Your Federal Employee Rights Amid Recent Executive Actions

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I'm Attorney Justin Schnitzer. Our commitment is to represent federal employees in cases of employment violations just as we would want to be represented, all with the aim of achieving decisive victories.

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MSPB Settlement Amounts: What to Expect in Your Federal Case

Read Time: 5 min read

MSPB settlement amounts can vary significantly, typically ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000. The final amount depends on multiple factors, including the strength of the legal claims, the amount of back pay involved, and the specifics of each case. While no official database tracks average settlements, cases with strong evidence of agency wrongdoing or extensive back pay exposure may result in higher figures, while weaker claims may settle for much less. Understanding the MSPB Appeal Process The …

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What is the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)?

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What is the MSPB? The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an independent, quasi-judicial federal agency that protects the rights of federal employees and promotes fair employment practices. It reviews appeals involving disciplinary actions, removals, and prohibited personnel practices, ensuring that decisions are based on merit rather than political influence, favoritism, or discrimination. The MSPB plays a critical role in maintaining accountability and due process within the federal civil service system. If you’re wondering what is the MSPB, then read on …

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CSRS vs. FERS: Understanding Federal Retirement Systems

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CSRS vs. FERS refers to the two primary federal retirement systems. CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) is a legacy plan offering a large pension without Social Security, while FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) combines a smaller pension with Social Security and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Most current federal employees are covered by FERS, which offers more portability and long-term flexibility. The History and Evolution of Federal Retirement Systems CSRS, established in 1920, was the sole retirement system for federal …

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How to Calculate FERS Retirement

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How do you calculate your FERS retirement benefits? To calculate your FERS retirement, multiply your high-3 average salary by your total years of creditable service and the appropriate pension multiplier—typically 1% if you retire before age 62 or have under 20 years of service, or 1.1% if you retire at 62 or older with 20+ years. This forms your basic annuity. Additional factors like unused sick leave, military service credit, early retirement reductions, and your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) balance …

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Federal Early Retirement: What You Need to Know

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Federal early retirement allows eligible government employees to retire before reaching standard retirement age, typically with reduced benefits. Options include Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) for workforce restructuring or Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR) due to involuntary separation. Eligibility depends on age, years of service, and whether the employee is under the CSRS or FERS retirement system. Thinking about hanging up your federal employee hat earlier than planned? You’re not alone. The allure of trading in your government ID for a …

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Understanding Your MSPB Appeal Rights as a Federal Employee

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Facing an adverse employment action as a federal employee can be both disorienting and distressing. Your career, reputation, and financial stability suddenly hang in the balance. In these critical moments, understanding your MSPB appeal rights is essential as it offers an important avenue to challenge unfair agency decisions and protect your position. What Are MSPB Appeal Rights? MSPB appeal rights are statutory protections granted to federal employees that allow them to challenge specific adverse employment actions before an independent quasi-judicial agency called the Merit …

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How to File an MSPB Appeal – Process, Procedure & Petition

Read Time: 7 min read

Receiving notice of an adverse employment action can turn your world upside down. Perhaps you’ve received a termination letter, a lengthy suspension notice, or documentation of a demotion. If you’re considering an MSPB appeal, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the strict deadlines and due process involved in protecting your federal employee rights. What is an MSPB Appeal? An MSPB appeal is a formal request asking the Merit Systems Protection Board to review an adverse employment action taken against …

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DOGE Layoffs: 5 Legal Options for Federal Employees Right Now

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DOGE layoffs have created unprecedented challenges for thousands of federal employees across America. Since early 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency has terminated workers at dozens of federal agencies, often with minimal notice.  For affected federal employees, understanding your legal rights and options is essential. What Are the DOGE Layoffs? DOGE stands for the Department of Government Efficiency, created by President Trump shortly after taking office in January 2025. Elon Musk is leading its effort to reduce federal spending by eliminating …

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Reasonable Accommodation for Federal Employees (Guide)

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Understanding Reasonable Accommodation As a federal employee in America, you have the right to reasonable accommodation for a disability. Your disability might affect your senses, your dexterity, your mobility, or might even be a mental health condition. No matter the details, if your disability can be overcome and job duties completed with the help of reasonable accommodation, then your agency is required to provide it (with very limited exceptions). However, not all supervisors and agency authorities are reasonable. If you have been …

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Federal Employee Termination Laws: A Complete Legal Guide 2025

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Federal employee termination laws are in place to protect the rights of civil servants while also allowing the government to manage its workforce efficiently. As with any employer, the federal government can fire employees for subpar performance, company policy infractions, or disciplinary issues. However, special rules apply due to the unique nature of government work. Because federal employees are not private sector workers, they’re afforded protection against arbitrary or politically-motivated firings—their jobs allow them to carry out public business without …

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