Wesley Jackson Rish

Wesley Jackson Rish

5.0
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 34 years

Administrative law Lawyer at Harrisburg, PA
Practice Areas: Administrative Law, Government, Appeals, Unknown

2431 N. Second Street, Suite 201, Harrisburg, PA

About Wesley

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Administrative Law 20%

Focus on professional license defense, reinstatements, and applications

20%
Appeals 5%

Extensive experience in appeals involving professional licensure issues

5%
Government 5%

Represents professionals in obtaining licensure

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 34 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1991

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Rish Law Office, LLC

2431 N. Second Street, Suite 201, Harrisburg, PA, 17110

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Wesley Jackson Rish's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

55 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (55) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 9 of 9 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | June 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law

Medical license defense

Mr. Rish is everything you look for in a lawyer, confidante, and human being. He knows the system inside and out with regards to the medical licensing board and physician monitoring programs, and lays out all avenues and possible outcomes so you know what to expect. He responds promptly to any questi...ons, and always listens with compassion whether he can help with legal advice or lend an ear for consolation through challenging times. In my situation, I was reported to the medical board after seeking treatment for my mental health, and referred for participation in my state’s physicians health program. Mr. Rish carefully explained that in my situation, complying with their request without filing for an appeal was the only sure fire way to ensure that I could keep my license and career intact, as appealing would cause me to lose the option to participate “voluntarily” and would send me down the legal disciplinary route with no point of return. Although he would have made more money to advise me to decline “voluntary” participation and take my chances in court, he cared more for my best interests and explained that there is never a guarantee of winning in court and the stakes for a physician license are incredibly high, unlike with the nursing board where they are allowed to appeal without the same risks. Although I wish that the system in place for physicians gave the option for appeal without risking lifetime career consequences as this seemed unfair and coercive to me, I appreciated how much Mr. Rish emphasized and explained the enormous risk and almost pleaded with me to take the safe route because I had a long career ahead of me. I was at a point that I was so distraught that I could not see that as difficult as it was to concede now, this could all be a distant memory in the future, and if it weren’t for Mr. Rish patiently helping clear away the distress and anger clouding my judgement, there’s a good chance I could be facing those lasting consequences. The path has still been difficult jumping through all the hoops and red tape to regain my career, but Mr. Rish continued to walk me through the process and advise me on my contract, making sure I was informed each step of the way. He has a genuinely kind heart and does his job because he is passionate about using his skills and expertise to make others’ lives better. I have nothing but respect for Mr. Rish and strive to be like him in my own career in his genuine care, compassion, empathy, and dedication. I believe this, along with his extensive knowledge base, sets him apart from all the other lawyers that I had consulted with. You will be in good and capable hands with Mr. Rish and I’m confident his honesty and expertise will get you the outcome that will always be in your best interest. I will always be grateful to him and hope to be able to pay it forward in helping others through difficult times the way he did for me.

Posted by anonymous | June 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law

Medical Doctor

I was given the gift of peace during a season of tremendous uncertainty. Wesley Rish’s sincere intention of concern and kindness was evident during our initial conversation. Without having to explain or ask many questions, Mr. Rish painted broad brushstrokes as it pertained to my predicament, provi...ding a detailed picture of my legal situation, and highlighting the process and the possible outcomes. His previous service as legal counsel with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was apparent in his knowledge of the system and in his acquaintance with other attorneys within the Commonwealth. Mr. Rish’s communication with me was en pointe. I was informed of major updates every step during the legal process and Mr. Rish offered his insight based on those updates. Mr. Rish’s expertise, combined with his communication, was a source of comfort in what would otherwise have been an extremely stressful and unpredictable period of uncertainty. I’m relieved and delighted to say that because of Mr. Rish’s knowledge of the law and of the local system and members within the Commonwealth, I received the best outcome in the fastest, most efficient, and systematic manner possible. With great gratitude, my license to practice within the state of Pennsylvania remains intact. Thank You Always Wesley for all that you’ve done and made possible!

Posted by Lori Ann | July 14, 2021 | Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Outstanding Experience

I sought Attorney Rish for consultation. He responded within 1 hour via email with detailed information he took my call that same day and answered all of my questions. Upon his advice the legal matter I was faced with has completely resolved with a favorable outcome. This is a man who exemplifies... trustworthiness, high professional ethics, and shows respect and care for those who need consultation or representation. This is the one and only stop if one is facing a licensing board/PHMP situation. Thank you Attorney Rish.

