Focused on representing individuals and businesses in administrative disputes, eminent domain, and proceedings before every level of government.
Areas of administrative law the firm handles.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is evaluated on its own facts.
Educational articles on administrative law.
An administrative appeal is filed against a final agency action that violated the petitioner's rights or interests. The filing window is generally 30 days from notice. Courts review legality, not the wisdom of the decision.
Read more →Owners are entitled to compensation at fair market value. If the parties can't agree on the amount, a court decides. Condemnation is only permitted for a public purpose established in advance by statute.
Read more →If an agency doesn't issue a decision within its statutory deadline, the applicant can generally treat it as a denial and appeal, opening the door to further legal action without waiting indefinitely.
Read more →A business has the right to be informed of the inspection's purpose, to be present, and to respond. An inspector's finding can generally be appealed within 15 days of notice.
Read more →Administrative law is a field most people underestimate - until they run into a problem with a government agency. Before entering private practice, Melissa Dawson worked as in-house counsel within state government, giving her a detailed, firsthand understanding of how agencies actually operate.
She applies that experience every day, representing individuals and businesses before government agencies and courts across Virginia.
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