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# MSPB Attorneys

Leitner Varughese Warywoda Law

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://mspbattorneys.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Pages

- [Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Attorneys](https://mspbattorneys.com/) - Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Attorneys If you are a federal employee dealing with a workplace grievance, you've come to the right place. The MSPB attorneys at Leitner Varughese Warywoda Law have been vigorously defending federal employees at the agency level, before Merit Systems Protection Board Administrative Law Judges, and the full three-member MSPB panel.
- [Federal Reduction in Force Lawyers](https://mspbattorneys.com/federal-reduction-force/) - Reduction in Force (RIF) Lawyers Fighting For You in the Trump Era A Reduction in Force (RIF) occurs when a federal agency decides to abolish one or more positions of employment. Traditionally, RIFs were governed by strict Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations under the purview of the Merit Systems Protection Board, ensuring that affected employees
- [FERS Disability Retirement Attorneys](https://mspbattorneys.com/federal-disability-retirement/) - Top-Rated Federal Disability Retirement Attorneys If you are a federal employee with a disability or illness expected to last for more than 12 months, you may qualify for Disability Retirement Benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Upon qualifying, you can receive a portion of your salary for life. This holds true whether the
- [MSPB & Federal Employment Attorney Pricing](https://mspbattorneys.com/attorney-fees/) - How much does an MSPB and Federal Employment Lawyer cost? See our cost structure on attorney fees representing federal employees nationwide.
- [Old Thank you](https://mspbattorneys.com/thank-you/) - Thank You! We’ve received your message. Our team will review your inquiry and will be in touch soon. Here’s what to expect next: 1. Initial Intake - After receiving your request, an intake specialist will contact you to gather information about your case. The more details you can provide, the better we’ll be able to
- [Thank You](https://mspbattorneys.com/thankyou/) - Thank you for getting in touch with LVW! We will contact you shortly to discuss your case.
- [What Clients Say About Us](https://mspbattorneys.com/reviews/) - What Our Clients Have To Say About Us We believe strongly in taking a client-oriented approach to every case we take and are deeply appreciative of all the positive feedback we receive nationwide. Here are some of our favorites. Superstars! “They are absolutely amazing! I have had other experiences with different types of attorneys from
- [USERRA Lawyers: Protecting the Rights of Service Members](https://mspbattorneys.com/userra-lawyers/) - Looking for a USERRA attorney? Our team is prepared to stand by your side and fight for your justice. Let us defend your rights effectively.
- [Retaliation Protection](https://mspbattorneys.com/eeo-complaints/retaliation-protection/) - Retaliation Protection for Federal Employees “Retaliation is the most frequently alleged basis of discrimination in the federal sector and the most common discrimination finding in federal sector cases.” These are the words of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Retaliation is, unfortunately, a pervasive issue for employees in all walks of life, and working for
- [Sexual Harassment](https://mspbattorneys.com/eeo-complaints/sexual-harassment/) - Federal Sexual Harassment Attorneys – Serving Employees Nationwide Sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited at all levels of the federal government. If you have been the subject of unwelcome advances or inappropriate verbal or physical conduct at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation and other remedies. Our attorneys represent federal employees in
- [Sexual Orientation Discrimination](https://mspbattorneys.com/eeo-complaints/sexual-orientation-discrimination/) - Federal Employee Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyers Although Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, recent court decisions and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) policy have established protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees. Discrimination in federal employment on the basis
- [Gender Discrimination](https://mspbattorneys.com/eeo-complaints/federal-gender-discrimination/) - Gender Discrimination Lawyers Representing Federal Employees Nationwide Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits gender and sex-based discrimination in federal workplaces. As an employee of the federal government, you are entitled to equal treatment regardless of your sex or gender. If you have been denied an employment opportunity or have been subjected
