Higher Stakes Deserve a Higher Bar
Kimberly S. Courtney, Esq.
A license can take years of training, testing, and money to earn.
Losing it can happen in a single proceeding.
I represent applicants and licensed professionals and test takers in New York and Massachusetts when a license, an exam, or a career is on the line. Whether you are facing a disciplinary complaint, a score invalidation, a denied application, a license suspension or revocation, or an adverse decision you need to appeal, the goal is the same: protect what you have built.
I understand professional licensing from the inside. I hold law licenses in both New York and Massachusetts, with pro hac vice admissions in courts across the country, and I previously held a liquor license in Massachusetts. That firsthand experience as a licensee shapes how I represent every client.
Why Higher Bar Law
I am the firm. Every matter is handled by me directly. You hire me, you work with me.
License defense and appellate work demand strategic clarity, careful document review, sharp legal writing, and a willingness to push back where pushback is warranted. That is the work, and that is what I do.
How I Can Help
Professional Licensing Disciplinary
Defense for licensed professionals facing complaints, investigations, and disciplinary action before state boards in New York and Massachusetts.
Professional Exam Disciplinary
Representation for test takers facing score invalidations, cheating allegations, irregularities, and character and fitness issues, including internal appeal procedures at exam companies.
Neutral mediator and arbitrator services nationwide, plus representation of parties in mediation and arbitration in New York and Massachusetts.
For details on mediation and arbitration, see my Mediation & Arbitration page.
When an adverse decision needs to be appealed, multiple layers of review may be available depending on the matter: internal exam company review, state administrative appeals, mediation or arbitration where required, and court review.
For details on appellate work in licensing matters, see my Appeals page.
Food, Beverage, and Hospitality Matters
For food and alcohol licensing, hospitality regulatory matters, and related disciplinary work, visit my hospitality and food and beverage practice at FoodAndLiquorLawyer.com.
Client Testimonials
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I sincerely appreciate your hard work and really enjoyed reading the draft ... Thank you.
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Truth is your brilliance.
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Huge appreciation to you ... for moving this forward and all your work getting to this point.
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Another exceptional brief!
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I am beyond grateful for you and the work you are doing for me.
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Thank you ... from the bottom of my heart and warmest regards.
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I deeply appreciate your dedication and work ethic.
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Your defense prevented a catastrophic ending for us.
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Thank you so much for so diligently working on [my case].
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This is an excellent write-up—your framing of each issue is particularly effective.
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Thank you, and you are a lifesaver, are all very nice sentiments but seem to fall short.
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I hope you allow yourselves to realize the importance and life changing [your work] can be for your clients.
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Words honestly cannot express how deeply appreciative and relieved I feel.
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I so appreciate your tenacity!!!
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You are super heroes.
Contact Us
If you are facing a disciplinary complaint, an exam dispute, an administrative appeal, or a contested mediation or arbitration, the first step is a conversation.