Whenever the government tries to deny a benefit or take away a license, the parties affected by the action have the right to a fair hearing before an impartial adjudicator. Protecting that right takes some planning. This book is designed to offer practical suggestions about how to prepare for agency hearings. It's a guide for lawyers, clinical assistants, law students, and laymen who want to gain an accurate understanding of what to expect in litigating with a local, state, or federal governmental agency. Written by an experienced administrative litigator and judge, the book explains why preparing for agency litigation is different from civil or criminal litigation. It provides a brief summary of the constitutional principles controlling agency action, a comprehensive discussion about issues that are likely to arise in administrative hearings, and a thorough review of the best practices for effective advocacy before governmental bodies. It explains how to avoid the trial-by-fire …