Defending Federal Supervisors and Co-Workers From EEO Complaints

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By John V. Berry, Esq., www.berrylegal.com 

We often represent and defend federal employees and supervisors involved as respondents in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints. While many attorneys represent only complainants in EEO complaints, we also represent those co-workers and supervisors accused of EEO misconduct in their defense. In cases where a federal employee or supervisor has been named a respondent in an EEO case by another federal employee, it is very important for them to obtain legal advice and counsel throughout the EEO investigation in order to avoid disciplinary action later.  An EEO respondent simply means that the individual has been named as part of the EEO violations or misconduct at issue.

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Federal Employee Rights in OIG Investigations

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By John V. Berry, www.berrylegal.com

We often represent federal employees in investigations before the Officeof Inspector General (OIG) of their federal agency. When a federal employee is under investigation (or going to be interviewed) by their respective OIG it is important for them to be aware of their legal rights, options and best plan of action for any potential legal defense. This article covers many of the issues that arise when a federal employee is contacted by their federal agency’s OIG.

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How to File an EEO Complaint for Federal Employees

By John V. Berry, www.berrylegal.com

We are often asked about the proper way in which to initiate an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint by federal employees against their federal agencies. A current or former federal employee or applicant for federal employment who believes he or she has been discriminated against because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or in retaliation for past EEO activity or for opposition to discrimination may file an EEO complaint against the federal agency involved.

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Retaining a Federal Security Clearance Lawyer

By John V. Berry, Esq.,www.berrylegal.com

Our law firm consults with federal employees who have questions about potential issues with their security clearance, either in obtaining one or in keeping it. We advise and represent federal employees at all stages of the clearance process. A prospective client often has many questions about the timing of hiring a security clearance lawyer in the federal sector process.  In sum, we usually advise federal employees that the earlier an attorney experienced in the federal employee security clearance process is consulted, the better. Typically, when an issue is evaluated and addressed, head on by a federal employee, it can help to provide a better potential outcome. Continue reading

Constructive Discharge for Federal Employees

By John V. Berry, Esq., www.berrylegal.com

In the course of discrimination and termination cases involving federal employees, we are often asked about the concept of constructive discharge, also known as constructive termination or removal. Many federal employees ask what a constructive discharge or constructive removal is and whether it may apply to their case. The best way to describe a constructive discharge claim is as follows: a constructive discharge is a forced resignation or retirement by involuntary means.Constructive Discharge

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The Basics of the Federal Employee EEO Complaint Process

By John V. Berry, Esq., www.berrylegal.com

We are often asked by federal employees and applicants about how to file an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint for discrimination, sexual harassment or retaliation. A federal employee has different options for filing an EEO complaint than a private sector employee (and shorter deadlines) so it is important to understand the basics in moving forward.   Continue reading

Privacy Act Requests for Federal Employees

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By John V. Berry, Esq., www.berrylegal.com

It is often the case that we have clients that are seeking information about their own personal records maintained by a federal agency. These requests can relate to a former employee’s Official Personnel Folder, an administrative investigation, security clearance records, and all sorts of other types of information that involve them. We are often
retained to assist client in making such requests.  privacy-actThis article is general in nature and an individual should consult an attorney familiar with the Privacy Act prior to making a request.

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Preparing a Federal Employee Administrative Grievance

By John V. Berry, Esq., www.berrylegal.com

Our law firm represents federal employees in federal employee grievance procedures. Most, if not all federal agencies have their own federal employee grievance procedures. Most of these procedures are similar but each agency may have their own twists that an employee should be aware of.

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Federal Employee Investigations

By John V. Berry, Esq. www.berrylegal.com

We often represent federal employees in federal agency initiated administrative kalkinesinvestigations. When a federal employee is under investigation or suspects that they may be investigated in regards to misconduct, on or off duty, it is important to have a federal employment attorney represent and/or advise them through the process. Continue reading

Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) for Federal Employees

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By John V. Berry, Esq., www.berrylegal.com

Our law firm represents federal employees who have been placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) relating to alleged poor performance. Federal employees should always be wary if they learn that a PIP is being recommended or considered as a means of correcting a federal employee’s work performance. In our experience, the issuance of a PIP almost always indicates the beginning of the removal or reassignment process for a federal employee. Federal employees, however, are usually told that a PIP is only designed to benefit them and make them better performers. This, unfortunately, is not the usual case.

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