what is an administrative lawyer

by Claud Jenkins Jr. 9 min read

Administrative lawyers are both public and private attorneys. Public attorneys work within a wide range of disciplines within a government agency. Private attorneys might also work for a government agency on a contract basis rather than as an employee.

Full Answer

What is administrative law?

What Does an Administrative Lawyer Do? An administrative lawyer deals with issues that arise with local, state or federal government agencies. Whether they pass regulations which affect your business negatively or if you feel that an agency has wronged you personally, an administrative attorney may be able to help.

Why do I need an administrative lawyer?

Feb 03, 2018 · Administrative Lawyers observe, evaluate, assess, and sometimes oppose the implementation of certain statutory provisions adopted by Congress or the state or local legislative body. As a whole administrative lawyers make a conscientious effort to standardize and systematize the way in which government agencies operate.

What are the different types of administrative law practice?

Oct 09, 2021 · Administrative law is a body of law which governs federal and state administrative agencies, as well as the procedures these agencies must follow when making determinations, rulings, and rules....

What is the difference between government agencies and administrative law?

Aug 10, 2021 · At its most basic level, administrative law is the part of the law that governs the activities of administrative agencies in government. Any government agency action can include rulemaking, adjudication, or enforcement of a specific regulatory agenda.

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What does administrative law deal with?

Administrative law is the body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of the government. Activities of government agencies include rule making, adjudication, and the enforcement of a regulatory agenda. Administrative law is considered a branch of public law.

What are some examples of administrative law?

Administrative law helps to expedite many legal issues in the United States. Examples include the EPA, the FDA, and the Department of Homeland Security. The agencies covered under administrative law help to make decisions and determine rules in order to minimize the legal entanglement of the process.Oct 9, 2021

Is administrative law hard?

“Administrative Law is widely and justly regarded as one of the most difficult [courses] in the law school curriculum. It is a hard course to take and a hard course to teach.”1 Indeed, Administrative Law presents distinctive teaching challenges, which concern the students, the subject, and the teacher.

What is administrative law in simple terms?

Definition of Administrative Law Administrative law is the body of law created by the agencies and departments of the government, which carry out the laws passed by Congress or a state legislature.

Is administrative law a lawyer's law?

Administrative law is the body of law and legal work that deals with government agencies. Lawmakers create government agencies to carry out laws and administer the functions of government. These agencies create, implement and enforce regulations.

What is the difference between common law and administrative law?

Regulatory or administrative laws are passed by executive agencies. Common law is generated through court decisions. A law begins as a bill which is proposed in the legislature and voted upon. The proposed bill can go through several hearings, edits, and votes before being approved.Aug 20, 2021

What is the hardest year in law school?

first yearThe first year (1L) Most students consider the first year of law school to be the most difficult. The material is more complex than they're used to and it must be learned rapidly.

What is the hardest field of law?

Generally, more students find Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure the most difficult because they are far more abstract than other areas of law.

Is administrative law useful?

Because the basic principles of administrative law remain constant across different agencies, and because skill sets of administrative lawyers—writing, advising, litigating—are highly transferable, administrative law allows its practitioners to shift jobs from agency to agency, between executive and legislative ...

What is difference between administrative law and constitutional law?

Administrative law deals with the organizations, powers, functions, and duties of administrative authorities, on the other hand, constitutional law deals with the general principles relating to the organization and powers of various organs of the state and the relationship of these organs with the individuals.Jun 11, 2019

Is administrative law unconstitutional?

While some textualist scholars argue that administrative agencies are unconstitutional, particularly because of unconstitutional delegation of law-making power, the current jurisprudence in administrative law deems agencies constitutional, and necessary in the current society in the functional and pragmatic sense.

What is an administrative attorney?

An administrative attorney can ensure that you or your growing business are in compliance with the newest regulations. A lawyer can also advise you if you believe that you or your business has been unfairly treated by a government agency.

Do administrative attorneys charge by the hour?

In other instances, an attorney might charge on a contingency basis for complex matters. This means that you won’t have to pay anything up front but your lawyer will take a percentage if you win your case. If you don’t win, your lawyer won’t receive any payment.

Is Rocket Lawyer a lawyer?

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

What is administrative law?

Overview. Administrative law encompasses laws and legal principles governing the administration and regulation of government agencies (both Federal and state). Agencies are delegated power by Congress (or in the case of a state agency, the state legislature ), to act as agencies responsible for carrying out certain prerogative of the Congress.

What is the branch of law governing the creation and operation of administrative agencies?

Definition. Branch of law governing the creation and operation of administrative agencies. Of special importance are the powers granted to administrative agencies, the substantive rules that such agencies make, and the legal relationships between such agencies, other government bodies, and the public at large.

What is the APA for the government?

These and other limits have been codified, for the most part, into the overall statute known as the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and state analogs, which provides for the roles and powers of all the agencies, and the procedures by which they must abide by in all their functions. APA categorizes administrative functions into formal and informal rulemaking and adjudication, which have binding effects, as well as guidance, which has no binding effect. The APA further prescribes certain procedural rules by which the agencies need to follow before acting in one of the functions listed.