- [Race Discrimination](https://mspbattorneys.com/eeo-complaints/federal-race-discrimination/) - Race Discrimination Lawyers for Federal Employees Race discrimination in the workplace cannot be tolerated. This is true in both the public and private sectors, and protection against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color or nationality is one of the fundamental rights of federal employees. For federal employees, protection exists under Title VII of the Civil
- [EEO Complaints](https://mspbattorneys.com/eeo-complaints/) - Discrimination and EEO Complaints As a federal employee, you have the right to be free from discrimination in the workplace. While the federal government is exempt from the requirements of certain statutes, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and
- [Age Discrimination](https://mspbattorneys.com/eeo-complaints/federal-age-discrimination/) - Federal Age Discrimination Lawyers The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects federal employees who are 40 years of age or older against age-based discrimination in the workplace. Like other federal anti-discrimination laws, the ADEA applies to all aspects of the employment relationship. This includes hiring, training, job assignments, promotions, compensation, benefits, and termination. The
- [Disability Discrimination](https://mspbattorneys.com/eeo-complaints/federal-disability-discrimination/) - Disability Discrimination Lawyers for Federal Employees If you work for the federal government and have been subjected to disability discrimination, we can help. For over 30 years our federal employment attorneys have represented federal employees in all 50 states with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) claims and federal appeals. We have handled thousands of cases, securing
- [HHS Federal Employment Attorneys | Health and Human Services](https://mspbattorneys.com/hhs-attorneys/) - We help current and former Department of Health and Human Services employees facing legal issues. Contact our HHS employment attorneys now.
- [Merit Systems Protection Board Law](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/)
- [The Definitive Guide to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)](https://mspbattorneys.com/merit-systems-protection-board/) - The Definitive Guide To The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) serves as an independent and semi-judicial agency which is the guardian of Federal merit systems. It serves as a part of the Executive branch of the United States government. The Board came into being via a 1978 law which became effective in 1979.
- [Nicholas Warywoda](https://mspbattorneys.com/attorney-shaun-yancey/) - Meet Nicholas Warywoda Attorney Nicholas Warywoda is a leading trial attorney whose jury verdicts and settlements are recognized among the largest verdicts in the United States. Nick's trial results have been featured in the Top Verdicts and Verdicts and Settlements Hall of Fame. Nick is ranked as a "Top-Rated attorney" by Metro Super Lawyers and
- [MSPB Appeals Attorneys](https://mspbattorneys.com/mspb-appeals-attorney/) - MSPB Appeals Attorneys If you are a federal employee looking for a law firm to handle an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), you've come to the right place. Our top-rated employment lawyers have represented thousands of federal employees from coast-to-coast with appeals before Merit Systems Protection Board Administrative Law Judges and the
- [LEGAL DISCLAIMER](https://mspbattorneys.com/legal-disclaimer/) - LEGAL DISCLAIMER We reserve the right to change this disclaimer at any time. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is general in nature. It is also provided “as is”. There is no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or correctness. It is provided without warranty of any kind, expressed
- [Karen Hertz](https://mspbattorneys.com/attorney-karen-mizrahi-hertz/) - Meet Karen Hertz Attorney Karen Mizrahi Hertz is a highly skilled and experienced employment attorney who brings years of expertise in handling a wide range of workplace legal matters. Karen has represented both employers and employees in resolution and litigation of workplace discriminations, harassment, wrongful termination, gender pay equality, USERRA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Department of
- [Jaime Croker](https://mspbattorneys.com/jaime-croker/) - Meet Jaime Croker Intake Specialist Jaime Croker is a dedicated and highly skilled Senior Legal Assistant with an impressive track record in facilitating complex employment-related claims and issues. With over a decade of experience in the legal field, Jaime's expertise is unmatched. However, before her foray into the legal world, she held numerous prestigious executive
- [Justin Varughese](https://mspbattorneys.com/attorney-george-melville-johnson/) - Meet Justin Varughese Attorney Justin Varughese is recognized as one of the top trial attorneys nationally, consistently selected to the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, SuperLawyers, American Academy of Trial Attorneys Premier 100, America's Top 100 Attorneys and Rue Ratings Best Attorneys in America, and Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer, to name a few.
