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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How to Calculate FERS Retirement

Read Time: 6 min read

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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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)

Read Time: 8 min read

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

Read Time: 7 min read

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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Understanding the OPM Disability Retirement Approval Rate

Read Time: 5 min read

For federal employees facing medical conditions that prevent them from performing their job duties, OPM disability retirement approval rate can be a crucial lifeline. However, many applicants find themselves wondering about their chances of approval. This article delves into the OPM disability retirement approval rate, factors influencing decisions, and strategies to improve your chances of a successful application. What is the approval rate for OPM disability retirement? The approval rate for OPM disability retirement varies and is not publicly disclosed …

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Main Reasons Security Clearances Get Denied or Revoked

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A security clearance in federal employment is a formal determination that an individual is eligible to access classified information or work in sensitive positions. The clearance is granted after a thorough background check that assesses the individual’s trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. Security clearances are essential for many federal jobs and contractors working with sensitive government information. However, obtaining and maintaining a security clearance is not guaranteed. Understanding the main reasons why clearances get denied or revoked …

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Absence Without Leave (AWOL)

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Absence Without Leave, commonly known as AWOL, is a serious charge that can be levied against federal employees who are not present at their workplace without proper authorization. Understanding the intricacies of AWOL meaning is crucial for both federal employees and supervisors to maintain a productive and compliant work environment. What does AWOL mean in federal employment? AWOL refers to an unauthorized absence from work or duty without obtaining prior approval from the appropriate chain of command. This can include …

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How Difficult is it to Get Federal Disability Retirement?

Read Time: 7 min read

Managing the complexities of federal disability retirement can be daunting for federal employees, as the process involves navigating a maze of legal and bureaucratic requirements. This article aims to demystify how to apply for federal disability retirement, offering clarity and guidance at every step. From understanding eligibility criteria to preparing a convincing application, our goal is to simplify and explain the intricacies involved. We strive to provide comprehensive insights and practical advice to help federal employees successfully navigate the path …

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Understanding the Federal Employee Probationary Period

Read Time: 5 min read

Starting a career in the federal government is an exciting journey, but it comes with a unique twist – the federal employee probationary period. This crucial first year can make or break your future in public service. Whether you’re a fresh-faced recruit or a seasoned professional transitioning to government work, understanding the ins and outs of this trial period is essential for your success. What is the federal employee probationary period? The federal employee probationary period is generally a one-year …

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Are Federal Employees At-Will Employees?

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Are federal employees at will? No—most federal employees are not considered at-will. They are protected by civil service laws, which require just cause for termination and provide due process rights, including appeal options. Exceptions exist for certain political appointees and policy-making roles, which may be designated as at-will. Recent proposals have also aimed to expand at-will classifications, but the majority of federal employees remain protected under existing personnel rules. Think of federal employment as a different ballgame altogether. While private …

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