Serving Clients in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Washington D.C. & Throughout the U.S.
If you are a federal employee and have been subjected to discrimination, unlawful harassment or an adverse employment action such as removal or demotion, it is important to consult with counsel and act quickly. When possible, it is critical to challenge an adverse action at the agency level before the personnel action is taken.
Experienced employment lawyer James H. Shoemaker provides advice to federal employees and helps them navigate MSPB and EEO appeals. Call 757.223.4560 today to schedule your case evaluation. Mr. Shoemaker represents clients in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Washington D.C., and throughout the United States.
MSPB and EEO Cases
The Merit Systems Protection Board and the Equal Opportunity Commission both handle federal employment complaints. However, the MSPB and the EEOC are separate agencies with distinct roles.
The MSPB is a quasi-judicial, independent agency in the executive branch that upholds the federal government’s merit system principles. The merit system principles are meant to ensure that government employees are fairly hired, retained, promoted, and fired based on their ability to perform their job. The principles encourage fairness and deter employment decisions that are made on the basis of political influence or other non-merit factors.
The MSPB makes decisions regarding individual employee appeals and reviews the significant actions of the Office of Personnel Management.
The EEOC is also an independent federal agency. The EEOC enforces anti-discrimination laws in the workplace. Federal employees must go through a different complaint process than other employees. If you are a federal employee, you must follow specific guidelines and file a formal EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) complaint.
As a federal employee, it can be difficult to know where you should file your complaint. Mr. Shoemaker is an experienced employment lawyer who can determine the appropriate agency to file with and provide legal counsel throughout the complex process.
How James H. Shoemaker Can Protect Your Career
Mr. Shoemaker and his team have assisted federal employees of all levels in preparing written and oral replies to adverse actions. Perhaps more importantly, we are experienced at representing employees at trial both in the administrative process and in United States District Court.
In the representation of federal employees, an attorney's willingness to appeal a case out of the administrative EEO/MSPB case resolution system is critical to obtaining a significant settlement or remediating an adverse employment action.
Like many practitioners in the field, we have successfully resolved many cases in the government's administrative hearing and settlement process. Unlike many practitioners in the field, however, we are willing to take these cases to U.S. District Court when circumstances warrant. We encourage you to review our case results.
Contact an Experienced Federal Employment Attorney Today
Mr. Shoemaker has over 22 years of experience as a trial attorney and is a partner in the law firm of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. ("PWHD"), based in Virginia. Mr. Shoemaker, his partners, and associates are available for representation nationwide, including Washington DC and Virginia communities such as Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach.
For more information regarding government employee discrimination and adverse action, contact Mr. Shoemaker at 757.223.4560 today.