Virginia Federal Employment Lawyers

Honor Law Firm's attorneys can help you obtain and retain your federal job. Our experienced Virginia Federal Employment lawyers assist clients with their Federal Employment issues nationwide, but especially those individuals in Fort Meade, MD, Arlington, VA, Washington, DC, and all other areas in Maryland and Virginia.

Suitability Issues

Under 5 CFR 731, the federal government is responsible for determining the suitability and fitness of individuals seeking to obtain and maintain federal employment. Suitability refers to whether an individual is qualified to hold a federal position based on a multitude of factors including:

• Misconduct or negligence in employment;
• Criminal conduct;
• Material, intentional false statement, or deception or fraud, in examination or appointment;
• Dishonest conduct;
• Excessive alcohol use, without evidence of rehabilitation, of a nature and duration that suggests the applicant or appointee would be prevented from performing the duties of the position in question, or would constitute a direct threat to the property or safety of the applicant, appointee, or others;
• Illegal use of narcotics, drugs, or other controlled substances, without evidence of rehabilitation;
• Knowing and willful engagement in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. Government by force;
• Any statutory or regulatory bar that prevents the lawful employment of the individual in the position in question; and
• Violent conduct.

These suitability and fitness actions are often appealable, and retaining an experienced attorney like those at Honor Law Firm will permit you to put your best foot forward and give you a fighting chance at reversing the proposed decision.

Proposed Removal Actions

Federal employees are frequently subject to removal actions for a myriad of reasons. The process begins with a Notice of Proposed Removal, and should detail the specific reasons related to the proposed removal from Federal Employment. There should be a thorough analysis of the Douglas Factors, With that, there are a set number of due process rights federal employees have when faced with a proposed removal:

1. Notice of the proposed removal;
2. The right to review the  records upon which the action is based;
3. Right to respond to the proposed action;
4. Right to appeal the adverse determination through the agency's appeal process or to the Merit Systems Protection Board.

Once a notice of proposed removal has been received, it is imperative you take immediate action to protect your rights and begin preparing your response. Experienced attorneys at the Honor Law Firm can assist in preparing your written response, and any related appeals, if necessary.

Debarment Lawyers

Honor Law Firm attorneys are ready and able to assist in debarment actions. Whether it be a federal employee or a contractor, we can assist and help overcome or mitigate the issue. Debarment is a serious action that could bar an individual from employment or contracting for up to two years, which could completely derail a federal or contracting career. It is important to address these issues in a timely manner, so be sure to call Honor Law Firm today!

Contact us today about your Suitability, Fitness, and Adverse Action issues!