Why are administrative agencies unconstitutional?

While some textualist scholars argue that administrative agencies are unconstitutional, particularly because of unconstitutional delegation of law-making power, the current jurisprudence in administrative law deems agencies constitutional, and necessary in the current society in the functional and pragmatic sense.

What is the APA?

The APA is the major source for federal administrative agency law, while state agencies' administration and regulation are governed by comparable state acts. For example, under the federal APA and judicial interpretations of the APA, agencies purporting to engage in rulemaking function must give notice of proposed rulemaking before adopting ...

Why are administrative agencies created?

Generally, administrative agencies are created to protect a public interest rather than to vindicate private rights.

What is the purpose of the APA?

The APA is a remedial statute designed to ensure uniformity and openness in the procedures used by federal agencies. The Act is comprised of a comprehensive regulatory scheme governing regulations, adjudications, and rule making in general terms. The APA is the major source for federal administrative agency law, ...

What is administrative law?

Administrative law is a diverse area of law. The term administrative law is a broad term that encompasses many different types of law. A lawyer that practices administrative law might never see a courtroom. On the other hand, a different administrative lawyer might spend the vast majority of their practice filing legal documents ...

What is the role of an administrative law judge?

Administrative law judge. When agencies have internal procedures for hearing, an administrative law judge hears and decides the case. These judges are almost always attorneys. They have the important task of listening to the evidence and making a decision.

How does an administrative agency appeal a decision?

Most administrative agencies have a process for an appeal of an agency decision. In most cases, this hearing starts within in the agency itself. A judge within in the agency hears the case and makes a decision before it ever gets to a court in the judicial branch. At these administrative hearings, an attorney may represent the administrative agency. This attorney is usually an employee of the agency. If the case moves beyond an internal hearing to the courts, administrative lawyers continue to represent their respective agencies in court.

Why do we need lawyers?

When high-level officials and agency leaders set out to make rules and regulations, they need attorneys to help them understand the likely impacts of their decisions. They need to know if courts are likely to uphold their regulations. Administrative lawyers can help officials give proposed regulations the appropriate consideration. They can also evaluate public comments on proposed regulations and give officials guidance based on public input.

What is the purpose of the Administrative Procedures Act?

The 1946 federal law creates strict procedures for administrative agencies to follow as they carry out their work. The purpose of the law is to keep administrative agencies transparent and accountable to the public.

Why do lawyers get involved in government?

Lawyers get involved to make sure that these procedures and policies comply with the agency’s legislative authority. They make sure that there aren’t constitutional or due process considerations that the agency is overlooking when they set a policy. Their work helps their agency run as efficiently as possible.

What does an agency need to develop?

They might also create regulations that have the same effect as laws. An agency may develop standards and procedures for making claims to the agency or challenging the agency’s decision.

What is the purpose of administrative law?

Usually, an administrative agency's purpose is to protect the public at large and ensure the public's safety. ...

What is the Federal Administrative Procedure Act?

The Federal Administrative Procedures Act (for federal agencies) and similar state laws (for state agencies) sets rules on how the agencies must conduct themselves. The Federal Administrative Procedure Act includes many different areas for agency guidance. These sections relate to the functioning of the agencies.

What is variance in real estate?

A variance is a type of real estate approval whereby an owner can deviate from the specific zoning standards. For example, a property owner might seek to construct a deck higher off the ground than the height set in the local zoning code.

What is the role of the Environmental Protection Agency?

For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA) oversees the safety and protection of the environment, from wetlands protections to polluted groundwater and everything in between.

What is the Department of Homeland Security?

The Department of Homeland Security, on the other hand, is responsible for protecting the public against threats of violence to the United States. Additionally, on a state or local level, administrative agencies can consist of local zoning boards or land planning boards.

What are some examples of administrative hearings?

One common example is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge to determine whether one is entitled to receive Medicaid services. Another example is an FDA hearing to determine whether a drug is safe for marketing. Finally, other administrative hearings may include when a property owner seeks to obtain a variance.

What is the FDA?

The Federal Drug Administration (or FDA) and the Department of Homeland Security, meanwhile, are concerned with the safety of U.S. citizens. For instance, the FDA oversees the safety of the public health by regulating the production of drugs, vaccines, veterinary medicines, medical devices, and more.

