Our Practice Areas

We provide full legal counsel and representation to federal employees and applicants across a wide range of employment-related matters. Whether you are facing adverse actions, discrimination, or retaliation — or simply trying to understand your rights — DC Law Collective will stand with you.

We represent clients in proceedings before federal agencies, Inspectors General, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Office of Special Counsel (OSC), Department of Labor (DOL), and federal court.

Personnel Actions

We provide counsel and representation in both misconduct-based and performance-based personnel actions. If you are a federal employee and have received notice of termination (or removal), suspension, demotion, other personnel action against you, or notice of an opportunity to improve (a performance improvement plan), we can represent you and ensure your rights are protected. If we take your case, we can represent you throughout the process, including administrative hearings at the agency level and review at the MSPB.

Employment Discrimination

Federal law prohibits discrimination against employees and job applicants based on race, color, religion, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. It is also illegal to retaliate against a person because he or she complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

If you are a federal employee or applicant for employment and believe that you have been the victim of such discrimination, including discrimination because of a hostile work environment, we can represent you and protect your rights. Please note that the limitations period in which to make a complaint of discrimination is very short — if you have experienced illegal discrimination, you should contact us immediately.

We can provide representation at every level of the process, including administrative proceedings at the agency level, appearances before the EEOC (EEOC Judge or OFO), and in court on judicial review.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is illegal. It is also illegal to retaliate against anyone who has complained of sexual harassment. If you have been subjected to sexual harassment in your federal workplace or been retaliated against for complaining of sexual harassment, call us.

Security Clearances and Suitability Determinations

Federal employment is subject to the employee being found suitable. Some federal positions in addition require a security clearance. Both evaluations generally involve an examination of an employee's background and character.

If you are asked to submit information in connection with either of these inquiries, we can advise you on navigating this process. If you have been found unsuitable for federal employment, or if you have received notice that your security clearance is being denied, revoked, or suspended, we can represent you.

Whistleblower Protection

Disclosures of certain types of wrongdoing by government personnel (including a violation of law, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety) are covered by whistleblower protections. This is most often true regardless of whether the disclosures are made to the OIG, the OSC, a supervisor or someone higher up in management, or a member of Congress or congressional committee.

If you are a whistleblower and are trying to figure out how to legally make a protected disclosure, we can help. If you are a whistleblower and believe you are being retaliated against by your government employer, we can represent you.

Hatch Act Advice and Defense

We represent people in investigations and proceedings for alleged Hatch Act violations. We can also give advice on activities to determine compliance with the Hatch Act.

Prohibited Personnel Practices

Prohibited personnel practices (PPPs) are employment-related activities that are illegal because they violate the merit system through some form of employment discrimination, retaliation, improper hiring practices, or otherwise fail to adhere to merit system principles.

Illegal Reassignment

The federal government generally is allowed to reassign an employee to a different job (provided the employee is qualified) or to a different geographic location. However, such reassignment cannot be motivated by improper purpose (such as illegal discrimination against a class protected under EEO laws or USERRA), or retaliation for a protected activity (such as making a protected whistleblower disclosure).

If you believe that you are being, or have been, reassigned based on illegal considerations, please contact us.

Protection for Members of the Uniformed Services (USERRA)

Federal law prohibits discrimination against members of the Uniformed Services and protects their employment while they are away to perform military duty. If you believe that you have experienced discrimination in the federal workplace because of your service, such as losing your job or promotion opportunities, or otherwise being treated differently than other employees, we can help you get your career back on track.

Learn how federal employee legal processes work

At DC Law Collective, we are proud to serve federal workers with clarity, strategy, and care. Whether you're facing a career-defining challenge or seeking trusted legal advice, we are ready to stand with you.

Don’t wait until deadlines pass or your options narrow.
Reach out now to speak with an attorney who understands the federal landscape — and is prepared to act.