- [Federal Whistleblower Protection & Representation](https://mspbattorneys.com/federal-whistleblower-attorney/) - Federal Whistleblower Protection & Representation When as a federal employee you report a violation of law, a gross waste of funds or mismanagement, an abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health or safety, you become a whistleblower. Whistleblowing is seen as essential to the functioning of an honest and efficient government, and
- [Federal Suspension Attorneys](https://mspbattorneys.com/federal-suspension/) - Looking For A Federal Suspension Attorney? Were you unfairly suspended or terminated as a federal employee? If so, it's important to understand you have rights. This includes the ability to file an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Our attorneys represent federal employees in all stages of the discipline and suspension process and
- [Federal Removal & Termination Lawyers](https://mspbattorneys.com/removal-termination/) - Federal Removal & Termination Lawyers If you are a federal employee facing the possibility of removal or termination from your job, you've come to the right place. The attorneys at Leitner Varughese Warywoda Law have been vigorously defending federal employees from coast-to-coast in front of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and other federal agencies,
- [Federal Employees Retirement System](https://mspbattorneys.com/federal-employees-retirement-system/) - Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) The Federal Employees Retirement System, known as FERS, was enacted on January 1, 1987. The system consists of benefits from three different sources. These are a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Saving Plan. The Merit Systems Protection Board may sometimes make administrative decisions in regard to the Federal
- [Federal Discipline & Adverse Action Lawyers](https://mspbattorneys.com/disciplinary-adverse-actions/) - Disciplinary and Adverse Action Representation If you are a federal employee facing a disciplinary or adverse action, you've come to the right place. Leitner Varughese Warywoda Law has represented thousands of federal employees from coast-to-coast against every federal agency, and our attorneys have the experience and expertise it takes to vigorously protect your rights under MSPB law.
- [Experienced MSPB & Federal Employment Lawyers](https://mspbattorneys.com/legal-staff/) - Experienced MSPB Attorneys You Can Count on In selecting a Federal Employment or MSPB law firm, your most important considerations will be the quality of the representation provided to you, and your ability to establish a close working relationship with the attorneys you choose. At Leitner Varughese Warywoda Law, we are proud of our aggressive
- [Brett Leitner](https://mspbattorneys.com/attorney-john-durishan/) - Meet Brett Leitner Attorney Brett Leitner is a seasoned trial attorney, possesses extensive expertise and proficiency in handling cases. His unwavering commitment to justice and comprehensive understanding of the law make him a formidable advocate for those in need. Brett has consistently earned recognition for his excellence in the field of law. A "Top 100 Civil
- [(OPM) Office Of Personnel Management](https://mspbattorneys.com/office-personnel-management/) - Office Of Personnel Management The Office Of Personnel Management (OPM) is responsible for reviewing all claims from federal employees. Our MSPB attorneys will work with you in the event that you need to bring an appeal to a ruling made by the OPM. More On the OPM The OPM began with the Civil Service Act of 1883. As a result,
- [(CSRS) Civil Service Retirement System](https://mspbattorneys.com/civil-service-retirement-system/) - Civil Service Retirement System The Civil Service Retirement Act came into effect in January of 1920. It served as the established retirement system in place for all civil servants at that time. However, that act would eventually be replaced by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). The Federal Employees Retirement System is for Federal employees who first entered
- [FAQs](https://mspbattorneys.com/law-questions/) - Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Law FAQs Below we have provided general information on commonly asked questions we receive about Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) law. Please keep in mind that this information is general in nature; we highly recommend talking with one of our MSPB lawyers to receive information specific to your case. Our law firm
- [Contact Our MSPB Attorneys Today!](https://mspbattorneys.com/contact/) - To have your questions answered, and find the representation you deserve, please contact our top-rated MSPB attorneys by filling out form below, and we will be in touch with you promptly. Our law firm has represented thousands of federal employees from coast-to-coast and we are here to fight for you!

