Washington, D.C. EEO Complaint Lawyer

Attorney Helping Federal Employees File EEO Complaints in Washington, D.C.

Federal employees in Washington, D.C. who experience discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wrongful termination have the right to file an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint. During this process, the right steps will need to be followed in order to preserve legal claims and ensure that a person can obtain meaningful relief. While the EEO process is designed to protect employee rights, it can be complex and time-sensitive. Legal help from an experienced attorney can be crucial in these situations.

The attorney at Federal Employee Legal Services Center provides comprehensive legal support throughout every phase of the EEO complaint process. From the initial contact with an EEO counselor to hearings held by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or litigation in federal court, our lawyer can help ensure that federal employees take the proper steps and make well-documented claims while working to protect their careers, reputations, and financial stability.

Step 1: Initial Contact with an EEO Counselor

The first step in filing an EEO complaint is to work with the relevant personnel at the employee's agency. This must be done within 45 calendar days of the date the discrimination occurred or the date the employee became aware of it.

During this stage, the EEO counselor will:

• Clarify the basis of the complaint, such as discrimination related to race, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity
• Identify the alleged discriminatory action(s)
• Attempt to resolve the issue through informal counseling, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution

Our attorney can assist during this phase by helping an employee prepare a clear and concise description of the complaint and make sure the proper information is submitted to an EEO counselor. We can provide guidance on the potential outcomes of an informal resolution, and our lawyer can represent an employee in mediation sessions to protect their interests. If the issue is not resolved within 30 to 90 days, the counselor will issue a Notice of Right to File a Formal Complaint, allowing the employee to proceed to the next stage.

Step 2: Filing a Formal EEO Complaint

Upon receiving notice, an employee can submit a formal written complaint with their agency, and this complaint must be filed within 15 days. The complaint must include:

• Specific details about the alleged discriminatory acts
• The basis of the complaint
• Dates and descriptions of relevant events
• The relief or remedies sought

This document can play a critical role in the success of a case. Errors or omissions at this stage can result in a dismissal of a claim or limits on the available relief. Our attorney will ensure that the formal complaint is thorough, well-organized, and supported by relevant facts and legal standards.

Step 3: Agency Investigation

Once the formal complaint is accepted, the agency will have 180 days to investigate the employee's claims. The investigation may include:

• Interviews with witnesses
• Reviews of emails or other documents
• Collection of relevant employment records
• Preparation of a Report of Investigation (ROI)

The employee may be asked to provide a written statement or respond to the agency's position. Our attorney can help draft responses, review agency submissions, and ensure that the investigation is fair and thorough. If the investigation is inadequate, we can provide guidance on how an employee may challenge its findings.

Step 4: Final Agency Decision or EEOC Hearing

After the investigation concludes, the employee has two options:

• Receive a Final Agency Decision (FAD) based solely on the record
• Ask for a hearing with the EEOC in which an administrative judge will review the evidence, hear testimony, and issue a decision

The decision to request a hearing or an FAD will depend on the strength of the case, the completeness of the investigation, and the specific goals of the employee. Our lawyer will evaluate each option, provide guidance on the best path to take, and represent the employee during the hearing process.

During a hearing, our attorney will present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue the case before the administrative judge. If the hearing or FAD results in an unfavorable final decision, our lawyer can help an employee determine the next steps to take.

Step 5: Appealing to the EEOC or Filing a Lawsuit in Federal Court

If the agency or the EEOC issues a decision that does not resolve the matter favorably, the employee may:

• File an appeal with the EEOC within 30 days
• Take civil action by filing a lawsuit in federal district court within 90 days of the decision

Our attorney can evaluate the viability of an appeal, draft appellate briefs, and represent an employee in federal court when necessary. Legal representation can be particularly valuable at this stage, as litigation will involve strict procedural and evidentiary standards. Our lawyer will provide the representation needed to help an employee achieve the results they deserve.

We will work to ensure that any settlement or decision fully accounts for the damages an employee has suffered. This may include addressing a person's financial losses, reputational harm, and future career implications while also pursuing agency-wide changes to prevent future discrimination or other unlawful actions.

Contact Our Washington, D.C. Federal EEO Complaint Attorney

The EEO complaint process offers a structured path to justice for employees who have suffered harm due to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. However, the procedures followed in these cases can be complex, and it is important to prepare comprehensive claims and submit the correct documentation. At Federal Employee Legal Services Center, our attorney can provide effective guidance and representation in these cases, helping employees achieve positive results. Contact our Washington, D.C. federal employee EEO complaint lawyer at 202-204-2226 to arrange a free consultation.