Atty. Shoemaker has earned national recognition for his work in employment law, including listings in Best Lawyers in America since 2006 and repeated honors in Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite.” His experience representing government employees before agencies such as the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) makes him a powerful ally for those facing career-threatening disciplinary measures.
Types of Federal Disciplinary Actions
Federal agencies have broad authority to discipline employees for misconduct or performance issues. Common actions include:
- Removals (terminations)
- Suspensions (often 14 days or more)
- Demotions or grade reductions
- Reprimands or warnings
These actions must follow due process, including advance notice, a chance to respond, and review by a deciding official. If the penalty is too harsh or unsupported by evidence, it may be overturned on appeal.
Your Right to Due Process and Appeal
As a federal employee, you’re entitled to procedural protections not always found in the private sector. If you’re in the competitive service and past your probationary period, you likely have the right to:
- Receive written notice of proposed discipline
- Review the evidence against you
- Submit a written and/or oral response
- Appeal to the MSPB if action is taken
If you believe the action involves discrimination, you may also file an EEO complaint. In some cases, a “mixed case” route involving both the MSPB and EEOC is appropriate.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Even if the allegations seem exaggerated or unfair, how you respond can shape the outcome, as well as your future. An experienced federal employment attorney can help you:
- Prepare a compelling response to proposed discipline
- Negotiate a settlement or last-chance agreement
- File a timely and well-supported appeal
- Protect your retirement, security clearance, and long-term employment status
Speak With a Federal Employment Lawyer Today
If you’re a federal employee facing disciplinary action, don’t wait to get help. James Shoemaker provides clear, strategic counsel backed by decades of experience and courtroom success. To discuss your case, contact our office in Newport News, Virginia today by calling 757-223-4560.