Your Federal Employee Rights Amid Recent Executive Actions

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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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What is Wrongful Termination in the Federal Workplace?

Read Time: 6 min read

As a federal employee, you have strong job protections. But even with these safeguards, wrongful termination can still happen. Whether through unfair dismissal, discrimination, or retaliation for whistleblowing, navigating the complexities of federal employment law can be perplexing. So what happens if you’re suddenly terminated without just cause? This is a comprehensive guide that explains all about federal employee wrongful termination and actions you can take if you find yourself being fired unlawfully. The federal employment lawyers at The Law Office of …

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Federal Employee Termination Laws: A Complete Legal Guide 2025

Read Time: 7 min read

Federal employee termination laws are in place to protect the rights of civil servants while also allowing the government to manage its workforce efficiently. As with any employer, the federal government can fire employees for subpar performance, company policy infractions, or disciplinary issues. However, special rules apply due to the unique nature of government work. Because federal employees are not private sector workers, they’re afforded protection against arbitrary or politically-motivated firings—their jobs allow them to carry out public business without …

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Federal Employee Suspension Without Pay: What to Do

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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?

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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. Federal Disability Retirement serves as a crucial safety net for civil servants facing health challenges. It provides …

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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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How to Handle a Federal Employee Misconduct Investigation

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What Is Considered Federal Employee Misconduct? If you are informed that you have been reported for misconduct, it is important to know what exactly qualifies as misconduct for a federal employee. These are clearly defined, therefore, can be listed and classified by severity. Falsification of Records Federal employees are entrusted to run elements of the federal government with honesty and transparency. Falsification of records is a severe infraction, even if the records are personal reports. However, the more the records …

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CSRS vs. FERS: Understanding Federal Retirement Systems

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The History and Evolution of Federal Retirement Systems CSRS, established in 1920, was the sole retirement system for federal civilian employees for over six decades. It provided a generous defined benefit plan but lacked portability and didn’t include Social Security coverage. FERS, introduced in 1987, was designed to address these limitations and create a more sustainable system for the long term. Transition from CSRS to FERS The transition from CSRS to FERS marked a significant shift in federal retirement policy. …

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Understanding the OPM Disability Retirement Approval Rate

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For federal employees facing medical conditions that prevent them from performing their job duties, OPM disability retirement approval rate can be a crucial lifeline. However, many applicants find themselves wondering about their chances of approval. This article delves into the OPM disability retirement approval rate, factors influencing decisions, and strategies to improve your chances of a successful application. What is the approval rate for OPM disability retirement? The approval rate for OPM disability retirement varies and is not publicly disclosed …

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Main Reasons Security Clearances Get Denied or Revoked

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A security clearance in federal employment is a formal determination that an individual is eligible to access classified information or work in sensitive positions. The clearance is granted after a thorough background check that assesses the individual’s trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. Security clearances are essential for many federal jobs and contractors working with sensitive government information. However, obtaining and maintaining a security clearance is not guaranteed. Understanding the main reasons why clearances get denied or revoked …

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Absence Without Leave (AWOL)

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What does AWOL mean in federal employment? AWOL refers to an unauthorized absence from work or duty without obtaining prior approval from the appropriate chain of command. This can include failing to report for scheduled work, leaving the workplace without permission, or not returning from approved leave as expected. AWOL is not a type of leave but rather an unauthorized absence, distinct from approved leaves such as annual leave, sick leave, or Leave Without Pay (LWOP). While these forms of …

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