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Administrative Law
Much of the law which impacts individuals directly is derived from administrative codes created by federal, state, and local government agencies. Administrative law is the body of law that governs and refers to the procedures, rules, and regulations established by the various state and federal governmental agencies. While each agency’s power and authority varies depending on its size and whether it is on the state, federal, or local level, an agency’s rules and regulations can affect a wide range of matters, ranging from application and licensing guidelines and requirements, to air quality control regulations and consumer product safety.
When a federal or state legislature passes enabling legislation, governmental agencies often transform many of those laws into actionable rules which directly impact the people subject to the agency’s authority. When a person is harmed or mistreated by these rules, or the rules’ applications, however, the person is not without recourse. For example, Washington State provides procedures with which an individual may petition a state agency, and eventually the courts, for redress. These procedures are strictly enforced and generally provide a step-by-step pathway to address the administrative issue.
Before a court will hear an administrative law issue, however, the court almost always requires that the petitioner “exhaust” his or her administrative remedies. This means that the affected person must take every step possible in the administrative appeals process prior to petitioning the court for redress. Exceptions to this rule are generally limited to emergencies or futility. If an individual believes that he or she has been mistreated or issued a notice of violation or citation wrongfully, it is imperative that he or she follow the deadlines as set out in the citation documents. If you are confronted by an unjust, inaccurate, or incomplete citation from a government agency, you must act quickly, or at a minimum, act within the outlined appeals timeline.
Administrative Law Practice
At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, our attorneys offer a wealth of experience in handling issues relating to administrative agencies and law. Our administrative law attorneys have represented numerous clients in their administrative law matters and have appeared before various state, local, and federal agencies, as well as before state and federal courts. Whether you require legal assistance in obtaining a permit or license, or whether you need legal counsel to represent you before an administrative adjudication, our attorneys stand fully prepared to assist you. If you would like to speak with one of our Seattle & Tacoma administrative law attorneys, please give us a call.
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Featured Testimonial
“I have never been so frustrated trying to work with my bank. I hired Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess to represent me and in the manner of just a couple months he was able to get everything fixed. Now due to their efforts my family and I were able to buy a new house and we could not be happier. I highly recommend Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess and if I ever need a lawyer again they will be my first call.”
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Lacey L. Hatch
Lacey has developed an in-depth knowledge and has successfully advised clients in an array of land use matters, including project review, code drafting and interpretation, as well as a variety of litigation pertinent to land use issues.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
