Government and Agency Practice

Government agencies have significant authority to regulate businesses, investigate alleged violations, impose penalties, issue licenses and permits, and make decisions that can materially affect an organization’s operations. When an agency action puts your business, professional license, reputation, or financial interests at risk, experienced legal counsel can make a critical difference.

Fafinski Mark & Johnson represents businesses, organizations, professionals, and individuals in disputes involving government agencies and administrative bodies. Our attorneys help clients navigate investigations and enforcement actions, respond to agency decisions, pursue administrative remedies, deal with licensing issues, and challenge government action when necessary.

With extensive experience in litigation, administrative proceedings, employment law, business law, and regulatory matters, FMJ provides practical counsel focused on protecting our clients’ interests while efficiently resolving disputes.

Government and Agency Legal Services

FMJ attorneys assist clients with a broad range of government and administrative law matters, including:

• Government Agency Investigations and Enforcement Actions
• Administrative Hearings and Contested Cases
• Appeals of Agency Decisions
• Judicial Review of Government and Agency Actions
• Regulatory Compliance and Agency Requirements
• Professional Licensing and Disciplinary Matters
• Business Licensing
• Municipal Licensing and Permits
• Government Investigations Involving Businesses and Professionals
• Administrative Subpoenas and Requests for Information
• Government Contracts and Disputes
• Open Records and Government Data Requests
• Federal and State Regulatory Matters
• Challenges to Agency Rules, Decisions, and Actions
• Employment and Labor Matters Involving Government Agencies
• Environmental and Regulatory Disputes
• Business Disputes Involving Administrative or Regulatory Issues

Attorney Representation Before Government Agencies

Our attorneys have experience representing clients before a wide range of federal, state, and local agencies, boards, and administrative bodies.  FMJ has represented clients with the following organizations:

• Minnesota Court of Administrative Hearings
• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Minnesota Department of Revenue
• Minnesota Department of Human Rights
• Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
• Minnesota Board of Nursing
• Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
• Minnesota Board of Professional Educator Licensing and Standards
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• And Many Others

Investigations and Enforcement

An agency investigation or enforcement action can create substantial financial, operational, and reputational risks. Organizations do not need to face these situations alone, and FMJ attorneys help clients respond to investigations, evaluate potential exposure, communicate with government officials, and defend against administrative enforcement actions.

Administrative Hearings and Contested Cases

When an agency dispute proceeds to a formal administrative hearing or contested case, effective preparation is essential. Our attorneys help clients develop the factual and legal record, present evidence, examine witnesses, brief legal issues, and advocate for favorable outcomes.

Agency Appeals and Judicial Review

When an agency decision is unfavorable, administrative remedies and judicial review may provide an opportunity to challenge the decision. FMJ attorneys evaluate available remedies and help clients pursue appeals or litigation when appropriate.

Licensing and Professional Discipline

Licensing decisions can directly affect a professional’s ability to work or a business’s ability to operate. We represent businesses and professionals facing licensing disputes, disciplinary proceedings, investigations, and other actions by regulatory and professional boards.

Regulatory and Compliance Matters

Understanding regulatory requirements before a dispute develops can help businesses avoid costly problems. FMJ attorneys advise clients regarding government requirements and regulatory issues and help businesses respond when questions or disputes arise.

Government Records and Information Requests

Businesses may encounter government data requests, open records issues, subpoenas, and other demands for information. Our attorneys advise clients regarding their rights and obligations and help them navigate these requests while protecting confidential and legally protected information.

Government Disputes and Litigation

Government disputes can quickly become complex litigation matters. FMJ’s attorneys bring extensive experience in state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and appeals to disputes involving government agencies and regulatory bodies.

Our attorneys have represented clients in matters involving agencies including the following:

• FAA
• OFAC
• USDA
• EPA
• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Minnesota Department of Education
• Minnesota Department of Commerce
• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office

FMJ attorneys also have experience before numerous professional and regulatory boards, including the following:

• Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
• Minnesota Board of Nursing
• Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
• Minnesota Board of Podiatric Medicine
• Minnesota Board of Social Work
• Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
• Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings
• And other state and federal administrative bodies

Government Agency Litigation

Sometimes negotiation and administrative remedies are not enough.  When government action must be challenged in court, or when a business or professional must defend an agency decision, FMJ’s litigation team is prepared to take the matter to court.  Our attorneys have experience handling disputes involving:

• Challenges to Government and Agency Decisions
• Administrative Appeals
• Regulatory Enforcement Litigation
• Constitutional Issues
• Statutory Interpretation
• Government Investigations
• Government Contracts
• Licensing and Professional Discipline
• Employment and Labor Regulation
• Environmental Regulation
• Business and Commercial Disputes Involving Government Action
• State and Federal Appeals

We work to identify the most effective path forward based on the client’s business objectives, the applicable administrative process, and the strength of the legal and factual record.

Strategic Advocacy

Government and agency disputes can be disruptive and difficult to navigate without experienced counsel. Our goal is to give clients a clear understanding of what is happening, what options are available, and what steps can best protect their interests.  Whether you are responding to an agency investigation, facing an enforcement action, challenging an administrative decision, or dealing with a regulatory issue that threatens your business, FMJ can help.  Please contact our team today.