We Protect Federal Employees and Whistleblowers
Conveniently located off the Washington, D.C., Beltway, Thatcher Zavaro & Mani‘s experienced attorneys successfully represent federal employees against government agencies.
Federal employees are provided opportunities to oppose their termination orally or in writing. We routinely represent federal employees though these appeal processes, and advocate on behalf of our clients for a favorable outcome.
Extensive Knowledge of Federal Workers’ Rights – EEO Complaints
Federal employees are protected against discrimination under laws such as:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy or national origin
- The Equal Pay Act of 1963, which makes it unlawful to pay different wages to men and women who perform the same work
- Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against a federal employee because of their disability
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), which protects employees 40 years of age or older from age-based discrimination
Federal employees must file a complaint of discrimination with an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) officer at their agency within 45 days from the date the discrimination occurred. Because federal employees face shorter deadlines than other employees, it is important that you contact one of our attorneys as soon as you suspect you have been discriminated against.
If you have been discriminated or retaliated against, Thatcher Zavaro & Mani‘s experienced employment attorneys can advise you on your next best steps.
Whistleblower Protection
Various “whistleblower” laws protect employees against retaliation for complaining about illegal activity. The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) was specifically enacted to protect federal employees who disclose information about waste, abuse, hazards or violations of laws or regulations. The WPA protects whistleblowers from adverse actions such as: termination, demotion, pay cuts, and reassignments.
If you have experienced discrimination or retaliation because you complained about illegal activity, contact Thatcher Zavaro & Mani for excellent legal advice.
The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)
If you are a federal employee who has faced an adverse employment action, you may be able to appeal to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Some of the types of appeals heard by the MSPB include:
- Removals
- Suspensions over 14 days
- Furloughs of 30 days or less
- Unfavorable determinations by the Office of Personnel Management
- Whistleblower retaliation
- Demotions and reductions in pay
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) claims
- Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) claims
Our experienced employment lawyers can help you determine if you are eligible to appeal to the MSPB and guide you through every step of the process. Depending on the specific facts of your case, the deadline for filing your appeal may vary, so it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as you experience an adverse employment action.
Schedule An Appointment Now
For a consultation, contact us by email or call us at 301-850-1246. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.