Beware of HR staff and Attorneys

EEO counselors and EEO investigators work for the federal agency, which employs them. They do not advocate for complainants.

HR staff too are employed by the federal agency, which employs them. They do not advocate for complainants or whistleblowers.

Many current administrative judges (AJ’s) at EEOC or MSPB used to work for federal agencies as their in-house attorneys. They gain experience representing the agency and, after few years, apply for and usually obtain AJ positions at either EEOC or MSPB. AJ’s are attorneys, not judges, although they would like to be treated as judges. Exercise court decorum when facing them.

It is hard to fine a private attorney who is honest, knowledgeable, and diligent. Like any other companies or corporations, their bottom line is profit or being a rainmaker for the firm that employs them. Attorneys may charge $300 to $600 per hour in fees or for initial consultation and $10 per email or phone call. Do not be surprise if some take your money and drop your case in the last minute before a hearing or before the deadline for submitting a major legal work.

These assessments are based on more than 20 years of experience as a non attorney in representing federal employees in the field of discrimination and that of whistleblower retaliation. Be advised at your own risk.