
Lawyer For Administrative Law Judge Hearings
Assisting Clients With Administrative Law Judge Hearings in Washington, D.C. & Nationwide
Administrative Law Judges are appointed to arbitrate cases for a wide variety of federal agencies. They typically oversee cases that fall into three categories: entitlement, regulatory, and enforcement cases. Entitlement cases include social security disability, federal disability retirement benefits, and other benefit claims. If you are denied certain benefits as a federal employee, you may be able to bring your case before an Administrative Law Judge.
If you’re ready to pursue an appeal hearing, contact the Washington, D.C., federal employment lawyers at The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC. We can represent your case before the Administrative Law Judge and help you receive the benefits your situation or condition warrants.
Contact our attorneys for administrative law judge hearings today at (202) 350-3881 to schedule a consultation.
How Does An Administrative Law Hearing Work?
During your appeal hearing, an Administrative Law Judge needs to review your “exhibit file,” which includes your medical records and work history, before making any decisions regarding your disability claim. This file also needs to list the reason you were originally denied benefits. The Administrative Law Judge may request the presence of a medical specialist or vocational expert who can provide knowledgeable information regarding your medical records.
As your legal representative, we can litigate on your behalf in court and present critical medical evidence to the Administrative Law Judge. By strengthening your disability claim, we can help you secure a positive case outcome that yields essential benefits.
Your Rights in Administrative Law Proceedings
Understanding your rights in administrative law proceedings is crucial for navigating the complexities of the legal system effectively. At The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., we believe that informed clients are empowered clients.
Here are some key rights you should be aware of during your administrative law judge hearings:
- The Right to Timely Notice: Every party in a hearing has the right to timely notice, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and be heard through objections, motions, and arguments.
- The Right to Representation: You have the right to have an attorney represent you throughout the process. This ensures that your interests are effectively advocated for.
- The Rights of Participants: Every participant has the right to present a written or oral statement, and may submit proposed findings, conclusions, and a post-hearing brief at the judge’s discretion.
- The Right to Present Evidence: You can present evidence that supports your case, including documents and witness testimony.
- The Right to Cross-Examine Witnesses: You have the right to challenge the evidence presented against you by cross-examining witnesses.
- The Right to a Fair Hearing: You are entitled to a hearing that is conducted fairly and without bias.
- The Right to Appeal: If you disagree with the outcome, you have the right to appeal the decision within the specified timeframe.
Our experienced ALJ attorneys at The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq. are dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected at every step of the administrative law process. We provide personalized legal support tailored to your specific situation, helping you build a robust case and navigate any challenges you may face.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your rights and options in administrative law hearings.
What Types of Federal Employment Cases Go Before an Administrative Law Judge?
Federal employment cases that are heard before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) involve disputes that require an impartial review of evidence and testimony.
Common types of cases include:
- Entitlement cases – such as federal disability retirement benefits or Social Security-related claims.
- Regulatory and enforcement matters – involving compliance with federal agency rules.
- Adverse actions – including removals, suspensions, or demotions of federal employees.
- Workplace discrimination or retaliation claims – when employees seek to protect their rights.
Although ALJ hearings are generally less formal than court trials, they are complex and require careful preparation. An experienced ALJ attorney can help federal employees navigate the process, gather evidence, prepare witnesses, and present persuasive legal arguments. Proper representation ensures that your rights are protected and that your case is presented clearly and effectively, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
How Should I Prepare For An Administrative Law Judge Hearing?
Preparing for an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing is critical to ensure you present a strong and compelling case.
Here are essential things to remember:
- Understanding the Hearing Process: Familiarity with the sequence of events during the hearing can help alleviate anxiety and enable you to focus on presenting your case effectively. Your attorney can provide a detailed rundown of what to expect.
- Consult with a Federal employment law attorney for administrative law judge hearings in Washington DC can significantly enhance your preparation. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the legal process.
- Hearings for Social Security are unofficial. No opposing counsel is present to cross-examine you. A Social Security hearing is referred to as "non-adversarial" in legalese, which implies that customary norms of evidence and courtroom etiquette will not be followed. Your attorney will present the Administrative Law Judge with your information; the judge and your attorney may ask you questions; experts may be present at the hearing and may be questioned by both the judge and your attorney; the hearing will be closed by the judge.
- Be prepared to talk about your employment history over the last 15 years. Your complete work history report and any pertinent documents Social Security has gathered to help you with this will be available to your attorney. Talk about your employment history in brief, emphasizing the most important details.
- Questions about your reasons for leaving particular occupations, the number of hours you worked each week, your pay rate, if you could still perform those activities now, and whether the roles were full-time or part-time may come up. Don't worry if you've worked at a lot of different professions in the last 15 years and you can't remember everything. Just share the details that come to mind.
- Be ready to list all significant medical conditions that limit your daily activities. Consult with your administrative law judge hearing attorney to determine which conditions are relevant for the hearing. Minor conditions, like controlled asthma or benign hypertension, usually need only a brief mention.
- Consider writing a list of your medical conditions; your attorney can help remind you of any you might forget. You only need to testify about what you know and experience. No one expects you to use medical terms or act as a doctor.
As a Washington DC Federal employment law attorney for administrative law judge hearings serving nationwide, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through this complex process. Proper preparation, combined with expert legal representation, can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Us for Your Administrative Law Judge Hearing
Facing an administrative law judge hearing can be daunting, making it essential to have expert legal representation by your side. At The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC, our seasoned attorneys are specialists in administrative law, boasting a proven history of success in representing clients during these critical proceedings.
Here are some reasons why you should choose us for your administrative law judge hearing:
- Rich Experience: Our lawyers are well-versed in the nuances of administrative law and have handled matters in this field for many years.
- Personalized Attention: We give each client individualized attention since we recognize that every case is different and we want to make sure that their particular demands are satisfied.
- Strategic Approach: To increase the likelihood of a favorable result, we create legal strategies that are specifically suited to each case.
- Proven Outcomes: In administrative law judge proceedings, our firm has a track record of getting favorable outcomes for our clients.
Our expert ALJ lawyer is ready to provide personalized legal guidance. Call (202) 350-3881 to secure your consultation.
Recognized Leader in the Field Published Case Victories & Publications
John Mahoney, who is a former federal Administrative Judge, is regularly highlighted in the news and often writes and presents on matters of federal employment law. He is recognized as a leader in the field due to his impressive track record, which includes everything from recovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation from the EEOC for clients in discrimination and retaliation cases to effecting changes in federal employment law and reversing MSPB decisions. For federal employee legal representation, contact us today (202) 350-8881.

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Contact Our Attorneys Today
If you’re preparing to stand before an Administrative Law Judge, particularly at the Merit Systems Protection Board, it’s imperative that you hire an experienced Attorneys as soon as possible. At The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC, our federal employment lawyers in Washington, D.C., have the professional experience to guide you through each step of the appeal process and make sure that you never miss a critical case deadline. We can also help you compile claim information and fill out essential legal documentation. Our firm was founded by an Administrative Judge, so you can trust that we have the knowledge and resources to properly represent your case.
Rely on our 24 years of legal experience. Contact The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC at (202) 350-3881 today.
