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PROFESSIONAL LICENSE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

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Why Hire Us

FORMER
IDFPR CHIEF OF PROSECUTIONS

OVER 3000 SUCCESSFUL CASES

MORE THAN 45 YEARS
COMBINED LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Illinois Professional License Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for IDFPR Cases in Chicago and Downstate Illinois

Whether you are a healthcare provider, a business owner, or another licensed professional, you will want to do everything you can to protect your license against discipline. If you need to address matters before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Williams & Nickl, LLC can help you protect your license and your career. Whether you are facing disciplinary action or the denial of a license application, we can help you understand the best steps to take to resolve your issue quickly and effectively. To schedule a free, one-hour consultation with Edward Williams and Fred Nickl, contact us at 312-335-9470.

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Case Results

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Restoration of veterinarian's license following forgery conviction.
Successful appeal of revocation of physician's license.
Case dismissed against real estate broker accused of fraud.

Client Testimonials

"Highly professional organization that is capable in sorting out any State of Illinois licensing issues, large or small. Great people to work with, always friendly and courteous. Chicago natives acutely tuned into the goings on of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago."
- John Reidy
- John Reidy
"Fred Nickl was able to turn a frivolous complaint into a nothing burger. The firm was on point, kept me well informed, and professional. If you are an Illinois licensed professional, please keep them in your list of contacts. Remember, its not if you need them its when you need them."
- Matthew
- Matthew
"I own and operate a Private Alarm Contractor Agency in the Chicago Area and have been dealing with Edward and Fred for nearly a decade. If you own a security company in Illinois they are a must know law firm that is truly second to nobody when dealing with the IDFPR."
- Alarm Contractor, Chicagoland
- Alarm Contractor, Chicagoland
"I was already hired as a Registered Nurse in downtown Chicago, and had already begun orientation when I received a "Deficiency Checklist" from IDFPR. I was devastated. I contacted Williams & Nickl on March 14th, and they had my license issued by March 28th!!"
- MSN, RN, Chicago
- MSN, RN, Chicago
"Fred was instrumental in helping me out on a situation that occurred with the Illinois Board. The board was going to reprimand me for a minor incident which had nothing to do with obtaining a license. With one letter Fred was able to resolve the situation and no reprimand was posted."
- Physician, Illinois
- Physician, Illinois
"We were falsely accused of operating without PERC cards and chose Williams & Nickl to defend us before IDFPR... When IDFPR filed charges, Williams & Nickl were our only choice. Fred took our case to the Board and got them to completely drop the complaint - best possible result."
- Security Contractor, Illinois
- Security Contractor, Illinois
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Healthcare License Defense

Because of the impact that medical professionals can have on the health and well-being of the public, they are closely regulated by the IDFPR. Our attorneys have the experience necessary to defend healthcare providers against license discipline.

Doctors

Physicians, surgeons, osteopaths, and other medical doctors may need to address licensing issues before the Illinois Medical Board. Accusations of issues such as negligence in practice, insurance fraud, or sexual misconduct can not only affect a person’s reputation, but they could result in the suspension or revocation of a doctor’s medical license. Allegations of non-therapeutic prescribing or drug diversion could lead to both disciplinary action and criminal charges. Medicare/Medicaid compliance audits could lead to exclusion from these programs, affecting a practice’s ability to provide care to patients. Edward and Fred can help medical professionals address these issues and defend against any and all forms of discipline.
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Nurses

There are multiple types of nursing licenses in Illinois, and holders of these licenses may need to address different disciplinary issues. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may face discipline for exceeding the allowed scope of practice. Registered Nurses (RNs) may be disciplined for negligence in practice or unprofessional conduct. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) may need to respond to concerns related to prescriptions for controlled substances or other medications. Our attorneys are experienced in defending nurses against disciplinary action. We also assist nurse applicants in resolving deficiencies or other issues and ensuring that nursing licenses are issued in a timely fashion.
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Chiropractors

The Illinois Medical Licensing Board and Medical Disciplinary Board govern chiropractor licenses. We can assist with issues that may threaten these licenses, including accusations of substance abuse, breach of confidentiality, or recordkeeping irregularities.

Psychologists and Social Workers

We can represent psychologists facing disciplinary action before the Clinical Psychologists Licensing and Disciplinary Board, or we can assist social workers in license discipline cases before the Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board.

Dentists and Dental Hygienists

The Illinois Board of Dentistry may address disciplinary issues for both dentists and dental hygienists. We can help defend against discipline for substandard practice of dentistry or non-therapeutic prescription of controlled substances.

Veterinarians and Vet Techs

We can provide veterinarians with license defense before the Veterinarian Licensing and Disciplinary Board in cases involving failure to meet financial obligations, diversion of controlled substances, or failure to report animal cruelty, torture, or abuse.

Business License Defense

Business owners and people in certain professions will need to maintain a professional license, and any threats these licenses should be addressed immediately. Fred and Edward provide skilled representation in IDFPR business license defense cases, and we can help you determine the best ways to protect your ability to continue operating in your chosen career.

Meet Our Team

Fred A. Nickl

Fred Nickl is a partner in Williams & Nickl, LLC concentrating on defending and consulting with licensed professionals before the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, and litigation involving licensed professionals and their businesses. He has litigated numerous claims on behalf of clients in the medical and health-related fields, and alarm fields, in both state and federal courts.

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Edward W. Williams

Edward Williams has focused on counseling and representing licensed professionals and licensed professional agencies and companies for over 26 years. He previously served for three years as a Prosecutor and as the Chief of General Prosecutions at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), where he prosecuted or presided over the prosecution of hundreds of licensed professionals.

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Bill Cisar

Bill has 10 years’ experience as an attorney and holds an LLM in Tax. Bill’s background is in tax, municipal, and transactional law. His tax and municipal work exposed him to countless administrative rules and regulations, and he uses that knowledge to defend and consult with licensed physicians, nurses, dentists, real estate and mortgage brokers, private detectives, and other licensed professionals.

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Licensing Exam Preparation Seminars and Educational Seminars

Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding professional licensing in Illinois. We regularly provide exam preparation and educational seminars to those in the security, alarm, and investigations industries. These seminars offer applicants invaluable guidance regarding the topics covered in IDFPR licensing examinations, as well as information about legal issues affecting these professions.

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Sign Up for Our Newsletter

We send periodic email newsletters about dates of courses and seminars, trends in the law, significant cases, IDFPR cases and court summaries.

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Concealed Carry Appeals

Applicants for a Concealed Carry License (CCL) in Illinois may have their application denied because of Law Enforcement Objections or other issues. We can assist in responding to these Objections or appealing the denial of a license. Because CCL appeals follow a complex legal procedure known as Administrative Review, it is essential to work with an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases.

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Agencies, Inspector General and DHFS

Businesses and professionals in Illinois will want to do everything they can to maintain the proper licenses. In many cases, healthcare providers or other businesses will need to address licensing issues before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). However, there are situations in which other government agencies may become involved.

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From Our Blog

Preparing for Pharmacy Audits

Pharmacy audits are a common practice in healthcare. These audits include a comprehensive review of a pharmacy’s records, practices, and procedures to determine whether it is in compliance with relevant laws and regulations,…
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