## Blawg

- [What Furloughed Federal Employees Need to Know About Filing MSPB Appeals Under the Government Employee’s Fair Treatment Act](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/furloughed-federal-employees-rights/) - Learn how furloughed federal employees can file MSPB appeals under the Government Employee’s Fair Treatment Act. Protect your pay and your rights today.
- [Federal Employees Are Entitled To Special Disability Retirement Benefits](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/disability-retirement-benefits/) - Disability retirement benefits make an enormous difference to anyone. Federal employees who become medically unable to perform their jobs, may enjoy special disability benefits. While such benefits are somewhat like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits and workers’ compensation benefits, eligibility for federal disability retirement is a unique entitlement. What are its basic eligibility requirements?
- [Navigating Employment Discrimination as a Veteran or Service Member](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/navigating-employment-discrimination/) - For veterans and active service members, transitioning back into the civilian workforce can present unique challenges. One of the most significant obstacles they may encounter is employment discrimination. Despite the sacrifices they’ve made for their country, many veterans and service members face unfair treatment in the workplace. This blog post explores the types of discrimination
- [How Pure Must a Federal Whistleblower’s Motives Be?](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/whistleblowers-motives/) - Motives matter. As children, most of us were admonished by parents and teachers not to be a snitch. Also we should not tattletale. So mind your own business, right? Lessons learned young stick with us. Indeed, within the American workplace, even within federal government agencies, no one likes that coworker. You know the one who seems
- [Disciplining Federal Employees for “Lack of Candor.” Is the Standard Too Subjective?](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/subjective-disciplining-candor/) - When federal agency officials contemplate disciplinary action against a federal employee, they have many arrows in their quiver. For example, the officials may contend that the targeted employee is guilty of falsification. On the other hand, they may turn instead to a much more nebulous charge: that the actions of the employee exhibited a “lack
- [What Qualifies for an OPM Classification Appeal?](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/qualifications-classification-appeal/) - If you’re a federal employee and you feel that your position isn’t appropriately classified, you may be wondering if you can file a Classification Appeal with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). But first, you need to know what can be appealed and what can’t. What Can Be Appealed You can use the OPM appeal process
- [What Types of Actions Can Be Brought to the MSPB?](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/types-of-actions/) - The MSPB, or Merit Systems Protection Board, is a quasi-judicial agency that makes up part of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. The MSPB oversees Federal merit systems. It is authorized by the Civil Service Reform Act (CRSA) of 1978 to hear appeals of some, but not all, agency actions. Let’s take a look
- [Federal Whistleblower Protection Under PPP](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/federal-whistleblower-protection-ppp/) - Whistleblower protection under the PPP is provided to federal employees by the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) of 1978. Retaliation of whistleblowers is the eighth prohibited personnel practice (PPP) defined by the CSRA. Whistleblowing is considered a protected activity. Understanding the Eighth PPP The eighth PPP prohibits any federal employee who has the authority to
- [What You Need To Know About Federal Workplace Discrimination and Investigations](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/federal-workplace-discrimination-investigations/) - Whether you’re currently a federal employee or you’re just trying to get a federal job, you’re protected by law from discrimination based on your religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, color or race, age, national origin, disability status, or genetic information. You’re also protected from retaliation in the workplace based on any discrimination
- [Our Attorneys Represent USPS Employees Nationwide: Federal Employment Lawyers](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/usps-employment-lawyers/) - Representing U.S. Postal Service Employees Nationwide If you are a current or former USPS employee dealing with a workplace legal issue, you’ve come to the right place. The attorneys at Leitner Varughese Warywoda Law have been vigorously defending United States Postal Service employees at the agency level, before Merit Systems Protection Board Administrative Law Judges
- [How to Write an MSPB Appeal](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/how-to-write-an-mspb-appeal/) - If you have experienced a suspension of at least 15 days, a demotion, or termination that was undeserved or discriminatory, you could be able to submit an appeal with the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB). How to Submit an Appeal With the MSPB You’ll need to submit your appeal with the MSPB's area or field
- [MSPB Board Issues First Recent Precedential Decision in 5 Years (March 2022)](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/mspb-recent-decisions/) - In March 2022, the Merit Systems Protections Board (MSPB) issued its first precedential decision in 5 years. A civilian employee working for the Army Department, who had been fired in her second year of her probationary period, was reinstated by overturning the decision of an administrative judge. The State of the MSPB The MSPB lacked
- [MSPB Board Rules In Whistleblower Case in Favor of Military Wife](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/mspb-whistleblower-military/) - According to Defense Department directive no. 1300.22, the remains of military service members are to be handled with “dignity, respect, and care of the deceased.” On July 17, 2006, Army Sgt. 1st Class Scott R. Smith was blown apart by a roadside bomb in Iraq, but his remains were thrown out with the garbage along
- [Merit Systems Protection Board Adds Third Member After 5 Years Without Quorum](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/mspb-third-member/) - The Merit Systems Protection Board added a third member in May 2022, Cathy Harris, to its ranks to assist with the thousands of cases that have been pending before the Board. The MSPB reached a quorum back in March, but adding another member will be a huge help. There were previous issues such as potential
- [MSPB Revisits Abandoning Affirmative Defenses](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/affirmative-defenses/) - In the case of Thurman v. United States Postal Service (July, 2022), the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) overturned their 2010 decision, Wynn v. U.S. Postal Service, regarding the abandoning of affirmative defenses. In so doing, the MSPB listed 6 new non-exhaustive factors that will be used to determine whether an affirmative defense has been
- [Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Attorneys: Defending Your Rights](https://mspbattorneys.com/blawg/veterans-affairs-employment-attorneys/) - Facing issues at the VA? Our legal team is dedicated to Veterans Affairs employees, we're committed to protecting your rights. Contact us now.

