Blog | The Law Office of Justin Schnitzer

Reasonable Accommodation for Federal Employees (Guide)

October 9, 2024October 1, 2024

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 …

What are the Douglas Factors?

September 23, 2024September 10, 2024

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. …

What Conditions Qualify for Federal Disability Retirement

September 23, 2024September 10, 2024

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 …

Conduct Unbecoming Charges for Federal Employees

August 29, 2024August 28, 2024

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 …

What to Do if Your FERS Disability Retirement is Denied

August 28, 2024August 14, 2024

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 …

How Difficult is it to Get Federal Disability Retirement?

August 28, 2024August 14, 2024

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 …

How to Win an EEOC Complaint for Federal Employees

August 20, 2024August 3, 2024

Read Time: 5 min read

Facing an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint as a federal employee can be a daunting and stressful experience. The process is complex, and the stakes are high. However, understanding how to win an EEOC complaint, including the steps involved and your rights as a federal worker, can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. In this article, we will guide you through the EEOC complaint process, outline your rights and protections, and provide crucial tips on how to …

How to Win an MSPB Appeal: Key Steps and Timeline

August 14, 2024July 31, 2024

Read Time: 7 min read

How to Win Your MSPB Appeal? While there is never a guarantee for a specific outcome, you can improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome by saving evidence, filing your appeal as soon as possible, and contacting a MSPB attorney. Need Legal Help? Contact Us. • Call (202) 964-4878 The last thing you wish as a federal employee is to face an unfair employment action. But things happen even to the best of employees, spiraling them into disputes with …

Lack of Candor Definition, Examples, and Federal Employee Rights

June 28, 2024

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employees have an important role to play in the operation of our government. Thanks to their dedication, all the government services we take for granted keep running effectively. As such, public officials deserve protection from baseless or false accusations. To address misconduct by civil servants, government agencies weigh various disciplinary measures. They may contend that the targeted employee is guilty of falsification or turn to a vague charge: that the employee’s actions exhibited a “lack of candor.” Such an allegation …

How to Handle a Letter of Reprimand [Federal Employees]

June 28, 2024

Read Time: 6 min read

As one of the largest employers in the country, the United States government has certain policies and procedures in effect to protect their employees that differ from the private sector. While federal employees can be reprimanded or fired, there are more protections in place to protect federal employees than their private sector counterparts have, and specific steps must be taken before a government employee can be demoted, dismissed, or fired. As a federal employee, it is then important that you …