Blog | Bell Law Group

Federal EEOC Hearings: What Federal Employees Need to Know

Public servants who’ve experienced discrimination can file an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint. If the federal worker does not agree with the agency’s investigation, they have 30 days to request an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before an Administrative Judge. Many federal workers reach out to The Bell Law Group asking what happens during an EEOC hearing, what to expect during the process, and what damages they can receive as a federal employee.

Former EEOC Judge Shayla Sipp Joins The Bell Law Group Team

The Bell Law Group is proud to announce that attorney Shayla Sipp (a former EEOC judge) has joined our firm of counsel. Our attorneys are excited to work with Shayla, and we believe her work with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other federal agencies will help us better protect the rights of public servants all over the country. There are numerous benefits to working with a former EEOC Administrative Judge.

What Happens If Your OPM Disability Retirement Application Is Denied?

If your federal disability retirement application is denied by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), you have 30 days to submit a written request for reconsideration. You can also submit additional medical evidence to address the reasons why your application was denied.

How to Choose a Federal Disability Retirement Lawyer (Before You Sign Anything)

If you’re trying to pick a Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) lawyer to help with federal disability retirement issues, we recommend the following: Reach out to your colleagues at federal agencies for recommendations or referrals. Do research on the experience and reputation of any attorneys through Google and AI search tools like ChatGPT and Claude. Find an attorney who has worked on federal disability retirement cases with a condition or diagnosis similar to yours.

What Are the Qualifying Conditions for OPM Disability Retirement?

Many federal employees ask our attorneys for a list of medical conditions that are eligible for federal disability retirement. There is no list per se, but you may qualify for federal disability retirement if you’ve been diagnosed with: Cancer ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Serious back or spine problems Cognitive health disorders Vision impairment Hearing impairment Autoimmune diseases Conditions that affect the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems Certain mental health conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD) Yet you need more than a diagnosis for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The health issue must impact your ability to do your job.

Wage & Hour: Misclassified Employees 1099 vs. W-2

With the current job market, more people are turning to gig work and contracting to make ends meet. Being a freelancer or independent contractor can be rewarding, but it’s also a challenge that requires a lot of diligence. Some employers take advantage of their contractors because they know people are looking for work.