John D. Bishop

I retained Mr. Bishop for a license defense case, in which I was denied licensure by a governing agency for having 2 alcohol-related misdemeanors and several application errors. My case was somewhat complex and I knew the risk of getting an unfavorable outcome, which is precisely what happened. Howev...er, I want to emphasize that the negative outcome in my case is NOT considered a factor in this review. My review is solely based on a number of circumstances that occurred during the appeal and administrative hearing process. First, I was asked to submit a number of character reference letters from friends, family and colleagues. I gave these letters to Mr. Bishop to review, only to later find there was a major error in one of the letters, which would later be held against me by the administrative law judge. I’d expect an attorney to be privy to these smaller details and catch such mistakes - one of the many reasons one might retain an attorney in the first place. While the error on my character letter didnt shape the outcome of my case by any means, it didn’t help either. Unlike in criminal law where the standard is ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’, I had to present evidence that was more credible and convincing than that of the governing agency. Thus, the error on my character letter hurt my chances to satisfy the burden of proof as it only helped support the side of the governing agency. Second, I found Mr. Bishop to be largely unresponsive to my emails and calls. Whether this is because he was working on multiple cases at the time, dealing with personal issues, or never truly believed my case would reach a positive outcome, is irrelevant. As a client paying a large sum of money at a time when my livelihood is in jeopardy, I’d expect at least some level of responsiveness. It is important to note that my attempts to contact Mr. Bishop were appropriate and not excessive. Lastly, and most importantly, after receiving news that the denial for licensure was upheld, I was devastated. In such a situation, I would expect my attorney would have some level of consideration to at least reach out to me to discuss the circumstances leading to this unfavorable outcome. However, I was never contacted by Mr. Bishop. Instead, I was contacted by another attorney at the firm who informed me that she would be taking over my case as ’post-decision’ attorney and guide me through the appeals process and Petition for Reconsideration. While this was all fine and I actually preferred working with this other attorney anyway, I would think Mr. Bishop would have the common courtesy to at least discuss the outcome and any possible next steps. With all this being said, these are some of the grievances I have in working with Mr. Bishop. Mr. Bishop never exhibited any level of interest or effort that would be needed to fight for me and my ability to get a license. As an individual paying a large fee for his services, I’d expect a certain amount of attention to my case and effort. Conversely, I do believe Mr. Bishop has some positive qualities. After initially consulting with many attorneys, Mr. Bishop appeared to have more knowledge and relevant experience related to license-defense, which, after having going through the process, is absolutely necessary in order to navigate all of the complexities that come with these cases.

John Bishop helped me pursue my dream of becoming a licensed physician in the state of California. Years ago I was stopped and cited for being in the possession of Marijuana. I plead PC1000 and my life came crashing down. But I still pursued my dream of becoming a doctor. I was an RN before medical s...chool and the nursing board revoked my license for this charge. While I was finishing medical school I found John Bishop while scrolling the internet. My first two lawyers did not get me good results and my fears were so intense that never truly believed that I would get my PTAL. Mostly because the RN board in California already disciplined me. Mr Bishop charged me one fee with the promise to help me get my RN license back and ultimately get my PTAL so I can start residency. I have dealt with lawyers in the past and it was not pleasant. They wouldn't return my calls for days and when they did, every phone call was a fee or every week I gave more money. But John was different. He met with me face to face to discuss matters that I needed to address, he actually answered my phone calls or returned my calls promptly. You could tell that he had great experience with the board and gave me the right advice when I wasn't thinking rationally. Once I matched in my dream residency my PTAL was still in limbo. I was at my peak stress level and scared that my dream was about to be shattered. Mr Bishop took the liberty to contact my program director on my behalf and inform him of the situation I was in. He gave him weekly updates which everyone deeply appreciated. He calmed the situation down between all parties. He has a way with people and is very matter of fact. He actually cares about the well being of his clients and has a deep understanding for the fears that people not involved in law may have when going through these processes. His office staff is highly professional and helpful. I must have bothered them so much once I matched but they never were rude or sounded tired of my calls. John stuck to his word and had a GREAT rapport with the Medical Board of California. He urged me never to email my analyst even when I was dying to email them. I listened to every word he said and I GOT MY PTAL! It was the best feeling, I can't even describe it. I am so grateful for John Bishop and his office for helping me. Even though I know I was just another case, some how I felt like the ONLY case at times. Every one at the office knew me and I felt like they actually cared. I would highly recommend this gentlemen for anyone who is dealing with professional license issues. The system comes down hard on us professionals and often we are only given one chance. But Mr. Bishop gave me that second chance! Other lawyer may achieve good results but The office of Ray & Bishop are professional, compassionate and respect the feelings of their clients. We work so hard to do good for society as professionals and it can be taken away for a momentary lapse of judgement. You can trust Mr Bishop to achieve greatness and get the results you deserve. Thanks again!!

