Tampa Federal Employment Lawyer
Federal employees in Tampa, FL, work under a legal framework that differs from the rules covering private-sector workers.
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Award Winning Federal Employment Attorney In Tampa
Adverse actions, workplace discrimination, agency investigations, and whistleblower retaliation are governed by federal employment laws and strict administrative deadlines. These employment disputes can affect a federal career, including pay, security clearance, and retirement benefits. A Tampa federal employment lawyer can help protect your rights before an agency decision becomes final.
Cantrell Schuette represents federal employees and federal workers across the Tampa Bay area and nationwide before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), agency boards, and the federal courts. Our legal services span the full federal employment legal landscape.
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Tampa has a large federal workforce, including civilian employees at MacDill Air Force Base, home to U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. Federal agencies across the Tampa Bay area, from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Social Security Administration, employ many civil servants.
Who We Represent
As Tampa employment attorneys with a federal focus, we represent employees who are federal government employees and federal workers on matters including:
- Suspensions, demotions, or removals based on conduct or performance
- Adverse employment actions tied to protected categories or activity
- OIG or Office of Internal Affairs investigations
- Whistleblower retaliation under the Whistleblower Protection Act
- EEOC complaints and federal district court litigation
- Security clearance matters affecting federal employment
Federal employees in Tampa whose claims reach court generally litigate in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. We also advise on federal workers’ compensation, disability retirement through OPM, and Qui Tam actions under the False Claims Act. We represent civil servants across federal agencies and branches and can advise whether an issue belongs before an agency, the MSPB, or a federal court in Florida.
Healthcare professionals at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and other VA facilities are subject to a separate disciplinary framework, with certain actions reviewed by a Disciplinary Action Board rather than the MSPB. We also represent VA medical professionals in those proceedings.
MSPB Appeals and Investigations for Federal Workers
The Merit Systems Protection Board reviews adverse actions against federal employees, including removals, suspensions of over 14 days, demotions, and reductions in pay or grade. Federal employees are not at-will, and the appeal process carries strict deadlines. A missed deadline can eliminate appeal rights and limit the potential legal avenues available.
What Our Attorney Help With
Before an adverse action, an agency usually conducts an investigation through its Office of Inspector General or Office of Internal Affairs. How an employee responds can shape the outcome, so seeking guidance early matters. Our Tampa federal employment lawyers assist with:
- Filing timely MSPB appeals and preparing for hearings before an administrative judge
- Gathering evidence and documentation to support an appeal
- Preparing for investigatory interviews, including Garrity and Kalkines warnings
- Responding to proposed discipline or letters of charges
- Further review with the full Board or the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- Negotiating settlements, since many federal employment disputes resolve before a hearing
Workplace Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Claims for Federal Employees
Federal employees who face workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, or another protected characteristic may pursue claims through the federal-sector EEO process. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the laws that prohibit this discrimination and support fair treatment at work. Claims can involve unfair treatment, harassment, sexual harassment, denial of opportunities, and other discriminatory practices.
What Attorneys Help With
Pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions are protected, and remedies can include reinstatement, back pay, and other relief. Groups of employees affected by the same policy may pursue class actions. Federal employees must contact an agency EEO counselor within 45 days of a discriminatory incident to preserve their rights, a much shorter window than private-sector deadlines. A Tampa federal employment lawyer can help with:
- Initial EEO counselor contact and informal resolution
- Filing formal discrimination complaints with the agency’s EEO office
- Responding to agency investigations and document requests
- Requesting a final agency decision or an EEOC hearing
- Appeals to the EEOC Office of Federal Operations or federal district court
Whistleblower Retaliation and Federal Employee Protections
Federal employees who report waste, fraud, abuse, or illegal activities are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act. When retaliation follows a protected disclosure, an employee may file with the Office of Special Counsel, pursue an Individual Right of Action before the MSPB, or take other legal action seeking remedies such as reinstatement and back pay.
Workplace Standards
Federal law also sets baseline workplace standards that employers must follow, establishing rights to fair wages, equal opportunities, and a safe work environment. Our attorneys advise Tampa federal employees on related legal matters, including:
- Wrongful termination and federal workplace retaliation, including dismissals that breach employment contracts or anti-discrimination law, and the signs of wrongful termination
- Family and medical leave, including denied or unpaid leave and related unpaid wages
- Wage standards, including minimum wage and workplace safety set by federal law
- Severance agreements and the review of release terms
- USERRA reemployment rights for employees returning from military service
Federal workers who can no longer perform their duties due to a medical condition may qualify for disability retirement under FERS, which is administered by OPM. Federal employees also face political activity restrictions under the Hatch Act, with violations that can lead to disciplinary action.
What Our Clients Say
Tampa Federal Employment Law Firm
Federal-sector employment law operates under entirely different rules, courts, and timelines than private-sector or state-level cases. Missing a deadline, choosing the wrong forum, or mishandling an investigatory interview can permanently affect a federal career, including security clearance and retirement benefits, so experience with federal civil service laws matters. Selecting legal representation with deep knowledge of these forums gives federal employees clearer legal options. Our practice areas cover the full federal employment legal landscape, from agency proceedings to federal court.
Cantrell Schuette provides tailored legal services to federal government employees across Tampa Bay and nationwide, pairing federal-sector experience with the employment litigation capability to take matters to court when needed. Our attorneys are well-versed in these forums, and an employment law attorney on our team works directly with clients as a trusted legal advocate throughout the case. When you work with our firm, you receive:
- Direct access to the attorneys handling your matter
- A clear attorney-client relationship, transparent communication, and regular follow-ups on strategy
- Representation across MSPB, EEOC, OSC, OIG/OIA, and federal court
- Realistic case evaluation and clear guidance on the legal process and billing to help clients make informed decisions
Speak With an Experienced Attorney Today
We represent employees in federal employment matters across Tampa, FL. Contact Cantrell Schuette today at (813) 705-6275 or email [email protected] to schedule a confidential consultation with a Tampa federal employment lawyer who understands the federal-sector process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should federal employees in Tampa hire a lawyer?
Federal employment matters involve strict deadlines, multiple agencies, and procedures unlike private-sector cases. Early legal review and a detailed review of the facts help a federal employee understand their rights and legal options. Seeking guidance early when facing investigations, performance improvement plans, proposed suspensions, demotions, or removals can help avoid missteps that may waive a claim.
How long do federal employees have to file an EEO complaint?
Federal employees generally must contact an agency EEO counselor within 45 days of the alleged discrimination. This deadline is strict and much shorter than private-sector deadlines.
What is the MSPB?
The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent federal agency that reviews adverse actions against federal employees, including removals, long suspensions, and demotions. A federal employment lawyer can advise whether an action is appealable and on the applicable deadlines.
How are federal employment lawyers paid?
Fees depend on the matter and the attorney, and may be hourly, flat-fee, or contingency. In some matters, the available relief may include legal fees and legal costs. Federal employment litigation can be time-consuming, so billing matters and the fee structure should be clearly explained during the consultation.
Can my agency retaliate for filing an EEO complaint?
No. Federal law prohibits retaliation against employees for asserting their rights or taking part in an investigation. If an adverse action follows a protected complaint, you may have an additional claim, and documenting the events is important.