Washington, D.C. Whistleblower Lawyer for OSC Investigations and Settlements

Attorney Helping Federal Employees Address Issues Related to the Office of Special Counsel in Washington, D.C.

Federal employees play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of government operations. When employees report wrongdoing, such as waste, fraud, abuse of authority, or violations of the law, they are engaging in protected whistleblower activity. However, despite legal safeguards, whistleblowers in the federal government may face retaliation from supervisors, managers, or agencies. These retaliatory actions can threaten an employee's job, reputation, and long-term career prospects.

To protect federal employees from this type of misconduct, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) investigates whistleblower retaliation claims and other prohibited personnel practices (PPP). The OSC plays a key role in promoting accountability in federal agencies. If an employee believes that they have been subject to retaliation, they can file a complaint with the OSC, triggering a formal investigative process.

The attorney at Federal Employee Legal Services Center assists federal employees in Washington, D.C. who are involved in OSC investigations. From filing initial disclosures to responding to interviews and negotiating settlements, our lawyer works to ensure that whistleblowers are protected, heard, and compensated for the harm they have endured.

Understanding OSC Investigations and Prohibited Personnel Practices

The Office of Special Counsel is an independent federal agency charged with investigating prohibited personnel practices and other forms of wrongdoing. These practices include retaliation against employees who:

• Report violations of the law, improper uses of funds, agency mismanagement, abuses of authority, or issues that could put public health or safety at risk
• Refuse to follow unlawful orders
• Cooperate with or participate in OSC or Inspector General investigations

Common retaliatory actions include demotions, denials of promotions, suspension, termination, reassignments to less favorable positions, negative performance evaluations, or denials of awards, bonuses, or other benefits. When an employee files a complaint with the OSC, the agency will determine whether it has jurisdiction and whether the allegations warrant a full investigation.

Filing a Complaint With the Office of Special Counsel

A federal employee can submit a complaint to the OSC through its online complaint system. The complaint must include:

• A description of the protected disclosure or activity
• A timeline of retaliatory actions taken by the agency
• Supporting documentation or witness information
• Identification of relevant agency officials involved

Our attorney helps federal employees prepare thorough and legally sound complaints. Proper framing of the facts while identifying the relevant laws and policies can influence whether the OSC opens a full investigation or dismisses the case without action.

The OSC Investigation Process

Once a complaint is accepted, the OSC may take the following steps:

1. Preliminary Review: The OSC will assess whether the complaint falls within its jurisdiction and whether the evidence supports a possible violation of the law. If not, the case may be closed at this stage.
2. Request for Agency Response: If the case moves forward, the OSC may request a written response from the employing agency regarding the alleged retaliation.
3. Interviews and Evidence Collection: Investigators may interview the complainant, agency officials, and witnesses. The OSC will also request relevant documentation, such as emails, personnel records, or agency policies.
4. Evaluation of Evidence: The OSC will determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that a prohibited personnel practice has occurred.
5. Corrective Action or Settlement: If the OSC finds merit in the case, it may negotiate a resolution with the agency or recommend corrective action to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
6. Referral to the MSPB: In certain cases, if an agency refuses to take corrective action, the OSC may initiate proceedings before the MSPB to enforce the employee's rights.

Our lawyer can provide legal support throughout this process by preparing responses to investigator questions, submitting supplemental documentation, identifying witnesses, and participating in any interviews or settlement discussions.

Legal Remedies Available to Whistleblowers

When the OSC finds that retaliation has occurred, or when a negotiated resolution is reached, a federal employee may be entitled to various forms of relief, including:

• Reinstatement to their previous position or an equivalent position
• Back pay and restoration of lost benefits
• Correction of personnel records
• Compensation for emotional distress
• Agency commitments to prevent further retaliation

Our attorney works closely with clients to ensure that settlements will address the immediate harm that was caused by whistleblower retaliation and the long-term impact on an employee's career. We may negotiate changes to performance reviews, reassignments to suitable positions, or financial compensation for lost income and advancement opportunities.

Contact Our Washington, D.C. Federal Employment Attorney for OSC Investigations

When federal employees have been retaliated against for reporting wrongdoing or participating in protected activities, they have rights under the law. The Office of Special Counsel can investigate a claim, and strong legal representation during this process will improve the chances of a successful outcome. The attorney at Federal Employee Legal Services Center is prepared to guide federal employees through every step of the OSC process, from filing a complaint to securing relief. Contact our Washington, D.C. OSC investigation lawyer at 202-204-2226 to arrange a free consultation and learn how you can assert your rights as a federal employee.