Blog | Page 14 of 32 | Bell Law Group

Are You Covered By the In-Person Work Mandate for Federal Employees?

On January 20, 2025, President Trump’s first day in office during his second term, he issued a memorandum that states, in full: “Heads of all departments and agencies in the executive branch of Government shall, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, provided that the department and agency heads shall make exemptions they deem necessary. “This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law.” With these two sentences, President Trump upended normal life for approximately 10 percent of the federal workforce. While affected federal employees may have hoped that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) would take a measured approach to requiring in-person work, any such hopes were dashed when the OPM issued a memorandum of its own providing guidance on President Trump’s memorandum two days later.

What Federal Employees Need to Know About President Trump’s Executive Order on “Schedule F”

When President Trump took office for the start of his second term on January 20, 2025, one of his first orders of business was to sign 100 executive orders that seek to implement sweeping changes throughout the federal government and beyond. Several of these executive orders directly impact federal employees. One example is the executive order titled, Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce.

Should I Depose Agency Witnesses in an MSPB Case? A Guide for Federal Employees

When federal employees face adverse personnel actions—such as demotion, suspension, or removal—and decide to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), one of the most critical decisions they’ll need to make is whether to depose agency witnesses. Depositions can be powerful tools in MSPB cases, allowing appellants to gather crucial testimony and clarify facts before a hearing. However, they also come with potential risks and costs.

What Is Discovery in an MSPB Case for Federal Employees in New York?

Federal employees who face adverse actions such as removal, suspension, demotion, or other disciplinary measures have the right to appeal their case to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). One of the critical phases in any MSPB appeal is the discovery process. Discovery allows both parties to gather evidence, identify key issues, and prepare their arguments before the hearing.

My Business Is Being Sued by Someone in a Wheelchair, Claiming It Is Not Accessible. What Do I Do?

If your business is facing a lawsuit alleging noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. The ADA requires businesses to provide reasonable access to individuals with disabilities, but the law's specifics can be complex and often open to interpretation. As a business owner, understanding your obligations under the ADA and how to respond effectively to such a lawsuit is crucial.

What is the MSPB?

When it comes to employment disputes within the federal government, few entities hold as much importance as the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). For federal employees, the MSPB serves as a key resource in safeguarding their rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. As an employment law firm in New York, our team has seen firsthand how understanding the MSPB's role can empower federal workers facing disciplinary actions, wrongful terminations, or whistleblower retaliation.