Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing

The Lawyers for Federal Employees

Federal employees have unique rights unlike other employees, and many of those rights are governed by specific laws that are unique to federal employees. At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing, our team of experienced federal employment lawyers is dedicated to helping federal employees understand and protect their rights.

Just like other employees, federal employees can face an array of challenges. When these challenges require you to file a lawsuit, an administrative complaint, or a claim for benefits, it is important that you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side.

The Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing has experience with all types of legal issues affecting federal employees, including disability claims, discrimination and harassment, whistleblower claims, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other adverse employment actions.

If you are a federal employee, the process for protecting your rights is different than for most employees in the private sector. It is important that you have an attorney with specific experience in federal employee law, not just general employment law.

Our practice is directly focused specifically on federal employee law.

Enforcing your rights as a federal employee frequently involves navigating various layers of bureaucracy.

Additionally, it can often be challenging to determine which agency is responsible for your specific type of claim and what process that agency requires you to comply with.

The Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing has experience working with numerous agencies across the federal government regarding federal employee issues. These issues can include complaints or claims involving:

When dealing with claims before these agencies, even small mistakes, such as missing filing deadlines, failing to gather adequate supporting documents, or filing a claim with the wrong agency can be costly.

Having an experienced federal employee lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing, our team of federal employment attorneys is passionate about helping federal employees with any legal issues they may face. If you need help pursuing benefits you are entitled to or protecting your rights against wrongful conduct, contact us today.

How We Can Serve You

Meet Aaron Wersing

Federal Employee Attorney

Aaron Wersing is the founder of the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing PLLC. His practice focuses solely on assisting federal employees in a broad array of litigation and transactional matters. Mr. Wersing’s practice includes the evaluation and resolution of a diverse variety of federal employment matters.

Meet Ellen Sprovach

Managing Attorney

Ellen Sprovach, Esq. is a board-certified managing attorney here at FEDLAW.

Meet Jacquelyn Trevino

Senior Attorney

Jacquelyn Trevino, Esq. is a senior attorney here at FEDLAW.

Meet Leah Badri-Moradi

Attorney

Leah Badri-Moradi, Esq. is a federal employment attorney here at FEDLAW.

Meet Patrick J. Paradise

Attorney

Patrick J. Paradise is a federal employment attorney here at FEDLAW.

Client Testimonials

  • I can’t say enough good things about Mr. Wersing. He was dedicated to my case and because of his dedication he won my case. I was lost without him. I went to many attorney’s and all of them told me they were unable to help me because the government was to hard to fight against, but not Mr. Wersing. He knew his stuff . If your looking for an attorney who treats you like a person and just not like another number, Mr. Wersing is that attorney. He knows his stuff and will fight for your rights. I can never thank him enough.

    - Sandy | EEOC
  • Aaron Wersing is at the very top of every attorney I have met or dealt with. He is a patient, pleasant and professional attorney who is mission oriented and dedicated to get the job done. He helped me through a very arduous disability process allowing me to keep my self dignity and respect. I cannot imagine working with any attorney other than Aaron Wersing when applying for Fers Disability or any other employment & labor, employee benefits or workers compensation issues.

    - Howard M. | FERS Disability
  • Aaron is not only confident in getting things done, he is very compassionate and caring. He is a true fighter for what he believes is right. My case was a bit complicated but Aaron never backed down. Applying for OPM can be daunting and personal. Aaron has the ability to keep you focused and on track which means he understands how emotional it can be for somebody that has to retire due to medical conditions. Because of Aaron my OPM was approved the first time and we didn't have to do a reconsideration. If you want a good attorney that will fight for you, Aaron is your man. I will be forever thankful.

