Administrative Agency Appeals: Challenging Federal Agency Decisions

## Overview Process for challenging federal administrative agency decisions through judicial review. ## Step 1: Exhaust Administrative Remedies - Most statutes require exhaustion - File all available administrative appeals - Document the process carefully ## Step 2: Identify the Proper Court - Some statutes specify the reviewing court - Default: district court under APA § 702 - Venue: plaintiff residence or agency HQ ## Step 3: Standard of Review - Arbitrary and capricious (most common) - Substantial evidence (formal adjudications) - De novo (rare, constitutional claims) ## Step 4: Administrative Record - Agency produces complete record - Challenge completeness if needed - Generally no new evidence allowed ## Step 5: Briefing and Decision - File opening brief with legal arguments - Agency responds - Courts typically decide on papers