Federal Employment Lawyer
Protecting Your Federal Career With National Representation
If you are a current or former federal employee and your job, reputation, or security clearance feels at risk, you cannot afford confusion about your rights. At The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we focus on federal employment law and represent federal workers across the United States and internationally.
From proposed removals and performance actions to discrimination complaints, whistleblower retaliation, and security clearance problems, the stakes are high. Your pension, benefits, and career can all be affected by what happens next. You deserve guidance from a team that understands the federal system from the inside.
Our firm is based in Washington, D.C. and is led by John P. Mahoney, a former federal Administrative Judge. Our attorneys include former federal employees and agency executives, and we use that experience to help clients navigate complex federal workplace cases wherever they serve.
When your federal job, clearance, or reputation is on the line, contact The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC to work with a federal employment lawyer who understands how agencies build cases and how to fight back strategically.
Our Practice Areas
- Administrative Law Judge Hearings
- Agency or Congressional Conduct Investigations
- Conduct Investigation
- Disciplinary Actions
- EEO Complaints
- Employment Law
- Federal Disability Retirement Benefits
- Federal Employment Law
- Inspector General Complaints
- MSPB Appeals
- OFO Appeals
- OSC Complaints
- Performance Cases
- Performance Improvement Plans
- Security Clearance Law Appeals
- Sexual Harassment
- Title 38
- Whistleblower Cases
- Workplace Harassment
Federal Employment Cases We Handle
Federal employment law is a distinct system with its own rules, forums, and procedures. We work with federal employees in a wide range of matters that arise under that system. Whatever your role or agency, our goal is to protect your rights and your career in the federal service.
Many clients come to us after experiencing discrimination or harassment in violation of federal civil rights laws. This can involve race, sex, age, disability, national origin, religion, or other protected characteristics. We help employees navigate the Equal Employment Opportunity process, from initial contact with an EEO counselor through formal complaints, investigations, and hearings, and we work to promote compliance with required procedures.
We also represent whistleblowers who believe they have been retaliated against for reporting waste, fraud, abuse, or other wrongdoing. Retaliation can appear as sudden performance issues, reassignments, suspensions, or removal actions. We assist employees in raising their concerns before appropriate federal offices, such as the Office of Special Counsel or the Merit Systems Protection Board, and in challenging prohibited personnel practices.
Security clearance problems can put an entire federal career at risk. When clients receive Statements of Reasons, interrogatories, or notices of proposed revocation, they often feel overwhelmed and unsure how to respond. We help them understand the adjudicative guidelines, prepare written responses, and pursue appeals that address the specific concerns raised in their cases.
Our work also includes defending employees facing performance based or conduct based adverse actions, such as proposed suspensions, demotions, or removals. We assist with written replies, representation in oral response meetings, and subsequent appeals where appropriate. In each type of case, we pay close attention to deadlines and procedural rules that can affect a federal employee’s ability to challenge an agency decision.
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"It means the world to know my experience is being fought for so powerfully."
Dear Attorney Lolotai,
I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the powerful motion you submitted to amend and reinstate the dismissed claims in my case. Your work was not only thorough and well-argued it is deeply validating.
Reading the motion, I felt like you truly captured the full scope of what I endured. The way you incorporated the patterns of hostility, the layered racial and gender-based discrimination, and the continued retaliation was incredibly strategic and affirming. Your attention to detail, legal framing, and use of precedent made it clear that you believe in the strength of my case and are committed to advocating for the truth to be seen.
Thank you for standing with me and for giving voice to the reality I’ve been carrying for so long. It means the world to know my experience is being fought for so powerfully.
- Rikyah Noel Brown -
"Human Element/Experienced"
John is clearly a very knowledgeable and highly experienced attorney, but what has meant the most to me during this process is the human approach he has taken. Any process like this can be stressful and difficult but John has tried to make it as painless as possible. Can’t put a price tag on that human element.
- R.
What To Do When Your Federal Job Is At Risk
When you receive a notice of investigation, proposed discipline, or security clearance concern, it is natural to feel pressured to react quickly. Federal processes often impose short timelines, so it is important to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. Taking a few organized steps at the outset can significantly affect your options.
