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I'm Attorney Justin Schnitzer. Our commitment is to represent federal employees in cases of employment violations just as we would want to be represented, all with the aim of achieving decisive victories.

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Federal Employee Suspension Without Pay: What to Do

Read Time: 7 min read

Facing a federal employee suspension without pay can be a daunting and stressful experience. It’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect your career and livelihood. This article will guide you through the process of dealing with a suspension without pay, from initial notification to potential appeals and returning to work. What are the key steps for a federal employee facing suspension without pay? If you’re a federal employee facing suspension without pay, you …

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Can You Medically Retire from the Federal Government?

Read Time: 7 min read

Federal employees who develop disabling medical conditions may wonder about their options for leaving service early. Medical retirement, officially known as Federal Disability Retirement, provides a potential path for those who can no longer perform their job duties due to health issues. But how exactly does this process work, and who qualifies? Can you medically retire from the federal government? Let’s find out. Is it possible to medically retire from federal service? Yes, it is possible to medically retire from …

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The Proposed Removal Process for Federal Employees

Read Time: 5 min read

Federal employees facing potential termination from their positions must navigate a complex process known as proposed removal from federal service. This procedure is designed to protect the rights of government workers while allowing agencies to address serious misconduct or performance issues. Understanding the steps involved and your rights as an employee is crucial if you find yourself in this situation. What is a proposed removal from federal service? A proposed removal is the formal process by which a federal agency …

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Failure to Follow Instructions [Federal Employees]

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employees are expected to adhere to high standards of performance and conduct as outlined in agency policies and federal regulations, ensuring they serve the public effectively. One common issue that can arise in federal workplaces is the failure to follow instructions. This article explores what constitutes a failure to follow instructions, its potential consequences, and how federal employees can respond to such allegations. What constitutes a failure to follow instructions? A failure to follow instructions occurs when a federal employee does …

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Reasonable Accommodation for Federal Employees (Guide)

Read Time: 7 min read

Understanding Reasonable Accommodation As a federal employee in America, you have the right to reasonable accommodation for a disability. Your disability might affect your senses, your dexterity, your mobility, or might even be a mental health condition. No matter the details, if your disability can be overcome and job duties completed with the help of reasonable accommodation, then your agency is required to provide it (with very limited exceptions). However, not all supervisors and agency authorities are reasonable. If you have been …

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What are the Douglas Factors?

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employment law is a distinct area requiring a nuanced understanding of regulations and procedures. As a government worker, certain rights are afforded you when your agency proposes disciplinary action against you. Among the elements you must understand are the Douglas Factors, a set of criteria your agency must follow before taking adverse action against you. Ultimately, you want to demonstrate that you don’t deserve punishment or that the proposed penalty is excessive by responding and contesting the proposed discipline. …

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What Conditions Qualify for Federal Disability Retirement

Read Time: 6 min read

Are you a federal employee wondering if your condition qualifies for Federal Disability Retirement? Reach out to our experienced Federal Disability Retirement lawyers at Justin Schnitzer. We can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate this complex process. Call us at 202-964-4878 for detailed legal assistance tailored to your specific situation. Federal disability retirement is a special dispensation for federal workers who become unable to work during their tenure. It is a form of early retirement based on …

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Conduct Unbecoming Charges for Federal Employees

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employees uphold a high standard of professional behavior. The rules are clear cut and reputation is important. Therefore, a false accusation of conduct unbecoming a federal employee can be devastating. This non-specific charge can place a black mark on your spotless career, which is why it is important to immediately assess the situation and prepare a legal defense. Conduct Unbecoming Charges for Federal Employees Federal agencies must charge an employee with misconduct in order to take adverse action. There …

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What to Do if Your FERS Disability Retirement is Denied

Read Time: 6 min read

Understanding OPM Disability Retirement No one’s health is perfect. Accidents, illness, and deteriorating conditions can change your ability to work. When this happens for federal employees, the Federal Employment Retirement System (FERS) can provide FERS Disability Retirement. This solution benefits federal employees when it is confirmed that they have lost the ability to complete the tasks of their role and reasonable accommodation is insufficient to overcome the limitations of the disability. However, approval of FERS disability retirement is difficult to …

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How Difficult is it to Get Federal Disability Retirement?

Read Time: 7 min read

Managing the complexities of federal disability retirement can be daunting for federal employees, as the process involves navigating a maze of legal and bureaucratic requirements. This article aims to demystify how to apply for federal disability retirement, offering clarity and guidance at every step. From understanding eligibility criteria to preparing a convincing application, our goal is to simplify and explain the intricacies involved. We strive to provide comprehensive insights and practical advice to help federal employees successfully navigate the path …

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