In times of political transition, federal employees often find themselves caught in the crossfire. When the current administration takes an aggressive approach toward discipline, reorganization, or personnel changes, good employees can be swept up in politically motivated removals or “for cause” actions that are more about politics than performance.
If you’ve been terminated or forced out under questionable circumstances, it’s important to think long term. Political tides always turn—and they often turn hard.
The Pendulum Always Swings Back
History shows that federal employment policy swings with each administration. What one administration treats as “accountability,” another may see as overreach. When that pendulum swings back, agencies—and even the Office of Special Counsel or Merit Systems Protection Board—often take a fresh look at cases that were once dismissed or ignored.
By keeping your case alive—through appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), filing with the EEOC, or, when appropriate, seeking judicial review in federal court—you preserve your legal rights and maintain leverage for future resolution. Even if it feels like the deck is stacked against you now, maintaining your case could make all the difference in a future political environment that is more sympathetic to federal employees.
A Personal Note: “Just Keep Wrestling”
When I first started practicing law, a senior partner at my firm would tell me,
“Gary, you just got to keep wrestling—and something good can happen.”
That advice has stuck with me for nearly three decades. In the world of federal employment law, it’s often true. You want to be cautious before giving up on your case too quickly. Circumstances change. Administrations change. Personnel change. And sometimes, when you stay in the fight, something good really does happen—a favorable settlement, a reinstatement, or simply the vindication that comes from proving you were right all along.
Why Continuing the Fight Matters
– Legal Rights Expire If You Don’t Act: Once you waive or miss a deadline, your claims are gone for good. Preserving your rights keeps options open for later review or settlement.
– A Future Administration May Reassess: A new leadership team at your agency may be willing to revisit or settle older cases that were politically charged or mishandled.
– Precedent and Public Pressure: Over time, as political winds shift, courts and oversight bodies often take a harder look at patterns of politically motivated removals.
Stay the Course
If you believe your removal or disciplinary action was unfair, don’t walk away. Speak with an attorney who understands the federal employment system and can help you file timely appeals and preserve your rights. The fight may be long—but when the pendulum swings, those who stayed the course are often in the best position to benefit.
At Levine Federal Law, we represent federal employees when it really matters. We know that administrations come and go—but your career, your reputation, and your retirement are worth defending.
