Los Angeles License Defense Lawyer

In California, many professionals – from CPAs to healthcare professionals – are required to obtain a license in order to work in their chosen career. Obtaining a license often requires a substantial investment of both time and money. When a licensing authority threatens to take away a license, it can have a devastating impact.

If you are a licensed professional who is under investigation by a licensing board, there is hope. Many licensing matters can be resolved in a positive way through early intervention and strategic planning. An experienced Los Angeles license defense attorney can guide you through the process, protecting your rights and working to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.


In these situations, the stakes are incredibly high. The Law Office of Nicole Irmer is here to help. We take a comprehensive approach to professional licensing defense, working to minimize the impact on your career. To learn more, reach out today to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

A professional license board may begin an investigation into a licensee for any number of reasons. An investigation may be started by a consumer complaint, a complaintfrom a coworker or employer, when criminal charges are filed against a licensee, etc. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the potential disciplinary action could range from a citation, formal reprimand, to even the revocation of an individual’s professional license.

If your professional license is in jeopardy, you will need compassionate and competent legal representation. The Law Office of Nicole Irmer represents licensed professionals at every stage of the process, from the initial contact from the board to an administrative hearing. In each case, our goal is to help you achieve the most favorable  result.

With extensive experience in both license defense and California criminal matters, attorney Nicole Irmer is dedicated to helping her clients achieve the best possible resolution for their case. Our law firm represents individuals in cases before most California professional licensing boards, including:

We handle all aspects of licensing matters before these boards, including:

  • Investigations prior to the filing of an Accusation
  • Accusations seeking Revocation and License Discipline
  • Applications for a Professional License
  • Disclosure of a criminal record (including arrests and convictions) in accordance with the applicable law
  • Denial of a Professional License
  • Requests for Modification of Discipline
  • Petitions for Reinstatement of a Professional License
  • Representation during formal contested Hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
  • Appeals (Writ of Mandamus) to the Superior Court
  • Interim Suspension Orders

As a professional license defense lawyer, Ms. Irmer understands just how difficult disciplinary action can be for professional licensees. She takes a multi-pronged approach that addresses every aspect of the case. She starts by listening to her client’s stories and then explaining the process, the potential sanctions, and the necessary steps to protect their license and career.

When possible, our law firm intervenes with the appropriate Board in the early stages of an investigation. We may request a meeting with the Board’s investigators to present evidence to refute the allegation or to mitigate the degree of discipline. In some cases, this will result in a complaint being closed or dismissed without formal disciplinary action, or issuance of a citation or pre-accusation Letter of Public Reprimand.

Throughout the process, we will retain appropriate experts to build a strong defense against the allegations against you. We may also retain an investigator to interview witnesses, seek relevant records, analyze the evidence, and secure computer metadata.

In some cases, a fact-based defense is not possible. In those situations, we build a strategic defense that relies on mitigating evidence and/or proof of rehabilitation. This may include additional education or credentials, therapy, documentation of sobriety, a forensic evaluation, or substance abuse treatment if applicable.

Our Los Angeles professional license defense attorneys understand that professionals may be subject to incredible stress or experience a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one or domestic violence. There are times when even the best, most competent professional will make a mistake. We strive to help our clients find a way forward with the appropriate treatment while reducing the impact on their license and ability to earn a living.

When to Contact an Attorney

If you are notified of a complaint against your professional license or receive a request for an interview with a Board investigator, you should contact a professional license defense lawyer immediately. Time is of the essence in this situation. 

Professional boards are tasked with licensing and regulating professionals in a given field, with the goal of protecting consumers. Part of their role involves investigating allegations of professional misconduct, fraud, substance abuse, mental illness, criminal convictions, and other types of misconduct that are related to the licensee’s practice. A complaint against a licensee may result in various levels of sanction or discipline such as:

  • Warning 
  • Citation and or a fine
  • Public reprimand/reproval 
  • Probation
  • License suspension
  • License surrender
  • License revocation
  • Interim Suspension Order

If Board investigators substantiate a complaint, the next step is typically for the Office of the Attorney General to file a formal Accusation against the professional. Even if the Accusation is resolved favorably, it is still a matter of public record – even if you ultimately are not disciplined by your Board.

Board investigators often approach licensees in a friendly manner. Despite this, it is vital to remember that a Board investigation can lead to formal legal proceedings against you. Anything that you say and do can be used against you in both a Board investigation and any related criminal matters. A lawyer can communicate with Board investigators on your behalf to protect your interests.


When your license is on the line – along with your ability to earn a living – a seasoned professional on your side can ease the stress of the unknown and can anticipate and prepare the best strategy for your matter. Our legal team will work with you to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your professional license defense matter. 

Under Investigation? We’re Here to Help.

If a professional licensing board is investigating you for misconduct or a violation of the Business and Professions Code, you will need an objective and experienced professional license defense lawyer who can shepherd you through the process and help you obtain the best possible outcome. Our law firm will work with you to help resolve your professional licensing matter.

Based in San Diego, the Law Office of Nicole Irmer offers compassionate, skilled legal representation to professionals throughout California, including Orange County and Los Angeles. We will work collaboratively with you to determine your goals and develop a strategy to achieve them. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a Los Angeles professional license defense lawyer, call us at (619) 237-6130 or fill out our online contact form.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Professional Licensing Matter?

You are not required to hire a lawyer to represent you before a Board or agency. However, it is usually a good idea to seek legal counsel if you are under investigation by your Board or if you are currently facing disciplinary action. An experienced attorney can advocate for your interests and will work to resolve the case favorably.

In San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and throughout California, attorney Nicole Irmer will work with you to protect your professional license and your career. Call our law office today to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.

What If I Am Charged with a Crime or Have a Criminal History?

Having a criminal record can affect your ability to obtain a professional license. If you have been charged with a crime, it may lead to disciplinary action. You may also have an obligation to disclose an arrest or conviction to your licensing board.

While criminal defense lawyers can handle the legal aspects of the charges against you, they often do not have experience representing clients before professional licensing boards. An attorney who handles both licensing matters and criminal defense can offer an experienced perspective and create a comprehensive strategy in both matters. Contact the Law Office of Nicole Irmer to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles license defense attorney.

Can I Get My License Back If It Was Revoked?

Possibly. Most licensing boards have a specific procedure for having a professional license reinstated. If you can demonstrate that you have been rehabilitated and that there is little chance of you committing the same error again, then your petition for reinstatement may be granted.

Reinstatements can be nuanced and require a thorough understanding of the legal standards set forth by your licensing board. Contact the Law Office of Nicole Irmer to talk to a Los Angeles professional license defense lawyer about getting your license back after revocation.

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