Start by gathering and preserving all relevant documents. This may include emails, prior performance appraisals, awards, position descriptions, notices from your agency, and any written responses you have already provided. Keeping these materials together helps you and your attorney see the full picture and identify inconsistencies in the agency’s narrative.
Be careful about informal conversations regarding your case. Well intentioned explanations to supervisors, coworkers, or investigators can sometimes be misunderstood or used later. It is generally better to keep communications factual, limited, and in writing when possible. If you are asked to participate in an interview, you should understand your rights and obligations before you speak.
Deadlines in federal matters can be short, especially in EEO complaints, appeals, and security clearance responses. Missing a deadline can limit or even prevent certain types of review. As soon as you receive a notice or believe you are being targeted, it is wise to seek guidance from counsel who regularly handles federal employment cases. Early advice can help you plan your strategy, protect your statements, and make informed choices about how to proceed.
For decades, we have helped thousands of federal employees like you handle the most complex legal matters, so they can assert their rights, and protect and enhance their federal careers. We are grateful for your public service, and we are dedicated to resolving the employment difficulties you face with the federal government. We offer the effective legal experience you need.
Federal Employment Representation Across All 50 States
Federal agencies, installations, and offices operate in every state. Wherever you serve, your rights as a federal employee are grounded in the same federal laws and systems. We represent federal workers in each state, and we tailor our approach to the types of federal workplaces that are common in your area.
- In Alabama, many federal employees work at military installations, VA facilities, and NASA related sites. We help those workers address issues such as performance actions, discrimination, and clearance concerns that can arise in these environments.
- Alaska has a significant federal presence through military bases, Coast Guard facilities, and agencies managing natural resources. We assist employees there who face retaliation, disciplinary actions, or complex workplace disputes connected to remote postings.
- In Arizona, federal employees serve in border related agencies, VA medical centers, and large regional offices. We represent them in cases involving investigations, EEO matters, and whistleblower protections.
- Arkansas includes federal workers at Corps of Engineers projects, VA facilities, and regional agency offices. We support those employees when they confront unfair treatment, proposed removals, or security concerns.
- California hosts a wide range of federal workplaces, from major military installations and laboratories to ports of entry and large administrative centers. We work with federal employees across these settings as they navigate discipline, discrimination, and clearance cases.
- Colorado’s federal community includes employees in defense, space related, and environmental agencies. We help them respond to performance allegations, investigate retaliatory actions, and address clearance questions.
- In Connecticut, federal staff often work in defense manufacturing oversight, VA healthcare, and regional offices. We guide them through federal employment disputes that can affect long term careers.
- Delaware’s federal employees include those in financial regulation, postal operations, and military support roles. We assist when they encounter prohibited personnel practices or unfair evaluations.
- In Florida, federal service spans military commands, space related work, ports, and large VA systems. We represent employees who are facing investigations, proposed discipline, or discrimination in these diverse settings.
- Georgia’s federal workforce serves in major military installations, public health institutions, and regional agency centers. We help employees there respond to adverse actions and protect their standing in federal service.
- Hawaii has a concentrated federal presence through Pacific based commands and related agencies. We support employees who must address performance, conduct, or clearance issues while stationed far from the mainland.
- In Idaho, federal workers are often involved in land management, laboratory work, and regional administration. We assist them with EEO complaints, retaliation claims, and disciplinary responses.
- Illinois includes federal employees in major service centers, transportation hubs, and enforcement agencies. We represent those facing workplace disputes that threaten their positions or benefits.
- Indiana’s federal employees may work in logistics, VA healthcare, or inspection roles. We help them challenge unfair actions and navigate formal complaint processes.
- In Iowa, many federal workers serve in agricultural, veterans, and administrative agencies. We advise them on how to respond to investigations, performance reviews, and potential removals.
- Kansas has federal workplaces tied to aviation, military installations, and research facilities. We support employees there when they confront disciplinary proposals or retaliatory treatment.
- Federal employees in Kentucky include those in military, justice, and healthcare roles. We work with them to protect their rights when agencies pursue actions that may jeopardize careers.
- Louisiana’s federal workforce often serves in ports, energy related regulation, and disaster response roles. We assist employees who experience unfair personnel decisions in these demanding settings.
- In Maine, federal workers support defense operations, border protection, and natural resource agencies. We help them address EEO issues, retaliation, and adverse actions.
