Tag: consultation

The Initial Decision

The Initial Decision by a Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) judge is a ruling made by a presiding administrative law judge that addresses a complaint or appeal filed by a federal employee or applicant for federal employment. The MSPB is…

The Initial Case Assessment

We often receive inquiries from prospective clients who are involved in some type of administrative personnel litigation and are confused.  This confusion typically relates to the unfamiliarity and complexity of certain actions such as a proposed removal or disciplinary action,…

Federal Agency Discovery Requests

Employees should understand that just as the affected employee can serve discovery requests upon the agency, the agency can serve discovery requests upon the affected employee.

Consultant or Attorney? It’s your choice.

The decision to engage the services of a consultant or attorney, or even relying on a union representative, arises often with serious federal workplace issues and personnel actions. When facing an adverse personnel action (such as removal, demotion, etc.), or…

Responding to Proposed Suspensions

Employees facing discipline must be responsive to the agency notice.  It is important affected employees act quickly and immediately begin preparing a reply as appropriate.  Even if an employee does not intend to challenge the proposed action, an employee may effectively mitigate the proposed action to a lesser degree or achieve an alternative outcome.

MSPB Right to Counsel Not Absolute

Recently, a Federal employee argued the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) “abused its discretion” by failing to appoint (and pay for) an attorney to represent her.

“In Lieu Of” Removal in Federal Service

Federal employees faced with removal possess the ability to resign prior to the effective date of the removal action.  Employees otherwise eligible for retirement maintain the ability to retire prior to and after the effective date of removal.

When to Contact a Consultant

When should I contact a consultant? Should I wait until the Agency proposes an action or makes a decision?” What about for an EEO Complaint?

Performance Rating for Federal Employees

We receive many inquiries surrounding a performance rating affecting a federal employee.  Some inquiries are ambiguous (i.e., “can they rate me an Excellent?”) and some are very specific (i.e., “what are the minimum number of days of observed performance required?”).…

Last Chance Agreement in Federal Service

Last chance agreements (LCA’s) and settlements contain terms agreed to by an (federal) employee, or former employee, and the agency, in which the employee is provided an opportunity to retain (or return to) employment, usually when the agency would otherwise remove, or did in fact already remove, the employee from federal employment.