Independent lawyers for residents facing dismissal

Graduate medical education disputes are local in practice. The governing contract, the institutional policy, the state law, and the court that would hear a case all differ by jurisdiction.

When your matter needs a lawyer, we connect you with independent counsel licensed where your program is, within 48 hours. Counsel works for a reduced flat fee with no hourly billing, paid to counsel. Resident Help receives nothing from that fee or for the introduction. Resident Help is a nonprofit, not a law firm, and does not represent residents.

How our referral network works

We are building a group of independent attorneys who handle resident matters in different states. No attorney is listed in the directory yet. Until then, we find counsel for each matter directly, after we review your intake.

What a referral means and does not mean

A referral is an introduction, not an endorsement of any particular outcome. We do not receive a fee, a share of a fee, or anything else of value for introducing you to a lawyer, and lawyers do not pay us to be introduced or listed. You are free to hire anyone you like, including someone we did not suggest.

What happens after you send an intake

Intake and case review are free. We read what you send, starting with your deadline. If your situation needs a lawyer, we introduce you to independent counsel within 48 hours. If you have an appeal deadline coming up, put the date on the form. If you are wondering whether a lawyer can attend your hearing, that guide covers it.

What the flat fee covers

Counsel sets the scope of the work and the fee in their own written engagement agreement, and you agree to both before any work starts. Read the scope before you sign, and ask counsel what is included and what is not.

If you are an IMG on a J-1 or H-1B

A dismissal can affect your visa as well as your training, and visa questions may need separate immigration counsel in addition to a lawyer for the dismissal itself. Tell us your visa status on the intake form. If you are on a J-1, Intealth (formerly ECFMG) must be notified of changes to your training, including leaves of absence, remediation, and termination. See Intealth (ECFMG) and residency dismissal and dismissed from residency on a J-1 or H-1B visa.

How lawyers join

Attorneys we introduce need an active license in good standing, malpractice coverage, demonstrated experience with academic or employment discipline in a training setting, and a commitment to a free first conversation with anyone we send. Joining is free, and lawyers pay nothing for introductions. Attorneys who handle resident matters can write to intake@residenthelp.org with their state and bar number.