    - Tammy | FERS Disability

Our Federal Employment Law Library

Empowering Federal Employees To Know and Exercise Their Rights

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Whistleblower Retaliation Examples in the Federal Workplace

Speaking up against wrongdoing takes courage—especially in the federal workplace. Employees who report misconduct, fraud, or safety violations expect their concerns to be taken seriously. However, some whistleblowers face retaliation from their agencies instead of being applauded for their honesty. Retaliation can take many forms, some more subtle than others. Understanding how retaliation can appear is crucial for federal employees to protect themselves and their careers. This blog post will explain what federal employees should know about illegal retaliation, offer common whistleblower retaliation examples, and discuss basic steps to take to protect yourself. Understanding Whistleblower Retaliation Whistleblower retaliation occurs when a federal agency punishes an employee because they reported wrongdoing. Under the Whistleblower Protection Act and other federal laws, it’s illegal to retaliate against federal employees who speak out about: Illegal retaliation against federal employees can take many different forms. In broad terms, agencies engage in unlawful retaliation when they take adverse action against an employee for whistleblowing. Many workplace retaliation examples focus on blatant adverse actions against federal whistleblowers, such as: However, many whistleblower retaliation cases involve more subtle forms of agency backlash. For example, some agencies may use performance evaluations as a tool for retaliation by suddenly marking an employee as “unsatisfactory” despite a history of strong work. Isolation and exclusion are another overlooked form of retaliation that federal employees can face. If your supervisors or colleagues suddenly stop communicating with you, remove you from key projects, or exclude you from important meetings, that could be a red flag pointing to retaliation. Other whistleblowers may be under excessive supervision, subject to unwarranted investigations, or face threats and harassment. Examples of Whistleblower Retaliation in the Federal Workplace To better understand what whistleblower retaliation can look like, consider the following scenarios. VA Nurse Faces Sudden Reassignment After reporting patient neglect at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, a nurse suddenly finds themselves reassigned to administrative duties. While they used to be responsible for direct patient care, the nurse was suddenly assigned exclusively to clerical work without any explanation. The reassignment out of a position actively practicing medicine limits their career prospects and job satisfaction. IRS Employee Endures an Internal Investigation An Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee uncovers tax fraud within their department and follows proper channels to report it. Shortly afterward, they become the subject of an internal investigation based on vague accusations. Their colleagues are warned to avoid contact with them, and they are placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Federal Scientist Excluded from Critical Work A scientist at a federal agency raises concerns about manipulated research data used to support a policy decision. Soon after, they are removed from key projects and denied access to important research meetings. The agency quietly cuts the scientist’s funding, leaving them with little work to do and effectively stalling their career. What to Do If You Face Retaliation After Whistleblowing If you believe you are experiencing whistleblower retaliation, it is essential to act quickly. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself: These steps can help protect your future livelihood and hold agencies accountable for their unlawful actions. Protect Yourself and Your Federal Career  No federal employee should suffer retaliation for doing the right thing. If you believe your agency has taken action against you for reporting misconduct, you don’t have to face it alone. Recognizing whistleblower retaliation examples is the first step, but taking action is crucial. The Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing PLLC helps whistleblowers fight against retaliation and protect their careers. Our team can assist you in gathering evidence, filing claims with the appropriate agencies, and pursuing legal remedies to secure your rights. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice.

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Can You Sue for ADA Violations in the Federal Workplace?

Our country depends on thousands of federal employees with disabilities who provide critical service every day to keep the government running. Unfortunately, many capable federal employees still face unfair treatment and discrimination due to their medical conditions. Whether your employer refuses to provide reasonable accommodations, retaliates against you for requesting them, or treats you unfavorably because of your condition, it’s not just frustrating—it’s a violation of the protections laid out in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as federal law. Many federal employees in this situation wonder: Can you sue for ADA violations? In this blog post, we’ll answer this common question and explain what government employees should know about their legal rights under federal disability law. What Is an ADA Lawsuit? An ADA lawsuit is a legal action filed by an employee who has experienced disability discrimination at work. Under the ADA, private-sector and state or local government employees can sue their employers if they face discrimination because of a qualifying physical or mental impairment.  Common employer ADA violations that can lead to a lawsuit include: If a lawsuit is successful, employer penalties for ADA violations can include fines and mandatory policy changes. Employees may also receive back pay, job reinstatement, and reasonable work accommodations through an ADA lawsuit. Can You Sue for ADA Violations in the Federal Workplace? It is just as illegal for government employers to violate federal disability laws as it is for private-sector employers. However, federal employees who experience disability discrimination take action under a different law: the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which upholds rights and protections specifically for federal employees with disabilities. Although the Rehabilitation Act predates the ADA by nearly two decades, the two laws use almost identical standards and protections. So, when can you sue for ADA violations if you’re a federal employee? When your employer denies you any of the rights or protections you’re entitled to under federal disability law. However, you will pursue your claim through a slightly different legal route under the Rehabilitation Act rather than the ADA.  How to Sue for an ADA Violation in the Federal Workplace Filing a lawsuit for disability discrimination as a federal employee involves several steps. Unlike private-sector employees, federal workers go through a different administrative complaint process before taking their disability discrimination case to court. Here’s how the process works: Federal employees generally have up to 90 days after receiving a final decision to seek legal counsel and sue for disability discrimination. However, it’s in your best interest to consult with a legal professional from the start—as soon as you suspect your rights have been violated. A skilled federal employment lawyer can evaluate your situation, explain your legal options in detail, and support you throughout the process of getting justice.  Steadfast Advocacy for Federal Workers  Fighting disability discrimination on your own can be exhausting, especially when facing a complex administrative and legal process. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this battle alone. At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing PLLC, we help government employees challenge workplace discrimination and advocate for their rights. With years of experience serving employees across the federal government, attorney Aaron Wersing understands the complexities of the Rehabilitation Act and is prepared to guide you through every step of the process to assert your rights. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.

