Regulatory Challenges & Appeals—protect your rights with a record‑based strategy

When an agency issues a decision that affects your license, permits, benefits, or business operations, you typically have one chance—and tight deadlines—to challenge it. Our team builds appeals on the administrative record, identifies reversible error, and pursues tailored remedies such as remand, vacatur, or negotiated resolutions. Led by founding attorney Grant Van Der Jagt, JD (Castle Rock, CO), we move quickly so you don’t miss jurisdictional cutoffs.

  • Deadlines first: we calendar jurisdictional limits, request stays where appropriate, and preserve your rights immediately.
  • Issue framing: we align each argument to the applicable standard of review (e.g., substantial evidence, arbitrary/capricious, abuse of discretion).
  • Record discipline: we audit the certified record, flag gaps, and seek supplementation where rules allow.
  • Outcome-focused remedies: remand for further proceedings, vacate/modify, or settlement leverage via targeted briefing.
Discuss an Agency Appeal Call 720-499-0000
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When to appeal—and who we help

Appeals make sense when agency findings lack substantial evidence, decisions depart from required procedures, or the agency exceeds its authority. We support a wide range of regulated parties facing immediate and material impacts from adverse actions.

Licensed professionals

Doctors, engineers, accountants, real‑estate brokers, and other licensees facing suspension, revocation, or disciplinary findings.

Businesses and startups

Permitting, licensing, and compliance determinations—from denied approvals to enforcement penalties that threaten operations.

Real estate and land use

Zoning, variances, and environmental conditions; we coordinate evidence with property, title, and environmental considerations.

Insurance and benefits

Coverage disputes and administrative denials; cross‑practice strength in insurance helps uncover additional recovery paths.

Individuals

Matters involving professional discipline, benefits eligibility, and other day‑to‑day agency actions that carry real consequences.

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Grounds and standards of review (how agencies are held accountable)

Effective appeals connect each argument to the right standard of review. We translate dense rules into clear issues a reviewing body can act on.

Arbitrary or capricious

Decisions that ignore relevant evidence, rely on improper factors, or lack a rational connection to the facts and law.

Substantial evidence

The record must support findings with more than a mere scintilla; conflicting evidence is analyzed for sufficiency.

Due process and procedure

Notice, an opportunity to be heard, and adherence to published rules; procedural errors can be independently reversible.

Statutory interpretation

Misreading enabling statutes or regulations, applying the wrong standard, or ignoring relevant legislative intent.

Exceeding authority

Agencies must act within delegated powers; actions beyond jurisdiction or contrary to rules are vulnerable on appeal.

Hearing room with legal briefs and a calendar of appeal deadlines on the table

The agency‑appeal process (move fast, stay precise)

  1. Deadline check & stays: Confirm jurisdictional deadlines and evaluate a stay of enforcement to prevent immediate harm.
  2. Record assembly: Obtain and audit the certified administrative record; request supplementation where rules permit.
  3. Issue framing: Map arguments to standards of review; prioritize reversible errors and remedy requests.
  4. Opening brief: Concise facts, citations, and rule application; we avoid surplus and anchor arguments to the record.
  5. Response & reply: Address agency positions with targeted rebuttals; preserve alternative grounds for relief.
  6. Oral argument (where applicable): Focus on dispositive questions; emphasize standards and remedies.
  7. Decision & next steps: Implement outcomes—remand directives, vacatur impacts, or negotiated resolutions.

Want clarity on how matters flow at our firm? Visit Our Process .

For a neutral overview of administrative law principles, see resources on the Administrative Procedure Act at law.cornell.edu and current regulations at eCFR.gov .

Fees & engagement—transparent and phase‑based

Appeals benefit from structured scopes. We often price discrete phases—deadline triage and stay request, record audit, briefing, and argument—so you can plan with confidence. You’ll receive a written scope letter and clear expectations before work begins.

  • Urgent intake option for near‑term filing deadlines.
  • Predictable phase budgets with regular status updates.
  • Hybrid fee models for complex multi‑issue appeals where appropriate.
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Why choose Tactical Lawyers for agency appeals?

  • Cross‑disciplinary depth: business, real estate, environmental, insurance, and tax—so your strategy fits the real world.
  • Responsive updates: clear milestones, briefing calendars, and next‑step timelines.
  • Local presence in Castle Rock and the Denver Metro with expanding state coverage.
  • Client feedback: “We are responsive, and skilled.”
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Agency Appeals FAQs

Practical answers to help you decide the next step and avoid missed deadlines.

What if the record is weak?
We assess options such as remand, targeted supplementation (where rules allow), or settlement pathways. Many appeals turn on whether the certified record actually supports the findings under the stated standard of review.
Are stays available?
In some cases, yes. We evaluate likelihood and timing, then move promptly to request a stay of enforcement to prevent immediate harm while the appeal is pending.
How long do appeals take?
Timelines vary by agency, size of the record, and briefing schedules. We provide estimates after reviewing the file and applicable rules.
Can I introduce new evidence on appeal?
Often the reviewing body is limited to the administrative record. Some rules allow supplementation for specific gaps (e.g., missing exhibits or procedural irregularities). We evaluate the best path case‑by‑case.
Do I have to exhaust administrative remedies first?
Usually yes. Many jurisdictions require that you complete available administrative steps before a court will review the case. We confirm the proper route and preserve your filing deadlines.
What remedies are realistic on appeal?
Common outcomes include remand for further proceedings, vacatur or modification of the decision, or settlement. The remedy depends on the errors identified and the governing statute or rule.
What should I do first if I just received an adverse decision?
Act immediately. Preserve the notice, calendar the stated deadline, and contact counsel. We can quickly evaluate stay options and outline the filing steps to protect your rights.
Ask About Your Appeal Administrative & Regulatory Law Overview

Facing an agency deadline? Get clear next steps today.

We’ll confirm conflicts, review your decision letter, map the record, and give you a realistic timeline for filings and possible stays.

Get an Appeal Assessment Call 720-499-0000

Page last updated: September 12, 2025