There are many law practices in the DMV that proudly champion the workplace rights of federal employees, supervisors, and senior executives across agencies nationwide—helping preserve what is often their most valuable asset: their government career.
Shehan Legal joins the Security Clearance Careers Podcast to talk about the current state of affiars for federal workers.
Legal Expertise in Federal Employment Matters
When your federal career is at stake, whether facing disciplinary action, discrimination, job reclassification, or needing leave or accommodation, employing a law practice will be your legal ally through federal employment’s complex landscape. They offer clarity, advocacy, and protection tailored precisely to the unique challenges of civil service.
1. Disciplinary Actions
Receiving a Notice of Proposed Discipline can feel overwhelming—especially if the details don’t reflect what actually happened. This is one of those moments when having an employment attorney in your corner really matters. A good lawyer can help you craft a strong written and oral response, push back on exaggerated claims, and protect your career from unnecessary hits.
2. EEO Claims
Dealing with discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or a denied reasonable accommodation is not something you have to navigate alone. An experienced attorney can help you start the EEO process, file a formal complaint, and make sure your rights aren’t being brushed aside.
3. MSPB Appeals (Adverse Actions)
If you’ve been removed, demoted, suspended for more than 14 days, furloughed up to 30 days, or hit with a negative suitability decision, an attorney familiar with Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals can guide you through challenging the action—and give you a fighting chance at reversing it.
4. EEOC Hearings
If you receive a Notice of Right to Request a Hearing before an EEOC Administrative Judge, don’t go it alone. An attorney can help you request the hearing, prepare your case, and represent you throughout the process so you’re not left guessing what comes next.
5. Whistleblower & Retaliation Protections
If you’ve witnessed serious issues inside your agency—like gross mismanagement, legal or regulatory violations, abuse of authority, or threats to public safety—you’re not without protection. A qualified lawyer can help you make disclosures or file complaints with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) or the Office of Inspector General (OIG) while protecting your rights as a whistleblower.
6. “Schedule F”-Type Reclassifications
If your job was suddenly reclassified in a way that strips away civil service protections, you may have options. Attorneys with federal employment expertise can help you challenge the reclassification through the MSPB and fight to restore the protections you previously held.
7. Reduction-in-Force (RIF) Challenges
If your position was cut, downgraded, or furloughed as part of a Reduction-in-Force and something feels off—maybe the selection wasn’t fair or appears discriminatory—an attorney can help you appeal the action and challenge the decision.
