OSC Complaint Lawyers in Washington, DC

30 Years' Experience Helping Clients With OSC Complaint Matters

At The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we can represent and advise federal employees who need to file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) regarding the prohibited personnel practices (PPP), including whistleblower retaliation, personnel actions of their federal supervisors, and agencies. When you need a skilled advocate to protect your rights and represent your interests, we're here for you. We can review your complaint and advise you on the best route to take.

Questions about OSC complaints? Contact usor call (202) 350-3881and request a case evaluation with an OSC complaints attorney in Washington, DC, at The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC.

What is OSC?

The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is a federal agency that is responsible for investigating complaints brought by federal employees involving:

• Prohibited personnel practices (PPP)
• Whistleblower disclosures
• Whistleblower retaliation
• Violations of the Hatch Act (unlawful political activity)
• Wrongdoing by an employer or management

As a former federal employee himself, John P. Mahoney, Esq. understands the delicate nature of initiating a PPP complaint and how this can jeopardize your federal career. We have litigated thousands of federal employment law cases and effectively preserved our clients' interests. Our federal employment attorneys are dedicated to fighting for justice and accountability on your behalf.

Understanding Your Rights: Protections Against Retaliation for Federal Employees

Retaliation in the federal workplace can take many forms, including demotions, pay reductions, suspensions, or even removal. Federal employees have specific protections under laws such as the Whistleblower Protection Act and other federal employment statutes, which shield employees who report misconduct, discrimination, or unsafe practices. At The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, we are committed to helping federal employees exercise their rights and maintain a safe, fair, and accountable work environment.

Key points to keep in mind:

• Federal Anti-Retaliation Protections: Federal law prohibits retaliation against employees who disclose wrongdoing, participate in investigations, or oppose prohibited personnel practices.
• Document Everything: Carefully record incidents of retaliation, including dates, times, witnesses, and details of actions taken against you.
• Seek Experienced Legal Guidance: Federal employment law can be complex. Our attorneys provide strategic guidance to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.

Protecting yourself from retaliation strengthens both your career and the integrity of the federal workplace. Contact an OSC complaint attorney at our firm for a confidential consultation to safeguard your federal employment rights.

What are the Different Types of OSC Complaints

There are many types of complaints that can be filed with the OSC:

• Discrimination on the basis of one's race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, or prior EEO activity, if you’ve missed your 45-day deadline to file an EEO complaint
• Whistleblower retaliation
• Waste, fraud, and abuse
• Discrimination based on marital status or political affiliation
• Nepotism (special preference given to relatives when hiring, promoting, or evaluating performance)
• Retaliation for filing a grievance or appeal, or refusing to obey an order that requires violating a law
• Violation of merit system principles
• Coercion of political activity in the workplace (such as asking for donations for a candidate)

If you have been suspended for 14 days or less, transferred to an undesirable position, received a negative performance appraisal, or treated unfairly after reporting waste, fraud, and abuse, we can help you prosecute an OSC complaint.

How to File an OSC Complaint

First, you must file the appropriate forms and submit the paperwork to the OSC. The OSC will review the complaint and conduct an investigation. During the investigation phase, you will be questioned, and there is the potential for mediation in order to avoid a prolonged investigation.

Once the investigation is complete, the OSC will issue a decision that may include corrective action and remedies, disciplinary action, or another solution.

It is important that you have an experienced federal employment lawyer guide you through each step of the process to help protect your interests.

How Long Does It Take for the OSC to Investigate a Complaint?

The time it takes for the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) to investigate a complaint can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the agencies involved. Some matters may be resolved in a few months, while complex cases, such as whistleblower retaliation or prohibited personnel practices, can take a year or longer. The OSC provides regular and timely updates: if your complaint is not resolved within 90 days, you will be notified in writing about its status, and thereafter, updates are provided every 60 days until a final determination is made.

For certain retaliation claims, including whistleblower retaliation, you may exercise your Individual Right of Action if the OSC has not completed its investigation within 120 days of receiving your complaint. Working with an experienced OSC complaint lawyer can help ensure your complaint is properly submitted, documented, and monitored throughout the process.

Understanding Retaliation Issues in Washington, DC

Living and working in Washington, DC, federal employees often face unique challenges, especially when it comes to retaliation for whistleblowing or other protected activities. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is a critical resource for addressing these issues, but navigating the process can be daunting without proper guidance.

In the heart of the nation's capital, federal employees are under the jurisdiction of various local and federal government entities, including the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). These entities play a significant role in ensuring fair treatment and addressing complaints of retaliation.

One common pain point for federal employees in Washington, DC, is the fear of reprisal after reporting misconduct or engaging in protected activities. This fear can be exacerbated by the high-stakes environment of federal employment in the capital. Employees may worry about being transferred to less desirable positions, receiving negative performance appraisals, or facing other forms of retaliation.

At The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we understand these local challenges. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of federal employment law and the specific issues faced by employees in Washington, DC. We are committed to helping you navigate the OSC complaint process, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

Whether you're dealing with whistleblower retaliation, discrimination, or other prohibited personnel practices, our firm is here to provide the support and legal representation you need. We are familiar with the local landscape and the unique pressures faced by federal employees in Washington, DC, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve a fair resolution.

Related Reading

• Under What Circumstances Would I File a Complaint with the OSC?
• More about Filing an OSC Complaint
• Hatch Act Violations and Social Media

To learn more about OSC complaints, contact The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC at (202) 350-3881 to get started with our OSC complaints lawyers in Washington, D.C.