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MSPB Representation A Nationwide Firm Focused on Federal Employment and Social Security Disability Law

Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Attorney

MSPB Services for Suspension, Demotion, Termination & Whistleblower Retaliation

Unlike their private-sector counterparts, federal government employees have unique constitutional rights. To protect these rights, Congress created the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in 1979 under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, giving it the power to hear appeals of disciplinary or adverse personnel actions — including suspensions, demotions, terminations, and more.

At Pines Federal, we fiercely advocate for federal workers nationwide facing MSPB claims. Whether you're dealing with a demotion, extended suspension, wrongful termination, or whistleblower retaliation, a Merit Systems Protection Board attorney from our firm can help protect your career, rights, and peace of mind.

Call Pines Federal at (832) 462-7655 or complete our online form to schedule a confidential case assessment.

Why Choose MSPB Attorneys From Pines Federal

When facing complex legal challenges within the federal employment system, having an experienced team on your side can make all the difference. Here's why federal employees across the country turn to Pines Federal: 

  • Customized Strategies for Federal Workers. We examine the specific details of your role — whether you're a probationary employee, supervisor, or healthcare professional under Title 38. If you are a Title V employee, you have immediate rights to appeal an adverse action, suspension of 15 days or more, demotion, RIF, or removal. A Title 38 employee has MSPB rights if they have a whistleblower complaint that has first gone through the Office of Special Counsel, or a Veterans' USERRA discrimination claim.
  • Thorough Understanding of MSPB Procedures. From whistleblower retaliation complaints to adverse action appeals, we navigate the intricate rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements to present the strongest possible case.
  • Clear and Honest Guidance. You'll receive an upfront, realistic assessment of your situation. If pursuing a claim isn't in your best interest, we'll discuss alternative paths so you invest your resources where they matter most.
  • Proven Track Record of Success. We've achieved nearly a dozen victories at MSPB in OPM FERS Disability cases in the past year alone.

Know Your Rights as a Federal Employee

Federal employees have specific rights under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. If you believe you've been subjected to an unwarranted, arbitrary, or discriminatory suspension, demotion, or termination — or if you've faced retaliation for whistleblowing — you may be able to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board.

Ask yourself:

  • Have you been suspended for 15 days or longer without clear or fair justification?
  • Were you demoted or had your pay reduced without proper documentation or due process?
  • Have you been denied a within-grade pay increase despite meeting performance standards?
  • Are performance-related penalties based on biased or insufficient assessments?
  • Have you experienced retaliation after whistleblowing or reporting misconduct?

If any of these apply to you, it's time to evaluate whether your rights have been violated. Contact one of our MSPB attorneys right away.

What Is the MSPB?

The MSPB is an independent quasi-judicial entity of the executive branch empowered to hear complaints and appeals from federal workers about certain personnel actions. The MSPB hears a variety of appeals, including:

  • Terminations / Removal Actions
  • Demotions
  • Suspensions of more than 14 days
  • Grade or pay reductions
  • Denials of within-grade salary increases
  • Performance-based reductions in grade or pay
  • OPM suitability determinations and employment practices
  • USERRA (Veterans' reemployment rights)
  • Whistleblower reprisal / retaliation

If your appeal falls outside the MSPB's jurisdiction, it may be considered instead by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). Contact Pines Federal if you have questions about which agency handles your case.

Who Can File an MSPB Appeal?

The MSPB has jurisdiction over most employees in the competitive service and the excepted service. However:

  • Employees who have not completed their probationary period in the competitive service generally do not have MSPB appeal rights.
  • Excepted service employees generally need at least two years of continuous service before gaining MSPB rights.
  • Probationary employees may still file under special circumstances.

Contact one of our MSPB attorneys to determine whether you have appeal rights.

How Pines Federal Resolves Federal Employment Challenges

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    Our Testimonials

    Trusted By Federal Workers Nationwide

      “Even though I had an overwhelming abundance of anxiety about going through a legal proceeding, Mr. Pines’ humor and expert advice helped get me through the EEO process until it was successfully resolved. I always felt that the Pines Federal team had my best interests at heart and always treated me with kindness and dignity.”
      - Michelle S.
      “A change in leadership brought me the worst of luck with a suddenly very hostile work environment, but pure serendipity led me to Pines Federal. I am so lucky to have found Pines Federal which not only has considerable expertise in federal employee cases, but also has the compassion to recognize the emotional impact on their clients.”
      - Jennifer
      “Excellent experience in federal law in the government sector and beyond. Very pleased with the legal support of the entire staff from beginning to end during of very stressful and agonizing workplace environment situation. We consider this law firm as part of family and are highly pleased with all the professional attention and compassion that we received.”
      - Edward G.
      Over 60 Years of Experience

      Meet Our Legal Team

      A Nationwide Firm Focused on Disability, Federal Employment, and SSDI Law
      Our Case results

      Behind Every Case Is a Person Who Matters

      Big-Picture Advocacy in Federal Employment and Disability Law — Driven by Compassion, Defined by Results
      • Pines Firm Successfully Litigates Reinstatement for VA Canteen Employee with Full Back Pay

        Attorney Pines and AFGE 1633 were victorious in having the arbitrator find that a VA Canteen employee was wrongfully removed, and therefore should be put back to work and paid back pay for over a year and half of pay.

      • Wrongfully Terminated Veterans Administration Employee Gets Job Back & Full Back Pay

        In an exciting precedent-setting victory, The Law Office of Eric L. Pines, PLLC has successfully helped a Veterans Administration employee get her job back after being wrongfully terminated for using leave for the birth of her child and to care for her autistic and blind children.

      • Major Success in Front of the MSPB in an OPM Disability Case

        On July 19, 2023, Pines Federal achieved a big win in front of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in an OPM disability case.

      • Pines Federal’s Amanda Moreno Wins Reinstatement and Backpay in MSPB Case at DHS, USCBP

        The Appellant worked for Customs and Border Patrol for over 20 years when the Agency removed her for LWOP and alleged misconduct at work.

        Over 60 Years of Experience Championing Employee’s and Disabled Workers Rights *This image represents attorneys and staff in our office
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