The U.S. Office of Special Counsel, or OSC, is an independent federal agency which protects and seeks corrective action for federal employees enduring whistleblower retaliation and/or other prohibited personnel practices (PPP). Additionally, the OSC gives federal workers the freedom to disclose violations of:
Any engagement with the OSC should be at the guidance of a proven attorney in order to provide the best possible chance of success.
The Federal Practice Group stands behind federal employees who are facing retaliation because they “blew the whistle” on fraud, waste, or abuse by a federal agency. We can represent you in filing a prohibited personnel practice complaint with OSC if you have faced such retaliation for being a whistleblower. Similarly, if you are looking for a safe place to make a protected disclosure of fraud, waste, or abuse to the OSC, we have attorneys who are ready to help. The Federal Practice Group also represents whistleblowers bringing Individual Right of Action (IRA) appeals before the MSPB.
When a federal employee blows the whistle by making a protected disclosure against an agency, and then suffers an adverse action or consequences as a result, that employee has the right to file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel. The OSC may, in turn, launch an investigation into the reprisal, and will prosecute when appropriate.
In a whistleblower complaint, OSC will look for evidence that the whistleblowing was a “contributing factor” in the adverse personnel action threatened or taken against you. OSC will also look at whether the agency can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that it would have taken the same action in the absence of the whistleblowing.
If the OSC does not pursue investigating the complaint, the individual has 65 days from the notification date to file an Individual Right of Action, or IRA, appeal with the MSPB.
The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA) signed by President Obama in 2012 grants extended relief for Federal whistleblowers. In a successful case, a whistleblower who has faced unjust adverse action may be granted corrective action, consequential damages, compensatory damages, and/or reimbursement of attorney’s fees.
The Federal Practice Group has a long-standing history of success in assisting federal employees with the Office of Special Counsel. Our specialties include initiating a claim, working with the OSC in investigation and prosecution, or transitioning to an MSPB appeal in cases where the OSC declines to pursue the claim.
Our firm can determine the legitimacy of any case, worldwide, and we will work hard to provide the highest-quality legal service available nationwide. We can help you pursue an OSC claim for protection or reimbursement for inappropriate retribution.
The proven attorneys at The Federal Practice Group have over a century of combined experience successfully assisting federal employees through the most difficult periods of their lives and careers.
Connect with us in our D.C., Oklahoma, or California offices by calling the office number below. We'll provide you with the guidance and representation you need.