The lawyers in the Administrative Agency and Appellate Practice Group provide knowledgeable advice and representation in matters before numerous Pennsylvania and federal governmental agencies and bureaus.  The Group’s lawyers also routinely prosecute and defend appeals involving all of the firm’s litigation, healthcare, workers compensation and employment-related practices, including administrative agency adjudications and decisions.  Our appellate practice extends to all state and federal courts in Pennsylvania.     

Throughout its history, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP has defended and represented individuals, corporations, insurers, health care providers and professionals conducting business in Pennsylvania.  The Administrative Agency and Appellate Practice Group draws upon this expertise as each Group lawyer actively practices in another practice group of the firm.  Many of the firm’s attorneys have extensive experience as law clerks to appellate judges or were formerly associated with administrative agencies.   

As seasoned practitioners, the Group’s lawyers provide the required guidance needed to successfully navigate state and federal administrative law and appellate practice and procedure.  We are familiar with the “personality” of unique individual administrative agencies and bureaus and their specific regulations and policies.  We understand the public policy reasons which form the bases of agency determinations.  We provide practical and focused representation in order to meet a client’s particular needs, whether by early resolution of disputed claims, or by zealous advocacy. 

The Group’s lawyers have advised and represented clients, including insurers, corporations, health care providers, insurance agents, and other professionals and licensed individuals and entities, when faced with defending against, or proceeding against, various Pennsylvania and federal governmental and administrative agencies, including the following:

• Pennsylvania Insurance Department and its various divisions, such as the Administrative Hearings Office, Bureau of Enforcement, and the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund and its predecessor, the Medical Professional Liability Catastrophe Loss Fund
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Pennsylvania Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association
• Professional Licensing Boards
• Department of Labor and Industry
• Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission

The firm’s appellate practice effectively reviews a trial court proceeding and, if adverse, the Group’s lawyers can advise which issues have the best chance of being reversed on appeal.  If the trial proceeding is favorable, the appellate court must be convinced that the appellate standard of review requires that the trial court’s result not be disturbed, despite the errors alleged.  Whether prosecuting or defending an appeal, it is crucial that the appellate case be evaluated early to determine whether trial issues have been preserved for appeal.  If so, the chances for a successful result must be assessed, and as appropriate, settled or aggressively pursued.