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Counseling Official and Agency Personnel

  • From time to time, administrative lawyers are also called upon to offer legal advice to members of state agencies and other key players to ensure that any rules proposed are logical, lawful, and fundamentally correct. While the experts may know what the new policy should look like, it’s the …
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Commenting on Regulations

  • Commenting on new agency rules, whether to ensure legal soundness or to advocate a policy agenda, is a critical part of administrative law practice. Lawyers analyze proposed regulations and address any legal or constitutional problems before promulgating a new law. Internal comments and adjustments by the Office of Management and Budgetare often incorporated before the co…
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Organizing Regulatory Hearings

  • Lawyers who pursue a career in administrative law may also take part in the Notice and Commentphase of rulemaking. This kind of work involves drafting the hearing notice, preparing an agenda, publicizing the meetings, and reaching out to interest groups that are affected by proposed changes or rules. Such regulatory hearings allow the affected parties or other interest…
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Scrutinizing Public Comments

  • Once the public submits its comments, agency or state lawyers sit down and assess the feedback on the proposed rules and regulations. They consider the policy implications and the legal viability of incorporating all the suggested changes, debating and discussing the various consequences. After that, the agency can update rules based on public input before the OMB reviews the final s…
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Investigation and Oversight

  • Lawyers practicing administrative law also have the opportunity to carry out an investigation for oversight on behalf of investigative committees in state legislatures, or within an agency office like the Inspector General. For instance, the Department of Justice may investigate whether Homeland Securityis complying with the statutory limitations that Congress has mandated. On t…
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Defending Or Challenging Agency Regulatory Action

  • Budding trial lawyers also have the chance to question or justify regulatory action or inaction through the legal process (called litigation). If an agency oversteps the bounds set by statutes when making rules or regulations or fails to pass these, interested parties can challenge the agency’s rulemaking in a court of law. Some possible challengers could be private firms or NGO…
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Defending Or Prosecuting Agency Against Violations

  • Once the regulations are promulgated, it is up to the state agencies or the Attorney General‘s(AG‘s) office to enact those regulations. In other words, the agencies have to monitor entities to ensure they comply with the new regulatory requirements. Any violation of the laws can result in lawsuits that require lawyers to represent both parties. While prosecution falls squarely …
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Participating in Administrative Hearings

  • As an administrative lawyer, your work may entail representing your agency, particular interest group, or private client in administrative hearings. This situation may occur when a party feels that the agency’s rules were applied unfairly, for example. The matter will be brought before an Administrative Law Judge(ALJ) who has an affiliation with the agency, and your role would be t…
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Skills to Succeed as A Lawyer

  • Lawyers, like other aspiring professionals, must cultivate a set of skills that will help them discharge their duties effectively. Here are some of the skills that you need to hone:
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Administrative Law--Structure of Agencies

  • While some textualist scholars argue that administrative agencies are unconstitutional, particularly because of unconstitutional delegation of law-making power, the current jurisprudence in administrative law deems agencies constitutional, and necessary in the current society in the functional and pragmatic sense. Indeed, because the Congress cannot enforce an…
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Statutory Regulation of Agencies

  • However, despite their enormous powers, the governmental agencies must still act within Constitutional and statutory parameters. These and other limits have been codified, for the most part, into the overall statute known as the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and state analogs, which provides for the roles and powers of all the agencies, and the procedures by which they m…
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AdministrativeLaw -- Judicial Review of Agency Actions

  • One important aspect of the administrative law is the judicial deference given by the courts to the agencies. The U.S. Supreme Court has established three different levels or standards of judicial deference in three landmark cases: Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. NDRC, 467 U.S. 837 (1984); Auer v. Robbins, 519 U.S. 452 (1997); and Skidmore v. Swift, 323 U.S. 134 (1944). First, under Chevron d…
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Administrative Law Is A Diverse Area of Law

  • The term administrative law is a broad term that encompasses many different types of law. A lawyer that practices administrative law might never see a courtroom. On the other hand, a different administrative lawyer might spend the vast majority of their practice filing legal documents and arguing to judges in a formal setting. Some administrative lawyers have a lot of …
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Where Does Administrative Law Come from?

  • Administrative law begins with a legislative body. At the federal level, it’s the U.S. Congress. At the state level, it’s state representatives. There are even local town councils and county commissions that can make rules. When these organizations create law, they either directly create the law or they create an agency that they task with creating the law. Once the legislative body creates the …
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The Administrative Procedures Act

  • The U.S. Administrative Procedures Act is the rule book for the way that administrative agencies function. The 1946 federal law creates strict procedures for administrative agencies to follow as they carry out their work. The purpose of the law is to keep administrative agencies transparent and accountable to the public. Lawmakers believe that the public should know what the agencie…
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Who Practices Administrative Law?

  • Working for the government
    Administrative lawyers are both public and private attorneys. Public attorneys work within a wide range of disciplines within a government agency. Private attorneys might also work for a government agency on a contract basis rather than as an employee. An example of this might b…
  • Working on behalf of private clients
    Attorneys may also practice administrative law on behalf of private clients. For example, they may help a client navigate administrative procedures in order to make sure they succeed in making a certain claim to an agency. An example of this might be an attorney that helps a client make an …
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Types of Administrative Law Practice

  • There are a wide variety of tasks that administrative lawyers perform. The duties vary considerably within each agency and among specific duties within an agency. An administrative lawyer may do one or more of the following:
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Why Become An Administrative Lawyer?

  • Administrative lawyers have a great deal of influence over the way that people act each day. They make regulations that impact the way that people conduct their daily lives. Regulations impact when and how people can do business. Some people choose to work in administrative law because of this opportunity to make a difference. Others enjoy administrative law practice beca…
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