About The Federal Employee Legal Services Center

Rosemary Dettling

Lead Attorney/Owner

The Federal Employee Legal Services Center (FELSC) was founded by Rosemary Dettling. Ms. Dettling is an experienced employment law attorney. She graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1991. Upon graduation from law school, Ms. Dettling worked as a Trial Attorney in the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice from 1991 to 2000. While at DOJ, Ms. Dettling gained a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of employment discrimination laws, federal sector employment case precedent, and government personnel procedures. After leaving the Department of Justice, Ms. Dettling worked as an Employment Attorney at the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Transportation. Throughout her tenure in the government and at FELSC, she has litigated hundreds of cases in front of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB). She is assisted by a team of attorneys located throughout the United States. In August 2025, the Washingtonian Magazine recognized Ms. Dettling as a top employment lawyer. After a successful jury trial in California in November 2024, Ms. Dettling was recognized as receiving a "top-50 verdict". Ms. Dettling is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and New York Bar.

All FELSC attorneys concentrate in federal sector employment law and federal sector employment procedures. They have experience representing federal workers and federal agencies under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

  • 1991 Pennsylvania (inactive)
  • 1994 District of Columbia (active)
  • 2022 New York (active)

Honors and Awards

Associations and Affiliations

  • District of Columbia Bar, 1994 - Present
  • New York Bar, 2022 - Present
  • Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association (MWELA), 2007 - Present
  • Superior Court of the District of Columbia, 1994 - Present
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - DC Circuit, 2021 - Present
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, 2007 - Present
  • Pro hac vice admission in Alaska, Maryland, and California

Education

  • Notre Dame Law School, Juris Doctor, May 1991
  • American University, Master of Arts (Literature), May 1998
  • University of San Diego, Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)

Relevant Employment Positions

  • Attorney, the Federal Employee Legal Services Center (FELSC), Jan 2007 - Present, Washington, DC
  • Attorney, U.S. Department of Transportation, General Law Division, 2002 - 2006, Washington, DC
  • Attorney, U.S. Department of Commerce, Employment Law Division, 2001 - 2002, Washington, DC
  • Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, 1991 - 2000, Washington, DC

About The Federal Employee Legal Services Center

FELSC provides legal representation to federal government employees. We concentrate in equal employment opportunity (EEOC) cases and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals. We respond to personnel actions, negotiate settlements, attend mediations and arbitrations, and vigorously represent clients in court cases and administrative proceedings throughout the country.

If you are a federal employee who is faced with a personnel problem or question, you should consult with an attorney who is well-versed in federal sector personnel procedures. Federal personnel rules differ greatly from private sector rules. Federal sector employees are entitled to special benefits, such as job security, paid leave, health care, and retirement benefits. These benefits are not automatic for private workers. Numerous federal laws have been designed to protect federal employees from being deprived of their benefits. Federal laws have also been designed to protect federal employees from being subject to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation during the course of their employment.

Although federal laws are on the internet, federal employees may be confused as to what rights they have and may not know how to protect those rights. FELSC can easily guide you through the confusing labyrinth of federal sector employment law.

FELSC’s goal is to provide excellent legal representation at a reasonable cost, consistent with your federal salary. We will expeditiously preserve your civil rights and help eliminate illegal actions that affect your benefits. FELSC is pleased to bring its unique expertise to your aid in any state or country where you are stationed. Rather than losing out on your rights to appeal or your right to pursue a claim, you should hire one of our experienced lawyers today.

FELSC offers the following legal services:

  • EEO Legal Representation: Resolve discrimination and retaliation claims at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
  • Litigate adverse personnel actions through the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Office of Personal Management (OPM), or the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).
  • Respond to personnel actions (such as suspensions, demotions, denial of within-grade- increases, transfers, and terminations).
  • Shield whistleblowers against retaliation (OSC).
  • File labor-related charges and complaints (FLRA).
  • Resolve reduction in force issues.
  • Obtain disability retirement compensation (OPM).
  • Assist in employee investigations.
  • Provide Office of Inspector General (OIG) responses.
  • Defend your right to engage in political activity (Hatch Act).
  • Maintain your privacy rights (Privacy Act).
  • File and pursue internal agency grievances.
  • Aid postal workers.
  • Appeal the denial, revocation, or downgrade of security clearances.
  • Furnish advice to federal contractors.
  • Obtain leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
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