## Janets Semantics

- [A Look at Mark Abernathy v. Department of the Army](https://mspbattorneys.com/janets-semantics/abernathy-department-army/) - Abernathy v. Department of the Army The Abernathy case looks like it could be a game changer. This recent case raises an interesting question on the status of a whistleblower that comes from outside of Federal employment. Seeing as contractors often work side by side with Federal employees, this question is sure to arise again.
- [The History of the Merit Systems Protection Board](https://mspbattorneys.com/janets-semantics/history-mspb/) - Do You know the History of the Merit Systems Protection Board? Early History (or rather, Pre-History) In the early years of the history of the United States, getting a government job was essentially an act of patronage. If the people in charge liked you, and if you were loyal, then a job was yours. If
- [A Review of Dep't of Homeland Security v. Robert MacLean](https://mspbattorneys.com/janets-semantics/maclean/) - Dep't of Homeland Security v. Robert MacLean Robert MacLean revealed sensitive information then claimed protection as a whistleblower. Did the United States Supreme Court agree? Case Department of Homeland Security v. MacLean, Docket No. 13-894 Facts In July of 2003, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) learned about a possible plot to hijack American planes. The
- [MSPB Employee Appeal Process](https://mspbattorneys.com/janets-semantics/mspb-employee-appeal-process/) - Do you know how to file an MSPB employee appeal? When you are a federal employee, sometimes you are subject to a dismissal without, in your eyes, adequate cause. Or you may be subject to possible reinstatement but not receive it. Therefore, you may need to appeal your case to the Merit Systems Protection Board.
- [A Look at Kloeckner v. Solis](https://mspbattorneys.com/janets-semantics/kloeckner-v-solis/) - For the matter of Carolyn Kloeckner v. Hilda Solis, the Secretary of Labor, the case went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. The main question was jurisdictional in nature – where should an appeal go if the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has dismissed a case but not on the
- [Everything you always wanted to know about the USERRA](https://mspbattorneys.com/janets-semantics/userra/) - Ever wonder what the USERRA is? Well, wonder no longer. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) is a federal law. It sets forth the rights and responsibilities for uniformed service members and their civilian employers. This act can be found in Title 38 of the United States Code. Introduction The
- [A Look at Alvara v. The Department of Homeland Security](https://mspbattorneys.com/janets-semantics/alvara-homeland-security/) - Reynaldo Alvara v. The Department of Homeland Security The Alvara case posed an interesting question in MSPB appeals: is the inability to work overtime or a graveyard shift enough of a disability that it must be accommodated? The Merit Systems Protection Board did not think so. Case Reynaldo Alvara v. The Department of Homeland Security.
- [Administrative Law Judges](https://mspbattorneys.com/janets-semantics/administrative-law-judges/) - Administrative Law Judges (they are also called ALJs) are federal appointees pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946. This act gives them some independence when it comes to decision making. Plus they have immunity from any liability which might arise from their judicial acts. In general, an ALJ’s job is to handle administrative hearings.

## Categories

- [MSPB cases](https://mspbattorneys.com/category/mspb-cases/)
- [Janet's Semantics](https://mspbattorneys.com/category/janets-semantics/)

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- [disability](https://mspbattorneys.com/tag/disability/)