Arlington Federal Employment Attorney
Federal employees in Arlington work under federal employment law that has little in common with private-sector employment.
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Award Winning Federal Employment Lawyer In Arlington
Adverse actions, discrimination claims, agency investigations, and whistleblower retaliation move through federal agencies on strict deadlines. Federal employment law rests on a distinct set of federal statutes and regulations, which is why an experienced federal employment attorney matters.
An Arlington federal employment attorney can protect your federal career before an agency decision becomes final. Cantrell Schuette represents federal employees and federal workers across Arlington and nationwide before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Office of Special Counsel, and federal court. Our federal employment practice complements the firm’s broader workplace and employment representation.
Federal Employment Representation Across Arlington's Federal Workforce
Arlington holds one of the largest federal workforces in the country. The Pentagon, headquarters of the Department of Defense, sits in Arlington, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, DARPA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Foreign Service Institute.
Who We Represent
Our federal employment attorneys provide legal representation and legal support to federal government employees at these federal agencies on issues including:
- Suspension, demotion, or removal, where federal workers need an adverse action defense
- EEO claims, sexual harassment, and federal court litigation
- Security clearance matters and wrongful termination cases
- Unpaid overtime, overtime pay, and other wage disputes under federal law
Federal employees in Arlington whose claims reach court generally litigate in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division. We also advise on Qui Tam actions under the False Claims Act, federal workers’ compensation, and disability retirement through the Office of Personnel Management.
How Federal Employment Law Differs From Private-Sector Employment
Most private sector employees and private employees in Virginia are employed at will, so an employer can end a job for almost any lawful reason. Federal employees are different: under the Civil Service Reform Act, most cannot be fired without cause, strengthening protection against wrongful termination.
Signs of Wrongful Termination
Federal personnel law rests on federal statutes and various federal statutes that require administrative exhaustion before legal action in court. See our guidance on the signs of wrongful termination.
- Federal employees use the federal-sector EEO process, not state agencies
- Whistleblower protections shield federal employees who report misconduct
- Federal employment law is largely uniform nationwide, so location rarely limits representation
- Missing a strict federal deadline can permanently waive a claim
MSPB Appeals and Adverse Action Defense
Most federal employees can appeal adverse actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board, including removals, suspensions over 14 days, demotions, and reductions in pay or grade. An MSPB appeal generally must be filed within 30 days, and a missed deadline can eliminate appeal rights. Our attorneys assist with MSPB appeals at every stage:
- Filing timely MSPB appeals after you receive notice of proposed discipline
- Gathering evidence and witness testimony for a hearing
- Representation before an administrative judge
- Settlement negotiations, since many disputes resolve before a hearing
- Further review with the full Board or the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
EEOC Complaints and Federal-Sector Discrimination Claims
Federal employees who face discrimination can pursue claims through the federal-sector EEO process enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This equal employment opportunity process addresses discrimination complaints based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, and pregnancy. Discrimination of this kind can violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and federal agencies must also provide reasonable accommodations for disability under the Rehabilitation Act.
What An Attorney Helps With
A claim begins with informal counseling from an agency EEO counselor within 45 days, and these matters follow strict timelines and detailed documentation. An Arlington federal employment attorney can help with:
- Initial EEO counselor contact and informal resolution
- Filing formal discrimination and sexual harassment claims that trigger an investigation
- Requesting a final agency decision or an EEOC hearing, which resembles a trial with witness testimony and cross-examination
- Appeals to the EEOC Office of Federal Operations, generally within 30 days of a final decision, or to federal court
Agency Investigations, Disciplinary Actions, and Employee Rights
Federal employees usually cannot be removed without an underlying investigation, often run by an Office of Inspector General or Office of Internal Affairs. Outcomes can include disciplinary actions, a criminal referral, or loss of a security clearance. Our attorneys guide clients through the legal process and protect employee rights at each step:
- Preparing for investigatory interviews, including Garrity and Kalkines warnings
- Explaining due process rights and appeal rights before, during, and after questioning
- Responding to performance issues, proposed discipline, or letters of charges
- Preserving appeal rights under the unique procedures for federal personnel
Whistleblower Retaliation and Protected Activities
Federal employees who report waste, fraud, or abuse are protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act. Retaliation such as a demotion or termination can also support wrongful termination cases, and legal representation matters for whistleblowers facing reprisal.
Protected disclosures can go to the Office of Special Counsel, an Inspector General, or Congress. When an agency retaliates, an employee may pursue:
- A complaint with the Office of Special Counsel
- An Individual Right of Action appeal before the MSPB
- Corrective action, reinstatement, back pay, and other legal action
Security Clearance, Benefits, and Other Federal Employment Matters
Security clearance issues carry particular weight in Arlington, given the defense and intelligence work across the area. A denial or revocation can jeopardize federal employment, and legal counsel and legal assistance matter during security clearance investigations and statement-of-reasons responses. Federal employment law also reaches benefits and insurance issues, including disability retirement under FERS administered by the Office of Personnel Management.
- Security clearance appeals, including denials, suspensions, and revocations
- VA employees and VA medical professionals facing Disciplinary Action Board review
- Reasonable accommodations, family and medical leave, and USERRA reemployment rights
- Severance agreements and the review of release terms when a job ends
- Unfair labor practices and union grievances under federal labor law
What Our Clients Say
Arlington Federal Employment Law Firm
Federal employment law follows rules that do not apply in most private-sector cases. Our federal employment lawyers bring extensive experience before these federal agencies and extensive knowledge of the federal government process, including the strict deadlines that protect a federal career. Cantrell Schuette is a law firm, and we represent federal employees nationwide, pairing federal-sector experience with employment litigation in court.
- Knowledge of overlapping MSPB, EEOC, Office of Special Counsel, and federal court jurisdiction
- Attorneys well versed in agency-specific disciplinary actions and federal statutes
- Responsive representation for clients facing the unique challenges of federal employment
- Realistic case evaluation and direct access to the attorneys handling your matter
Speak With an Experienced Attorney Today
Federal employment matters move quickly and carry strict deadlines, so early legal review preserves your options.
Contact Cantrell Schuette today at (877) 858‑6868 or email [email protected] to schedule a consultation with an Arlington federal employment attorney who understands the federal-sector process and the employment issues you face.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should federal employees in Arlington get a lawyer?
Federal employment matters involve strict deadlines, multiple agencies, and unique procedures unlike private-sector cases. Early legal review helps a federal employee understand employee rights and 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. Appeals from a final agency decision generally must be filed within 30 days. These timelines are strict, much shorter than private-sector deadlines, and missing one can bar a claim.
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. Retaliation for filing complaints is illegal, and an adverse action that follows a protected complaint may support an additional claim.
How are federal employment lawyers paid?
Fees depend on the matter and the attorney, and may be hourly, flat-fee, or contingency. The fee structure should be explained during the initial consultation.