stage of the administrative hearing process — from investigation through resolution. With over two decades of experience in administrative law, we help clients navigate these proceedings strategically, calmly, and with clarity.

Key Takeaways

• You have the right to an attorney for all stages of administrative hearings and related proceedings.
• Administrative hearings are formal legal trials — not informal meetings.
• Pre-hearing and settlement conferences can help resolve or narrow your case early.
• Settlement conferences may allow you to retain your license without a formal hearing.
• Early legal intervention gives you more control and a stronger foundation for defense.

What Is an Administrative Hearing?

An administrative hearing is a formal legal proceeding held before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), typically through the California Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). These hearings occur when a licensing board seeks to deny, suspend, revoke, or otherwise discipline your professional license.

Administrative hearings include:

• Live testimony under oath
• Cross-examination by attorneys
• Presentation of documentary evidence
• Complex legal procedures governed by the California Administrative Procedure Act (Gov. Code §§ 11500–11529)

If your board has filed an Accusation or Statement of Issues, you are entitled to a hearing — and you should be represented by an attorney experienced in administrative law.

Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone

We often hear from professionals who believed they could represent themselves — only to discover how formal and high-stakes the process truly is.

You’ll be up against experienced attorneys, often from the California Attorney General’s Office, who represent the board or agency. You’ll need to understand evidentiary rules, subpoena requirements, deadlines, and strategy — not just defend your professional reputation.

Our firm helps clients avoid common mistakes and build a clear, evidence-backed case that addresses the board’s concerns directly.

What Are Pre-Hearing Conferences?

A pre-hearing conference is an informal proceeding that allows both parties — you and the board — to clarify the legal and factual issues before the full hearing. These conferences are authorized under Gov. Code § 11511.5 and can help:

• Define the scope of the hearing
• Identify witness or document issues
• Resolve evidentiary disputes
• Streamline trial preparation
• Explore potential resolution before the hearing

Pre-hearing conferences must typically be requested — they are not automatic. As part of our representation, we routinely request these conferences to better understand the board’s position and prepare strategically.

What Is a Settlement Conference?

A settlement conference is a voluntary negotiation process — sometimes held within the pre-hearing — where both parties meet to discuss possible resolution terms. These conferences are often overseen by an Administrative Law Judge and can result in an agreement that avoids the need for a full trial.

Benefits of a settlement conference include:

• Opportunity to resolve the case early
• Reduced legal costs and stress
• Preserving your license through negotiated terms (e.g., probation, remedial education)

Our goal in these conferences is always to protect your ability to continue working while resolving the board’s concerns constructively.

Who We Help

We represent professionals in a wide range of industries. If your work depends on a state-issued license, we can help. This includes:

• Registered Nurses and Vocational Nurses
• Physicians, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers
• Teachers and school district employees
• Licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists, and behavioral health professionals
• Real estate brokers, insurance agents, and other credentialed professionals
• Applicants responding to license denial or delay

We provide guidance, preparation, and representation at every stage — from board investigation to hearing.

Our Strategic Approach

Every licensing case is unique — but our approach remains grounded in experience, focus, and clear communication. We work with our clients to:

• Assess board documents and allegations early
• Prepare a responsive legal strategy
• Request and represent at all relevant pre-hearing and settlement conferences
• Negotiate toward favorable outcomes where possible
• Defend vigorously at the administrative hearing if necessary

You can learn more about our background and approach on our about page.

What to Do If You’ve Been Notified

If you’ve received an Accusation, Statement of Issues, or even an initial inquiry from a board investigator, don’t wait until your hearing is scheduled. Early legal support gives you the best chance at a positive resolution.

We offer a free consultation to review your matter and provide clear next steps. You’ll speak directly with Jonathan Turner, an experienced administrative law attorney who has helped hundreds of California professionals protect their licenses.