Posted by Sara | March 13, 2020 | Administrative Law

Amazing scope of knowledge and support, above and beyond

I contacted Mr Rish after consulting with two other licensing attorneys in the Harrisburg area about a complicated and thorny professional licensure issue I was facing. Both of those attorneys advised me that my situation was essentially "hopeless" right now and that I would need to spend thousands a...nd thousands of dollars and wait upwards of 3-4 years to navigate appeals and board consults to even have a prayer. Wesley not only offered a different opinion with confidence, he also encouraged me to start the process immediately and made himself available offering convenient consult hours outside the typical "9-5" and a kind and encouraging voice in an otherwise dark and anxious time. Wesley reminded me every step of the way that no matter what, all was not lost, and made me feel like I was not alone, I had his support. His knowledge and confidence helped me feel secure and assured, and he checked in with me regularly to see where I was in the process. I could not have navigated this without Wesley, specifically, he was kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, human, confident, and assured. He kept in touch frequently and was patient with me explaining each part of an all-too-confusing process. Mr Rish acted as my support system and captain and I can never thank him enough, I owe it all to him, and that is NOT hyperbole. Wesley broke the endeavor down into understandable parts, walked by my side through each part, explained to me the possible and probable outcomes at each stage, and options for each. In the end, the process went smoothly and with nary a hitch, I have zero doubt this was due to the guidance and efforts of Mr Rish.

See All Client Reviews

Wesley Jackson Rish's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Wesley
Dana Maria Wucinski headshot
Dana Wucinski

Administrative law lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse Attorney Rish. He is highly experienced and extremely knowledgeable in the areas of professional licensing and disciplinary matters. Attorney Rish is a zealous advocate for his clients and is able to use his extensive knowledge of administrative law and familiarity with the licensing and disciplinary process to obtain favorable results for his clients. Attorney Rish is also able to help licensees who are in the appeal phase as he is an expert in navigating the appellate process and is no stranger to the Commonwealth Court. There is no question in my mind that Attorney Rish a great choice for anyone with licensing or disciplinary issues. Not only does he fight hard for the best possible outcome, he also listens to his clients and keeps them updated with the status of their case, which is often hard to find but so very important to each and every client who is putting their professional future into the hands of an attorney."

View All Endorsements

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Founder, Rish Law Office, LLC

2012 - 2018

Counsel to Board of Medicine, and others, Pennsylvania Department Of State

2007 - 2012

Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General

1997 - 2007

Attorney-in-Charge and Staff Attorney, Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General

1991 - 1997

Associate, General Practice Law Office

Associations

1991 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association

member

Sample of Legal Cases

Turay v. State Board of Funeral Directors, 924 C.D. 2016 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2016)

Commonwealth Court sustains the State Board of Funeral Director's revocation of funeral director license

Acri v. State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, 856 C.D. 2017 (Pa. Cmwlth 2017)

The Commonwealth affirmed the automatic suspension of his license to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery by my client, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine

Bauer v, State Board of Auctioneer Examiners, 154 A.3d 899 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2017)

Commonwealth Court affirmed decision of the State Board of Auctioneer Examiners, my cient.

Long v. State Board of Podiatry, 112 A.3d 671 (Pa. Cmwlth 2015)

Commonwealth Court sustains my client's, the State Board of Podiatry, denial of the reinstatement of professional license.

Karkalas v. State Board of Medicine, 71 A.3d 395 (Pa. Cmwlth 2013)

The Commonwealth Court affirmed the discipline that my client, the State Board of Medicine, imposed on a licensed physician.

Kessler v. State Board of Medicine, 1564 C.D. 2012 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2013)

Commonwealth sustains the validity of my clients revocation of a professional license.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1991

University of North Carolina

JD - Juris Doctor

1988

University of Virginia

B,A,

Speaking Engagements

2021

Continuing Education

The Role of the State Board of Funeral Directors in Licensing and Disciplinary Matters

2021

2021 Workers' Compensation Conference

Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant in the Treatment of the Injured Worker

2020

Medical Records Course

HIPAA and Medical Records Privacy

2020

Medical Records Course

Your Patient's Charts: Sword or Shield

2019

Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital Continuing Medical Education

Physician Assistant and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice

2019

Spring 2019 Pennsylvania State Perfusion Society Meeting

Perfusionists and the State Boards' Licensing and Disciplinary Processes

2019

Annual Scientific Meeting Demystifying the State Board of Medicine

2018

Representing Physicians and Dentists

The Prosecution and Defense of a Health Care Professional

2018

Quaker State Funeral Directors Association

Licensing and Disciplinary Issues Involving the State Board of Funeral Directors

Publications

2019

Pennsylvania Medical Society Continuing Legal Education Demystifying the State Board of Medicine

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution