The Top 6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Professional Licensing Defense Attorney
When your nursing license—your livelihood, your identity, and the career you poured your heart into—is at risk, you don’t just need a good attorney. You need the right one.
As a nurse myself, I know the fear, shame, and uncertainty that can overwhelm you when that dreaded envelope or email arrives from the Board. Your stomach drops. You replay everything in your head. You wonder if your career is over.
This is when you need someone in your corner who doesn’t just know the law—they understand you.
Here are the top five things to look for when choosing a professional licensing defense attorney:
1. Do They Offer a Flat Fee?
Transparency matters. The last thing you need while navigating a board complaint is unpredictable legal bills that balloon over time. An attorney who offers a flat fee for representation shows they respect your budget, understand the financial strain you’re under, and are confident in the value they bring.
A flat fee also allows you to call, ask questions, and be involved in your defense without watching the clock or dreading an hourly invoice.
2. Are They Also a Nurse or Healthcare Professional?
This can be a game-changer. Attorneys who are also RNs or have healthcare backgrounds get it. They understand scope of practice, nursing judgment, and the realities of short staffing and split-second decisions.
They won’t need a crash course in what you do every day. They speak your language. And more importantly, they can translate your clinical reasoning into legal language the Board will understand and respect.
3. How Often Are They in Front of the Licensing Board?
You want someone who’s known to the Board—an attorney who shows up regularly, who understands the board members’ expectations, and knows how the process flows.
These attorneys often have better insights into what works and what doesn’t. They can anticipate pitfalls. They know which arguments resonate and what the Board sees as red flags.
This isn’t just about legal know-how—it’s about strategy, relationships, and experience.
4. How Many Nurses Have They Represented?
You wouldn’t want a surgeon performing their first procedure on you, and the same principle applies here. Ask how many nurses they’ve defended.
Not all defense attorneys are created equal. Some focus on physicians, others on corporations. You want one who routinely and successfully defends nurses. Look for someone who has helped nurses in situations like yours: medication errors, boundary issues, substance use, documentation problems, or wrongful accusations.
Their past experience is a powerful predictor of how well they can help you.
5. Do They Make You Feel Heard and Respected?
This might be the most important factor of all. The best attorney-client relationships are built on trust and open communication. You should feel safe, not judged. Informed, not intimidated.
When you speak to them, do they listen? Do they explain the process clearly? Are they compassionate but realistic?
You’re not just a case number. You’re a nurse who’s devoted your life to caring for others—and now it’s your turn to be cared for.
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6. Do Your Homework!
Check out the attorneys’ reviews on AVVO.com. A website for attorney reviews.
Final Thoughts
Your nursing license is too precious to entrust to just anyone. If you’re facing an investigation or complaint, take a deep breath and remember: you don’t have to go through it alone.
Finding the right attorney can make all the difference—not just in the outcome of your case, but in your peace of mind throughout the process.
If you’re in this situation, please know this: you are still a good nurse. You are still worthy of support. And there is a path forward.
