Blogs

Hostile Work Environment Claims
Published : March 25, 2025

We represent federal, Virginia and Washington, D.C. employees in hostile work environment claims. If you have been mistreated at work, especially in a consistent and/or repetitive manner, you might describe it as a “hostile work environment” based on harassment. But in a legal context, this term has a very specific meaning. Not all difficult or […]

Next Steps After A Polygraph Exam Failure
Published : March 21, 2025

We defend and advise government contractors, military personnel, and federal employees who have polygraph examination issues. We do this as part of our security clearance practice. The polygraph examination is a central part of the security clearance process for many employees, depending on their required level of access. For certain federal agencies and clearances, like […]

Virginia Non-Compete Agreements
Published : March 12, 2025

We represent Virginia employees in non-compete agreement issues. Non-compete agreements and clauses are important for employees to consider in joining or leaving an employer. Northern Virginia, given its proximity to Washington, DC, has numerous businesses engaged in government contracting. Given this fact, and the fact that these types of businesses tend to be very competitive, […]

Probationary Federal Employees Win Argument to Keep Jobs for Now
Published : February 26, 2025

MSPB Restores 6 Federal Employees to Employment for Now The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) ruled favorably yesterday for terminated probationary federal employees. The ruling was significant as it could help other federal employees terminated while on probation. Terminated probationary employees should seek federal employment counsel to preserve their rights. Probationary Federal Employees Most federal […]

Federal Employees and Social Media Use – Tips
Published : February 25, 2025

Social Media Use by Federal Employees For the past 7-10 years, we have seen social networking issues continue to arise in our representation of federal employees in the federal workplace. The bottom line is that it general makes sense to avoid using social media in the federal workplace. Numerous issues keep arising with federal employees […]

Hiring a Security Clearance Lawyer
Published : February 24, 2025

We often meet with civilian federal employees, military personnel and government contractors nationwide facing potential or actual security clearance issues. Many of the potential clients we meet with ask us what security clearance lawyers do and why they may need to hire one. Many individuals also ask what the appropriate time is in which to […]

Outside Employment and Security Clearances
Published : February 21, 2025

Federal employees are often subject to strict guidelines regarding outside employment, particularly when it comes to maintaining a security clearance. While outside employment can be an important source of income and professional development, it can also present significant risks for federal employees, especially those holding sensitive positions. Engaging in certain types of outside employment or […]

Alcohol Issues and Security Clearances
Published : February 21, 2025

One of the more frequent issues that arises in the context of security clearance investigations involves alcohol abuse or over-consumption of alcohol by federal employees, military employees and government contractors.  This is regulated by Adjudicative Guideline G for those holding or seeking a security clearance. This article discusses the issues that many individuals face with […]

Understanding the EEO Process for Federal Employees
Published : February 21, 2025

Review of Formal Complaint After Submission After it is submitted, the Agency will begin to review the grounds of the EEO complaint. The Agency will then either accept the claims for investigation or dismiss some or all of them based on procedural grounds. In accepting claims, the Agency will send you an acceptance letter listing […]

Return to Work Order for Federal Employees
Published : January 30, 2025

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum (PM) directing federal agencies to, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, provided that the department and agency heads shall make […]