Federal employees operate under a legal system that differs from that of private sector employees. Adverse actions, discrimination, investigations, and whistleblower retaliation are governed by specialized federal and labor laws. A federal employment lawyer can help preserve your basic rights and appeal rights before agency decisions become final.
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At Cantrell Schuette, our federal employment law attorneys represent federal employees nationwide before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), disciplinary boards, agency investigators and decisionmakers, and federal courts. Our federal-sector practice areas complement the firm’s broader workplace and employment practice.
Our law firm’s federal employment attorneys represent clients who are federal government employees and other federal employees across a wide range of agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Department of Commerce, NOAA, and Air Force civilian workforce, on legal issues such as:
Federal Employment Representation
Under the Civil Service Reform Act, certain federal employees can appeal adverse actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board. Appealable actions include removals, suspensions over 14 days, demotions, and reductions in pay or grade. Federal workers are not at-will employees and generally have greater job security than private sector employees. MSPB decisions set important precedents, and the appeal process carries strict timelines. Missing a deadline can eliminate appeal rights entirely.
MSPB Appeal Services
EEOC Claim Services
Federal workers unable to continue working due to a medical condition may qualify for disability retirement under FERS or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). The process requires detailed medical documentation and is administered through OPM. Our attorneys have extensive experience and assist federal employees with applications and agency challenges.
Federal employees across federal agencies, especially SES members, face restrictions on political activity under the Hatch Act. Violations can lead to disciplinary action and loss of a federal government job. Our attorneys advise clients on compliance and represent those accused of violations.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects federal employees from military service discrimination and guarantees reemployment with the same pay, seniority, and benefits after active duty or training. It also prohibits retaliation and provides a path to recover lost wages, benefits, and reinstatement through federal employment claims. Our attorneys can help federal employees pursue claims for wrongful termination, denied reemployment, lost wages, and benefits, ensuring full compliance with federal employment and military protection laws.
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Federal employment matters move quickly and carry strict deadlines. Early legal review preserves options and avoids procedural missteps.
Contact Cantrell Schuette today at (877) 858‑6868 or email coordinator@lawcantrell.com to consult with a federal employment attorney about your case
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The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent federal agency that reviews adverse employment actions against federal employees, including removals, long-term suspensions, demotions, and certain whistleblower retaliation claims. MSPB decisions are binding. A federal employment lawyer can evaluate whether an action is appealable and advise on appeal rights and deadlines.
Federal employees generally must contact an agency EEO counselor within 45 days of the discriminatory action. This deadline is strict and jurisdictional, and missing it can bar a claim entirely.
Before interviewing with OIG, OIA, or other investigators, federal employees should understand Garrity and Kalkines warnings. Investigations often involve alleged misconduct, and early legal review can help prepare responses and preserve rights.
Federal employees making protected disclosures of waste, fraud, abuse, or legal violations receive whistleblower protections under the Whistleblower Protection Act, with narrower protections for Intelligence Community employees. Remedies may include filing with the OSC or pursuing an IRA appeal before the MSPB.
Yes. Our law firm represents federal employees nationwide. Federal employment matters involve federal forums, so geography rarely limits effective representation.