John Bishop represented me in a license denial case against the Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technician. After been denied I contacted several licensing attorneys who quoted me an astronomical fee just to review my case. I decided to go with John Bishop because he gave me a flat rate fee... which made me feel comfortable and not like I was being taken for every nickel and dime that I had. My license was denied due to SEVEN conviction on my background check ranging from prostitution to petty theft to assault on a peace officer. During our first meeting John let me know that the best that we could hope for would be a probationary license and that he would do all that he could to win my case. John was hands on during every step of the process. I never met with anyone else but him and when I called he always returned my call promptly. He handled all communication with the state and kept me informed every step of the way. John personally reviewed all of my character letters and helped prepare not only myself but my witnesses as well for the board hearing by conducting mock interviews which really helped. John Bishop went above and beyond and he gave me more than his best. Not only did he win my case but I was given a license with a clear status and no probation.Currently I am enrolled in an RN program and before I submit my application to the BRN I will surely be in contact John Bishop requesting his legal representation.

I highly Recommend John Bishop without reservation. His professionalism and empathy to my situation was second to none. I called his firm after talking with several attorneys and getting their initial review on how they thought my case would play out. I spoke with John late in the day, he took his ti...me to discuss the overall issues I was facing with the Department of Insurance and obtaining a license. John told me he was very certain of a positive outcome he was also certain of it being a lengthy process as there were several steps and each had a specific waiting period; he made sure I understood the time-frame before committing to anything. John clearly set out the best and worst case scenarios and options I could take. He met me on a weekend to fit my work schedule; we spent the afternoon going over each detail of my case and the obstacles that would be faced. John made me aware of each of the steps and how we would overcome each hurdle. I always felt I had a real advocate, who was giving their all, not only on my case itself but moving the timeline as quickly as possible. John provided comfort in the hearing process; from being in contact with me the day prior, to arriving early to just sit down and chat to put my mind at ease, (he even described what to expect in the hearing room, providing a mental image of the layout and how things would progress so I would be comfortable). As promised, John delivered my case and conveyed to the Judge and the State a strong and positive argument, resulting in a State License. I couldn’t have been the easiest client to deal with; I had a difficult case, made a few panic calls to him asking for letters to my employer on a very short notice, even requested a him to facilitate a phone call to my management in hopes of buying more time while we were waiting on the state to issue a license. John handled all these requests quickly and went above and beyond in every instance. My Employer decided after speaking with John and hearing the confidence he had in my case, were willing to wait through all the state delays as licensing was sure to come. I would recommend John Bishop to anyone who is serious about their job and presenting an honest case by someone who will take the time, invest the energy, be creative and think outside the box, while being professional and has the respect of his profession. Even his support staff was a pleasure to talk with and responsive to urgent needs. I owe my license and keeping my job to John and his abilities. Without him I couldn't convey my story to both the state and my employer.

Mr. Bishop responded quickly to my situation. He reviewed my case and carefully explained everything in detail and then made the appropriate recommendations. He met with me twice regarding my situation. Mr. Bishop treated me as if I were his only client. Due to his intervention everything worked ...out very well. I would highly recommend Mr. Bishop without reservations.