If you’re looking for the best EEOC attorney for federal employees because you witnessed an EEOC violation, it’s important to find an attorney who will handle your case with deftness and care. Below are five of the best attorneys in the U.S. for the job.
5 of the Best EEOC Attorneys for Federal Employees
1. Justin Schnitzer – EEOC Attorney at The Law Office of Justin Schnitzer
Justin Schnitzer is a federal employment attorney with 10 years of experience in the field, known by MSPB and EEOC judges across the U.S. He has won numerous victories in disputes related to reasonable accommodation, discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation.
Justin gives every client his personal cell phone number because suing your employer is frightening, especially when that employer is the federal government with all its resources. Having a lawyer you can reach anytime is important during this process.
Justin takes a methodical approach to each client’s situation, carefully studying how it affects their career. Based on this deep understanding, he crafts targeted legal strategies that aim to right these workplace wrongs.
Taking on the federal government means facing its vast team of attorneys, which is why skilled representation is critical. Since federal agencies command nearly unlimited legal resources, you need a dedicated advocate who matches their intensity.
Justin has built his practice around defending federal employees against discrimination, wrongful termination, and other workplace violations. Drawing on his extensive experience in federal employment law, he secures favorable outcomes through skillful negotiation and litigation. From recovering back pay to protecting current positions, Justin provides the powerful advocacy federal workers need to prevail in court.
2. Eric Pines – Pines Federal
Eric L. Pines brings rare expertise to federal employment law through his background as a union representative. His career began as in-house counsel at AFGE Local 1923, the largest federal employee union.
While Pines handles all federal employment matters, his firm has developed particular skill in disability cases. He champions federal workers who need medical and religious accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. When accommodations prove impossible, he guides employees through Federal Employee Disability Retirement with OPM.
Beyond his advocacy work, Pines has gained valuable perspective as a federal mediator, including a year-long position as the in-house EEO Mediator for the Library of Congress. This gave him valuable insight into both sides of federal employment disputes.
3. Bobby Devadoss – The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C.
Bobby Devadoss fights for federal workers caught in complex employment disputes, bringing years of experience representing clients before boards and agencies. Bobby represents federal employees exclusively, which has helped him build up a wealth of knowledge in the nuances of various types of cases.
4. Aaron Wersing
Aaron Wersing is knowledgeable across every area of federal employment law, helping clients with job reinstatement, suspensions, discrimination, reasonable accommodations, workplace disputes, license revocation, and many other issues.
Aaron earned a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law, where he received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award and volunteered at the Philip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic.
5. Benjamin Wick
Benjamin Wick received his JD from the Washington College of Law, American University in 2005. Since then, he has focused on providing legal services to federal employees, primarily those with disabilities before the EEOC and MSPB.
What to Look for in an EEOC Attorney
No matter who you go with, the qualities below are something you should look for in any EEOC lawyer.
Proven Results
Strong attorneys show a history of wins through settlements and court victories. They can point to specific examples where they’ve fought similar battles. Ask about their approach to federal employment law and what strategies worked best. This means both court victories and successful settlements outside of course. Ask for examples of past cases similar to yours that the attorney has won.
Experience with Federal Agencies
Your attorney must grasp the complex rules and deadlines unique to federal employment law. They should know how each agency operates and understand the EEOC process inside out. When you’re Googling to find the best EEOC attorney, make sure they specialize in the federal process because this is very different from EEOC complaints regarding state government and private-sector employers.
Clear Communication
Pick an attorney who listens carefully and explains complex legal concepts simply. You’ll work together for months, maybe years, so your trust and comfort matter. A good attorney will tell you what might happen, including risks. And these communication skills will help them negotiate skillfully with agency lawyers on your behalf.
Responsiveness
Federal employment disputes often leave workers feeling isolated and stressed. Find an attorney who understands these emotions but stays focused on results. They should respond quickly when you reach out, keep you informed at every step, and listen openly when you have doubts or anxiety.
Strong Resource Network
Federal employment cases often require more than just legal expertise. For example:
- Medical specialists prove disability claims.
- Mental health experts document emotional damage from harassment.
- Investigators uncover hidden evidence of discrimination.
- Financial experts calculate lost wages and benefits.
Top EEOC attorneys maintain networks of trusted professionals who understand federal cases and know how to present evidence that meets strict federal court standards. They’ve testified before in similar cases and know what judges look for. When choosing your attorney, ask about their expert network. Find out which specialists the attorney works with regularly and how they’ve used expert testimony to win past cases.
FAQs About Hiring EEOC Attorneys
What Is a Federal EEOC Attorney?
A federal EEOC attorney is a lawyer who represents federal workers in discrimination cases such as those related to religion, race, age, sex, disability, or retaliation. A federal EEOC attorney often specializes in the the public sector, unlike attorneys who handle EEOC complaints on behalf of employees in the private sector. An EEOC lawyer will have expertise in federal anti-discrimination laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Is It Worth It to File an EEOC Complaint?
It can be worth it to file an EEOC complaint because doing so preserves your right to sue your employer under federal law in the future. EEOC complaints must be filed within 300 days of the last act of harassment or discrimination.
Do I Need an Attorney to File an EEOC Complaint?
No, you do not need an attorney to file an EEOC complaint, but it can help you achieve your desired outcome because this is often just the first step in a complex, nuanced legal process. Doing this step without legal counsel could result in a suboptimal outcome.