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Adverse and Disciplinary Actions for Federal Employees

Adverse and disciplinary actions for federal employees are different classes of punishments. Both adverse and disciplinary actions are taken by an employer for reasons of performance or misconduct. Adverse actions include more serious punishments, while disciplinary actions often refer to less serious punishments. However, both can cause irreparable harm to your career and personal life. If you are a federal employee, disciplinary actions by your employer are something you need to take seriously. Consider consulting a successful federal employment attorney today to help you protect your rights. What Are Disciplinary Actions For Federal Employees? Disciplinary actions for federal employees are measures agencies take for alleged violations of rules, regulations, or conduct standards. Your employing federal agency is almost always responsible for taking these actions. Disciplinary actions range from mild warnings or reprimands to severe measures like suspensions. Common disciplinary actions for federal employees include: Various federal laws and regulations govern disciplinary actions for federal employees. A few key laws are the Civil Service Reform Act, the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, and the Privacy Act. These laws and regulations provide you with certain rights and protections, such as the right to a fair and impartial hearing, the right to appeal, and the right to representation by a union or an attorney. It’s important to note that disciplinary actions must be based on a valid cause, such as unacceptable performance, misconduct, or some violation of laws or regulations. In addition, any actions based on characteristics like your race, sexual orientation, or religion are illegal. You also have a few due process rights when receiving disciplinary action. Specifically, you have the right to make a response and receive a written notice of the action.  What Are Adverse Actions For Federal Employees? Adverse actions are serious disciplinary measures taken by federal agencies against their employees. As with disciplinary actions, adverse actions always negatively affect your job, pay, or benefits. They also have a huge impact on your reputation and employability. Adverse actions can include, but are not limited to, the following: Adverse actions against federal employees are governed by federal laws and regulations, including the Civil Service Reform Act, the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, and the Privacy Act. Fortunately, these laws and regulations provide extensive rights and protections to federal employees. These include the right to a fair and impartial hearing, the right to appeal, and the right to representation by a union or an attorney. As with disciplinary actions, all adverse actions must stem from an act of misconduct or poor performance. In addition, federal agencies need to provide extensive due process procedures when they propose an adverse action against you. Specifically, you need to have at least 30 days’ advance notice of the action, an opportunity to respond to the proposed action, and the right to appeal it to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Let Our Federal Employment Attorneys Help You! Contact Us Today Whether facing adverse or disciplinary actions, take the situation seriously. Even a minor reprimand can torpedo your chances of obtaining your dream position and leave you with a black mark on your record. If your employer plans to take disciplinary action against you, seek legal counsel immediately. At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing PLLC, we are dedicated to preserving your rights. We will do whatever it takes to defend your good name. Furthermore, we will help you take action against discriminatory employers and other bad actors. Federal employment is a niche area, and most attorneys have little experience with it. However, we have decades of experience in federal employment issues. Don’t try to go it alone and jeopardize your career. Instead, give us a call at 866-612-5956 or get in touch with us online.

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