"Set the standard by which others should be measured" - Sheri Middlemas

At Bertolino LLP, we represent professionals whose licenses and livelihoods are on the line. The stakes are high, the issues complex, and the expectations even higher. That’s why my personal mantra, “Set the standard by which others should be measured” is more than a mindset. It’s a mandate. 

It means showing up – fully, consistently, and with intention. It means never coasting on what’s “good enough” but striving for what’s right, fair, and excellent, even when no one is watching. It means owning our roles as individuals who raise the bar, not just meet it. 

In professional license defense, we’re not just practicing law. We are defending reputations, careers, and futures. Each member of our team, whether client-facing or behind the scenes, plays a vital role in how that story is written. When every team member holds themselves to a higher standard, our firm doesn’t just succeed – we lead. 

Leadership doesn’t come with a title. It comes with choices. The choice to treat a client with empathy and urgency. The choice to respond to a challenge with clarity and courage. The choice to operate with integrity, even when things get hard. 

I believe in holding ourselves to the same level of excellence that we fight for on behalf of our clients. That is how we earn trust, build respect, and deliver results. 

When we set the standard – for communication, for professionalism, for follow-through – we give our clients confidence in us, and we give our colleagues something to mirror. 

So, I invite you to ask yourself: Am I setting the standard I want others to follow? Because when we each do that, we elevate not just our individual contributions, but the power and purpose of the entire team. 

Let’s continue to set the standard – together. 

Texas Board of Nursing v. LM

Facts: Our client, LM, hired us to assist in defending against allegations of unprofessional conduct by two patients. 

Outcome: The Firm analyzed the facts and applicable law. It was determined that facts and law demonstrate that the complaint allegations were unfounded.   The Firm crafted a robust advocacy response demonstrating that the allegations did not support a disciplinary violation. The Board dismissed the complaint due to insufficient evidence. Since the Firm successfully defended LM’s livelihood, career and reputation, LM can continue to serve the patients in her community. 

#1 Record Keeping Problems— Make sure you have well-kept records, which are consistent with your regulator’s requirements, and keep a written records policy in place. Too often clients get a complaint, and a records issue arises after the complaint is opened because the license holder doesn’t have what they need, has poor practices or no written policies in place. An unmeritorious complaint can result in discipline from your regulator if during the investigation of an otherwise dismissible complaint, they discover records violations. 

#2. Communications Failures/Deficiencies – Communication is a critical part of effective client /patient relationships. Too often people forget to stay proactive with communication and convey necessary and timely information to clients. Other times license holders fail to notify their regulator about contact information changes, self-report certain developments in their professional career or otherwise respond promptly to inquiries, audits or complaints. All these communication shortcomings can be an independent basis for disciplinary action even if the underlying basis for the complaint lacks merit. Stay proactive in communicating with clients to avoid getting a complaint and if you do, promptly respond to your regulator and give them the information requested or required under the rules, so you stay out of trouble. 

#3. Improper Relationships/Boundaries Issues – Maintaining appropriate boundaries with your clients, patients or other people you interact with in your profession or occupation is critical to avoiding disciplinary problems. Many license holders hold special relationships, duties and obligations to clients or patients or are in positions of authority etc. and the law prohibits exceeding professional boundaries or having inappropriate platonic, romantic or sexual relationships with clients, patients or others they interact with in their job. Steering clear of any boundaries violations will help you avoid disciplinary action and, in some cases, even the prospect of criminal charges when inappropriate sexual relationships are alleged. 

#4. Meeting Minimum Standard of Care and Professionalism – Ensuring you have met the minimums for your profession or occupation will go a long way to preventing disciplinary action. Comply with the standard of care or practice for your licensed industry and make sure you’ve done your due diligence in the work you perform for clients or patients. If you’ve made a mistake or an error, take ownership and correct it immediately to mitigate the legal risks and harms. Even if there was no harm, if you failed to live up to the standards set by your regulator, you could face disciplinary action impacting your license and livelihood. 

#5 Avoiding Criminal History Issues – A criminal conviction or even deferred adjudication in a criminal matter can have huge impact on your license. Not only does it typically trigger a duty to self-report the matter, but it can also result in suspension or loss of your license. If you do get charged with a crime, don’t just hire a criminal lawyer, but get legal advice from a license defense professional who practices administrative law as well. Your license is on the line in many of these situations even if your criminal attorney is telling you the case won’t result in a final conviction on your record. It can still significantly impact your license. 

#6 Comply with Orders Issued by Your Regulator – Not meeting requirements issued by your regulator are a big way to find yourself in trouble. If the licensing agency has issued an order to you, comply with all its terms and conditions and do so in a timely manner. Missing a deadline, failing to complete requirements or otherwise breaching the terms of the order can put you in significant disciplinary jeopardy. If you’re out of compliance, take immediate steps to become compliant and mitigate any problems. When in doubt, or in need of help, hire a license defense attorney to counsel you and help you become compliant immediately. 

Side Bar Sessions: Behind the Scenes at Bertolino LLP

This month's Side Bar Session features Cimone Murphree, host of our Know Your Regulator podcast. As Public Education & Regulatory Awareness Manager, Cimone leads guest outreach, connects with regulatory agencies, and produces weekly episodes, including the new Healthcare Pros Charting Texas series. Her on-camera presence, production skills, and behind-the-scenes leadership make our podcast a trusted source for timely updates on Texas professional license regulations.

Cimone recently received a well-deserved promotion to Public Education & Regulatory Awareness Manager, a role created specifically to match her talent, initiative, and leadership. Congratulations, Cimone, this new role positions you to rise even higher in advancing client education and outreach.

Watch what makes our team culture stand out in this week’s Sidebar Session. 🔗 Get to know us