Our Practice Areas
Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation
Employees have a right to perform their job without being subjected to discrimination or harassment based on race, sex, age, national origin, religion, or in retaliation for prior protected EEO activity. The federal sector EEO process is much different than the process for private sector employees. Ms. Whitfield is not only familiar with this process, but has been assisting federal employees with their EEO cases since 2004.
Defending Disciplinary Actions
Because federal employees have a property interest in their job, they are entitled to due process prior to any appealable agency action. Due process requires that a federal employee receive notice of the charges against them, an explanation of the employer's evidence, and an opportunity to present their side of the story. Ms. Whitfield helps federal employees who are facing disciplinary action in preparing and presenting their response.
Federal Employees with Disabilities
Federal employees who become unable to work in their current position due to a disability or injury that is expected to last for at least one year, may be eligible for disability retirement. Ms. Whitfield assists employees in completing their applications for disability retirement, and in filing an appeal of a denial of disability retirement. We also assist employees whose disability retirement benefit is not calculated properly to ensure that federal employees receive the full benefit that they have earned by their employment.
Federal Workers Compensation
Civilian employees of the Federal Government who suffer a workplace injury are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). The FECA provides coverage for federal employees who suffer traumatic injuries as well as occupational disease claims and provides a range of benefits including medical benefits, vocational rehabilitation, monetary awards for permanent disabilities, wage-loss benefits and survivor benefits for eligible dependents. Ms. Whitfield often assists federal employees with their FECA claims and represents federal employees who have been denied benefits.
Federal Annuity Issues
If you are a federal employee who has been denied federal annuity benefits of any kind, Ms. Whitfield can represent you in appealing the decision to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. Ms. Whitfield also has years of experience drafting state-court orders dividing federal pensions and TSP accounts in adherence with the statutes governing the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees Retirement System, and the Thrift Savings Plan.