Many federal employees probably don't realize it but you can actually hire a
private attorney to represent you when you take your case to the US Merit Systems Protection Board.
In fact there are lawyers who specialize in representing people before this board. A person doesn't have to be alone when they go before this board. They can an attorney to fight for them and ensure that their rights are protected.
There are even law firms such as Kitchens, New & Kleghorn that specialize in MSPB law. Many of the attorneys at these firms are former counsel for federal agencies who have argued cases for and against government agencies before the board. This means that these lawyers know how federal agencies work and what tactics they will use to try and deny employees' rights.
Before entering private practice, Joyce E. Kitchens was an assistant district counsel with the Department of Veteran's Affairs. She has represented both that department and its employees in cases before the Merit Systems Protection Board.
Why You Should Hire Federal Employment Law Attorney
Anybody who takes a case to the MSPB needs to have an experienced attorney who specializes in federal employment law representing them. Federal agencies are represented by counsel, attorneys that have years of experience handling such cases.
This means that an average person without legal representation doesn't stand a chance in such a case. The agency has a whole staff of lawyers on its side, filing paperwork and researching the law. There is simply no way the average federal employee can win in such an environment.
An experienced lawyer can cut through the paperwork and bureaucracy and make things happen at the MSPB. Indeed a person with legal representation can get their case resolved faster and the issue cleared up in a few months. A person with a lawyer could wait years for a decision.
When to Appeal to the Board
Any employee or former employee of a federal agency who feels that they have been wrongfully terminated, suspended or demoted can appeal that decision to the US Merit Systems Protection Board. So can any US employee who feels they have been a victim of harassment or unfair treatment.
Before making their appeal a person should discuss their case with an experienced attorney. This lawyer should have had experience appearing before the board and representing both federal agencies and persons making appeals.
The lawyer can tell a person whether they have a case worth pursuing or not. This can keep you from wasting time, money and effort in a fruitless appeal.