Cantrell Schuette Employment, Franchise & Injury Lawyers

Federal Employment Lawyer

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), agency investigators, and federal courts. Our federal-sector practice areas complement the firm’s broader workplace and employment practice.

Who We Represent

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 VA, Department of the Interior, NOAA, and Air Force civilian workforce, on legal issues such as:
  • Suspension, demotion, or termination based on conduct or performance
  • Adverse actions based on protected categories or protected activity
  • Investigations by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Office of Internal Affairs (OIA)
  • Whistleblower retaliation claims under the Whistleblower Protection Act
  • VA medical professionals responding to privileges matters and Disciplinary Action Board (DAB) appeals
  • EEOC complaints, legal disputes, and federal district court litigation
  • Security clearance representation
We also provide guidance on Qui Tam actions under the False Claims Act, federal workers’ compensation claims under the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), and disability retirement benefits through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Federal employees facing separation may also review our guidance on signs of wrongful termination.
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Appeal Adverse Actions to the MSPB

Under the Civil Service Reform Act, 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.
Our attorneys assist with:
  • Filing timely MSPB appeals following adverse actions
  • Preparing written submissions, discovery, and witness testimony
  • Representation at hearings before an administrative judge
  • Negotiating settlements where appropriate
  • Further review with the full Board or the federal circuit court when warranted
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EEOC Complaints and Federal Court Discrimination Claims

Federal workers who experience discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or equal pay violations may pursue claims through the federal-sector EEO process. Sexual harassment and other protected-category claims follow the same process, which starts with contact with an agency EEO counselor within 45 days of the alleged discrimination. Federal employees face tighter deadlines than private sector employees. Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, can resolve claims before or during the process.
A lawyer for federal employees can help with:
  • Initial EEO counselor contact and informal resolution
  • Drafting and filing formal discrimination complaints
  • Responding to agency investigations and document requests
  • Requesting a final agency decision or formal EEOC hearing
  • Representation at hearings before an administrative judge
  • Appeals to the EEOC Office of Federal Operations or federal district court
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OIG & OIA Investigations

Federal employees typically cannot be removed without an underlying investigation. These often involve alleged misconduct and are conducted by an agency’s Office of Inspector General or Office of Internal Affairs. Outcomes can include disciplinary action, a criminal referral, or loss of security clearance. Our firm’s attorneys help clients:
  • Prepare for investigatory interviews, including Garrity and Kalkines warnings
  • Understand their rights before, during, and after questioning
  • Respond to proposed discipline or letters of charges
  • Preserve appellate rights when adverse action follows
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Whistleblower Retaliation Claims

Federal employees who disclose waste, fraud, abuse, or legal violations receive protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act. Protections vary by agency. Intelligence Community employees cannot file externally. Protected disclosures can go to the OSC, an Inspector General, or Congress. When retaliation occurs, employees may pursue:
  • A complaint with the Office of Special Counsel
  • An Individual Right of Action (IRA) appeal before the MSPB
  • Corrective action, reinstatement, and back pay
  • Compensatory damages in appropriate cases
Lawyer discussing with client

Additional Areas We Handle

Physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs are subject to a distinct disciplinary framework. Adverse actions are reviewed by a Disciplinary Action Board (DAB) rather than the Merit Systems Protection Board. Our firm represents VA medical professionals in:
  • DAB hearings involving proposed suspension, removal, or reduction in privileges
  • Professional standards board proceedings
  • Clinical privileges disputes and summary suspensions
  • Responses to National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports

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.

The Senior Executive Service (SES) comprises top-level federal employees in leadership roles across the federal government. SES members face unique rules for performance evaluation, discipline, and removal. Our legal team represents SES clients in performance-based removals and disciplinary proceedings.

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.

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What Our Clients Say

Above and beyond expectations

My experience has been personal and professional. The amount of attention and follow up has been above and beyond expectations. I know they are working hard for me to provide the best possible outcome.

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Thoroughly impressed by their professionalism and dedication

I’ve had the pleasure of working with this law firm, and I am thoroughly impressed by their professionalism and dedication. From the start, they approached every aspect of my case with transparency and clear communication. 

Craig Hyatt

Very considerate and accommodating

Wonderful legal counsel. Very considerate and accommodating and really wanted to take time to listen and help me!! I highly recommend!

Eireka Droster

Excellent help and recommendations

Excellent help and recommendations. We feel so much better knowing someone is on our side.
Deena Porter
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Why Hire a Federal Employment Attorney?

Federal employment law operates under rules that do not apply in most private sector cases. Missing a deadline, pursuing the wrong forum, or mishandling an investigatory interview can permanently affect a federal government job and a career in public service. Our federal employment attorneys stand ready to provide representation before the MSPB, EEOC, OSC, and other federal agencies. An effective federal employment law attorney offers:
  • Understanding of overlapping jurisdictions between the MSPB, EEOC, OSC, and federal courts
  • Familiarity with agency-specific disciplinary processes across federal agencies
  • Experience preparing employees for investigations and hearings
  • Realistic case evaluation and settlement guidance
  • Clear counsel on strict federal filing deadlines
Attorneys should clarify their fee structure as hourly, flat fee, or contingency during the initial consultation.

Why Choose Cantrell Schuette?

Cantrell Schuette is a law firm representing federal government employees nationwide, including in Washington, D.C., the federal circuit, and other major metro areas. Our attorneys bring combined experience across federal-sector practice areas and agencies, paired with the employment litigation capability to pursue federal employment matters in court when needed. When you work with our law firm, our attorneys provide:
  • Direct access to the attorneys handling your federal employment matter
  • Transparent communication on strategy and expected outcomes
  • Representation across MSPB, EEOC, OSC, OIG/OIA, and federal court proceedings
  • Thoughtful case evaluation focused on practical results
Federal Employment Lawyers

Speak With a Federal Employment Lawyer Today

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us 24/7.

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.

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