Graff & McGovern

Business Details

Professional License Defense & Government Affairs Lawyers

Graff & McGovern is a Columbus, Ohio-based law firm specializing in professional licensure defense and government affairs. With over 115 years of combined experience, our attorneys represent licensed professionals, businesses, and organizations in matters involving state licensing boards, regulatory compliance, and legislative advocacy. We provide aggressive legal representation to protect careers and professional licenses before entities like the State Medical Board of Ohio, Ohio Board of Nursing, and Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. Our team includes an Administrative Agency Law Specialist certified by the Ohio State Bar Association, one of only eight attorneys statewide with this distinction. We offer bilingual (Spanish/English) support to ensure clear communication and comprehensive guidance through complex administrative processes. Our government affairs practice focuses on legislative action, agency rulemaking, and policy reform to address client needs at local, state, and federal levels.

Located steps from the Ohio Statehouse, we leverage our deep understanding of government operations to navigate bureaucratic challenges effectively. We serve clients across healthcare, real estate, construction, insurance, and financial industries, handling cases involving license defense, regulatory filings, and administrative litigation. Our proven track record includes defending professionals against disciplinary actions, drafting amicus briefs for Supreme Court cases, and advocating for policy changes that benefit individuals and organizations. Committed to accessibility and client-centered service, we provide strategic legal solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

Services

Medical License Defense Nursing License Defense Pharmacy License Defense Government Affairs Administrative Law

Highlights and features

We have over 25 years defending Ohio professionals in license disciplinary cases
Our team includes one of only eight Administrative Agency Law Specialists in Ohio
We provide bilingual (Spanish/English) legal support for clear communication
We represent clients before all major Ohio state licensing boards and agencies
Our Columbus location provides direct access to Ohio government decision-makers

Associations and certifications

Ohio State Bar Association

Website

Update Listing

Services

Medical License Defense

We defend Ohio physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals facing disciplinary actions from the State Medical Board of Ohio and related agencies. Our attorneys provide strategic representation during investigations, hearings, and appeals to protect medical licenses and professional reputations. With decades of experience handling complex cases involving patient complaints, prescribing practices, and regulatory violations, we work to achieve favorable outcomes through negotiation or formal proceedings.

Government Affairs

Our government affairs practice helps clients influence legislative and regulatory changes at local, state, and federal levels. We assist with agency rulemaking, legislative lobbying, and drafting amicus briefs to shape policies affecting professional licensing and industry regulations. With direct access to Ohio government officials and agencies, we advocate for clients seeking policy reforms or navigating complex administrative processes related to their business operations.

Administrative Law

We represent clients in administrative law matters involving state agencies and licensing boards. Our services include handling disciplinary proceedings, license applications, and regulatory compliance issues across multiple industries. The firm's Administrative Agency Law Specialist certification ensures expert-level representation in complex administrative cases, including writs of mandamus and appeals before the Ohio Supreme Court and Board of Tax Appeals.

Pharmacy License Defense

We defend pharmacists and pharmacy owners in disciplinary cases before the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. Our attorneys handle investigations related to prescription errors, controlled substance violations, and operational compliance issues. With specialized knowledge of pharmacy regulations and disciplinary procedures, we work to protect licenses and maintain professional standing through negotiated settlements or formal hearings when necessary.

Nursing License Defense

Our firm provides dedicated defense for nurses facing disciplinary actions from the Ohio Board of Nursing. We handle cases involving patient care allegations, medication errors, and criminal record disclosures that could jeopardize nursing licenses. With proven experience in administrative hearings and license reinstatement processes, we develop customized defense strategies to protect nursing careers and professional credentials across all nursing specialties.

People

Douglas E. Graff

Managing Partner Emeritus

Douglas Graff co-founded the firm with over 30 years of experience in administrative law and government affairs. He specializes in representing licensed professionals before Ohio state agencies and has played key roles in significant regulatory cases affecting healthcare and business professionals.

James M. McGovern

Managing Partner

James McGovern leads the firm's government affairs practice with extensive experience in legislative advocacy and administrative law. He represents clients before Ohio state agencies and has been instrumental in shaping policy changes that impact professional licensing and regulatory compliance across multiple industries.

