HHS RIF Appeals
If you were separated from HHS as part of the July 14 Reduction in Force, your deadline to file an MSPB appeal is August 13 — but the deadline to retain FPG is August 4 at 6 PM ET.
We’re here to help you fight back.
Deadline to Retain FPG for Your MSPB RIF Appeal
If you’ve been affected by the HHS Reduction in Force (RIF), you may be facing career uncertainty, financial instability, and a complex legal process to navigate. The good news is that you don’t have to face it alone. The Federal Practice Group is actively representing federal employees across the country in RIF appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) — and we’re here to help you protect your career, benefits, and future.
This page explains exactly how to retain our firm, what it costs, what the process looks like, and why hiring experienced MSPB counsel is one of the most important decisions you can make right now.
Why Legal Representation Matters for MSPB Appeals
HHS will be represented by attorneys throughout the MSPB process. If you go it alone, you’ll be expected to understand not just legal deadlines, but also how to frame arguments, file motions, and navigate discovery.
The Federal Practice Group has represented thousands of federal employees in RIF, removal, and disciplinary cases before the MSPB. We know what the Board looks for, what common errors agencies make, and how to challenge flawed RIF actions effectively.
Key Legal Issues in HHS RIF Appeals
The success of a RIF appeal often depends on whether the agency followed required procedures. Based on our work with affected employees — including those at HHS — here are some of the most serious legal problems we’re seeing:
- Improper Competitive Areas
- Procedural and Notice Errors
- Elimination of Funded or Statutory Work
What Successful Appeals Can Deliver
If your appeal is successful, the MSPB can order:
- Reimbursement of your attorneys’ fees
- Reinstatement to your former position with back pay and benefits
- Restoration of leave, retirement credit, and service time
- Withdrawal of your involuntary retirement, if applicable
Even if you’ve accepted another job or want to move on, legal remedies — including potential financial settlements — may still be available. But those outcomes depend on getting the appeal right from the beginning.
Filing With Others: Consolidation Strategy
While class certification has been denied in most RIF appeals, the MSPB is open to consolidating individual cases. This helps streamline the process and ensures that legal issues — like improperly drawn competitive areas — are considered consistently across employees in the same situation.
Our team is filing paper appeals in organized batches, grouped by office, division, or sub-agency. We prepare the motion to consolidate and file it with a list of cases, allowing your appeal to proceed as part of a coordinated strategy while maintaining your individual rights.
Retain Federal Practice Group for Your HHS RIF Appeal
Representation Agreement Deadline: August 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. EST
Here’s how to move forward with retaining us for your HHS RIF appeal. We’ve broken the process into five clear steps. Each one ensures your case is filed correctly, strategically, and on time.
Step 1: Download and Complete the MSPB Appeal Form
This is the form required to initiate your appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board. You’ll need to include your agency information, separation details, and an explanation of why the RIF was improper.
Once submitted, our team will review for accuracy and reach out if any changes are needed.
Step 2: Download and Sign the Fee Agreement
This fee agreement outlines the scope of our representation and confirms that you are retaining The Federal Practice Group to act as your counsel.
Step 3: Submit Payment
We offer a flat fee of $1,500 for initial MSPB appeal representation, which includes:
- Drafting and filing your appeal
- Identifying and framing key legal issues
- Filing a motion to consolidate your case with others
- Coordinating your case as part of our broader RIF strategy
This flat fee covers the initial filing phase. If your case enters discovery, we’ll work with your group to discuss any additional fees — typically shared among similarly situated clients.
Payment can be submitted through our secure online portal or by calling our office at (202) 862-4360.
Payment plans
Our firm offers payment plans through LawPay—the Pay Later program allows clients to cover the cost of their legal services over time through Affirm. Click here for more information on LawPay and Pay Later.
If you would like to opt into this payment method, click our payment link and select “Pay Later.”
Step 4: Complete the Intake Form and Upload Your Documents
Once payment is submitted and the fee agreement is signed, complete the intake form and upload the following:
- Completed MSPB Appeal Form
- Signed Fee Agreement
- RIF Notice (if not previously submitted to us)
- Final Separation Notices:
- 7/14 emailed notice of separation (If you had access)
- 7/16 mailed notice of separation (if you received one)
- 7/21 amended RIF notice (if applicable)
If you do not have one or more of these documents or if you are not able to obtain your SF–50 or other documents, that’s okay. Please email our team at notifications@fedpractice.com to let us know what you’re missing so we can make note of it.
If you’ve already completed an intake form, please email your documents to clientintake@fedpractice.com.
Step 5: Complete the Fact-Gathering Survey
Once your intake is submitted, you’ll be asked to complete a brief survey. This helps us gather more detailed information about your role, performance ratings, competitive area, and other relevant facts.
We are using this information not only to strengthen your appeal — but also to help us form strategic groups for consolidation, ensuring that your case is filed alongside others with similar legal issues.
What happens next
Once we receive your documents and survey responses, our legal team will begin preparing your appeal. You’ll hear from us if we need any additional information. Otherwise, we’ll notify you once your case is filed.
Questions?
Email us at notifications@fedpractice.com and our team will walk you through it.
You Deserve Strong Representation. Let’s Get Started.
You’ve worked hard for your federal career. If your agency didn’t follow the rules, you have the right to fight back — but the MSPB process isn’t forgiving. Let us help you do this the right way, with experience, strategy, and support.
Ready to move forward? Start with Step 1 or email us at notifications@fedpractice.com with questions.