- Maryland is home to many federal headquarters, laboratories, and military facilities. We represent employees there who are dealing with complex employment disputes, including sensitive clearance matters.
- Massachusetts includes federal employees in healthcare, research, and maritime roles. We guide them through federal complaint systems and appeals when their rights are at stake.
- In Michigan, federal employees work in manufacturing oversight, border operations, and veterans services. We assist those facing investigations, performance concerns, or hostile work environments.
- Minnesota’s federal workforce covers healthcare, agriculture, and administrative functions. We support employees there when agency actions threaten their positions or advancement.
- Mississippi has federal employees at military bases, VA facilities, and regional centers. We help them respond to proposed suspensions, removals, and other serious actions.
- In Missouri, federal workers serve in defense, transportation, and administrative agencies. We work with them to challenge unfair treatment and defend their records.
- Montana’s federal employees often focus on land management, border protection, and veterans services. We assist them with EEO claims, whistleblower issues, and disciplinary cases.
- In Nebraska, federal workers are active in defense, agriculture, and administrative roles. We advise employees who confront investigations and potential career impacting decisions.
- Nevada’s federal workforce includes employees in public lands, defense, and regulatory roles. We help them address retaliation, discrimination, and clearance problems.
- In New Hampshire, federal employees support defense, border, and environmental responsibilities. We work with them to respond to agency actions that may harm their futures.
- New Jersey’s federal employees serve in transportation, healthcare, and regulatory agencies. We assist them when serious personnel matters arise.
- In New Mexico, many federal workers are involved in laboratories, defense, and land management. We help them manage complex workplace disputes and security related concerns.
- New York has a large federal presence in enforcement, finance, and immigration functions. We represent employees whose careers are threatened by investigations, bias, or retaliation.
- North Carolina’s federal workforce includes major military installations, research centers, and VA systems. We assist employees there with adverse action responses and federal complaints.
- In North Dakota, federal employees often work in defense, energy, and land management roles. We support them in navigating investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
- Ohio’s federal workers serve in logistics, healthcare, research, and enforcement. We help them defend against unfair performance or conduct allegations.
- In Oklahoma, many federal employees are tied to military installations and energy regulatory agencies. We guide them through appeals, EEO matters, and related proceedings.
- Oregon’s federal workforce often focuses on land management, research, and veterans services. We assist employees who face hostile treatment or retaliation.
- Pennsylvania includes federal employees in healthcare, enforcement, and administrative roles. We represent them when agencies take actions that could cost them their careers.
- In Rhode Island, federal workers support naval, regulatory, and veterans operations. We help them respond to serious workplace allegations and clearance questions.
- South Carolina’s federal employees serve in military, port, and healthcare roles. We work with them to address investigations, discipline, and discrimination concerns.
- In South Dakota, federal workers are active in defense, land management, and tribal related work. We assist them with federal employment disputes that arise in these contexts.
- Tennessee’s federal workforce includes employees in healthcare, enforcement, and administrative agencies. We support them when they must respond to EEO charges or adverse actions.
- In Texas, federal employees serve in border operations, military commands, space related work, and large administrative centers. We help them navigate complex disciplinary, retaliation, and clearance matters.
- Utah’s federal workers are often involved in defense, technology, and land management. We guide them through federal complaint processes and appeals.
- In Vermont, federal employees support border protection, environmental, and veterans services. We assist them with investigations and performance based disputes.
- Virginia has a high concentration of federal employees, particularly in defense, intelligence, and headquarters roles. We work with those employees on sensitive employment and clearance issues.
- In Washington, federal workers are active in defense, trade, and environmental agencies. We assist them when agency actions threaten their positions or reputations.
- West Virginia’s federal workforce often focuses on energy, veterans services, and regional regulation. We help employees respond to unfair treatment and serious personnel actions.
- In Wisconsin, federal employees serve in healthcare, research, and agricultural roles. We represent them when workplace disputes escalate into formal complaints or proposed discipline.
- Wyoming’s federal workers are frequently involved in land management, energy, and environmental oversight. We support them as they confront investigations, retaliation, or other federal employment challenges.
Do not wait until a deadline passes or a decision becomes final—speak with The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC today to protect your federal career, benefits, and future opportunities.