The Law Firm of Matthew D. Estes Secures Two Wins for Federal Employees Facing Removal

The Law Firm of Matthew D. Estes is proud to announce two recent victories defending federal employees against proposed removals from federal service. These successful outcomes demonstrate Attorney Estes's commitment to protecting the due process rights of federal workers facing discrimination, retaliation, and unfair disciplinary actions.

Victory 1: VA Employee's Proposed Removal Rescinded After Disability Discrimination Defense

In the first case, Attorney Matthew D. Estes represented a federal employee with a disability who was facing a proposed removal from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The agency had refused to provide the employee with a previously approved reasonable accommodation, in violation of the Rehabilitation Act and federal disability discrimination laws.

After Attorney Estes submitted a detailed written response challenging the proposed removal, the VA rescinded the removal action in its entirety. The agency agreed to reinstate the employee, restore all benefits, and honor the employee's reasonable accommodation moving forward. This outcome not only protected the client's federal career but also reaffirmed the agency's obligation to comply with disability accommodation requirements.

Victory 2: DOD Employee's Removal Reduced to Five-Day Suspension

In a separate case, Attorney Estes successfully represented a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) employee who faced a proposed removal based on multiple alleged charges. Through a series of persuasive written and oral responses, Attorney Estes convinced the agency to dismiss half of the charges and to find that a removal penalty was unreasonable under the Douglas Factors.

As a result, the proposed removal was mitigated to a five-day suspension, allowing the client to retain his federal position and career. Additionally, the agency agreed to reassign the employee to a new department — a measure requested by the client to remove him from officials whom he and Attorney Estes alleged were retaliating against him.

Protecting Federal Employees' Due Process Rights

These cases highlight the importance of due process protections for federal employees, particularly in the face of disability discrimination, retaliation, and unwarranted disciplinary actions.

Attorney Estes remains committed to ensuring that federal employees receive fair treatment, that agencies comply with their legal obligations, and that justice is administered even-handedly. If you are a federal employee facing proposed discipline, removal, or discrimination, contact the Law Firm of Matthew D. Estes today to discuss your rights and options.