Levi J. Tkach

Director of Professional Licensing

Levi Tkach specializes in professional license defense with a focus on healthcare providers. Certified as an Administrative Agency Law Specialist, he represents clients before Ohio licensing boards and handles complex disciplinary cases involving medical, nursing, and pharmacy licenses.

Brandon M. Smith

Assistant Director of Professional Licensing

Brandon Smith assists professionals facing license disciplinary actions, focusing on regulatory compliance and administrative hearings. He works closely with clients to develop defense strategies for cases involving healthcare licensing boards and other state regulatory agencies.

Questions

What types of professional license cases do you handle?

We handle all types of professional license defense cases before Ohio state boards including medical, nursing, pharmacy, dental, and real estate licenses. Our attorneys represent professionals in disciplinary actions, renewal issues, and regulatory compliance matters.

Can you help with government affairs outside of Columbus?

While based in Columbus, we represent clients statewide and nationally on Ohio-specific government affairs matters. Our location near the Statehouse provides unique access to decision-makers while serving clients throughout Ohio and beyond.

How do you handle urgent license defense situations?

We prioritize urgent cases with immediate response times. Our attorneys work quickly to protect clients' rights during investigations, license suspensions, or emergency board actions while maintaining thorough legal representation.

Do you offer bilingual legal services?

Yes, we provide bilingual (Spanish/English) legal support to ensure clear communication and understanding throughout the legal process for all our clients.

What industries do your government affairs attorneys serve?

Our government affairs practice serves healthcare, real estate, construction, insurance, and financial industries. We help these sectors navigate regulatory requirements, influence policy changes, and resolve administrative disputes with state agencies.

How can I schedule a consultation?

Contact us at 614-228-5800 to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys will review your case details and provide guidance on the best approach for your professional license defense or government affairs matter.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Elizabeth Gussis

Jan 27, 2022 Report

When dealing with Licensing boards you need an attorney who has gone before a licensing board. The first question you ask is have you represented a healthcare professionals before licensing board. Bureaucracy plays by a different set of rules. Jim McGovern resolved my problem with the Ohio nursing board as promised . I told Jim my problem on Friday afternoon the following Monday afternoon it was resolved . Elizabeth Gussis Advance Practice Nurse

Kim Glenn

Jan 25, 2022 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
My experience with this firm has been exceptional. The representation, professionalism has been nothing short of stellar and I would not hesitate to highly recommend to anyone in need. Cannot say enough about my experience. Quick responses to any questions and needs. Thank you!

Sherrye Leensvaart

Sep 30, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Jim is a real person! Kind and relational. His communication is very clear and helpful. Efficient with funds. I have appreciated our interactions.

Latonya Foster

May 27, 2021 Report

This company has really been a great big help to me. I had my nursing license suspended in march 2021. I was really in hurry to get a hearing and start working towards my reinstatement. Jim worked really fast and was very detailed oriented with my case. Here i am in june without s hearing and just a new consent agreement working towards my license being reinstated. I appreciate all the staff and Jim for working really fast and being patient with me. The cost was fair and not that expensive like i thought it would be. There were no hidden fees. I really loved how he didn't sugar coat nothing he

Rene Belanger

Apr 13, 2021 Report

Jim McGovern is an experienced and knowledgable attorney who helped me through a very stressful time. I am glad I employed him. It is difficult to navigate through a legal event when you don't know what to expect, or know the procedures. Jim represented me in a professional manner, and gave me a peace of mind. I also heard Jim represent other nurses at the OBN hearing, and he was consistent in his representation of them as well. If you need an attorney, Jim is a good choice!

Linda Shad

Jan 07, 2021 Report

Mr McGovern handled a situation where I received a default order from the Ohio board of nursing suspending my license. This was of no fault of my own. Jim was very understanding and reacted very quickly. My suspension was reversed immediately and I am forever grateful for his help in this matter!
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Abbie Kulju

Jul 07, 2020 Report

Jim McGovern is highly recommended! Jim is extremely knowledgeable in professional licensures and law. He takes the time to educate his clients on what they should expect throughout the process. Jim and his staff were always quick to respond to my emails or phone calls! Jim is a very nice man and so is his staff!