Frequently Asked Questions

All federal employees have certain rights regarding adverse actions or other prohibited personnel practices.  If you believe that you have been subjected to a suspension, demotion, downgrade, security clearance suspension/revocation, or removal that is unwarranted, unfair, arbitrary, and/or discriminatory or if you have been subjected to a personnel action in retaliation for whistleblowing, you may be able to take your complaint to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) or other Agency established Appeals Board.  If you believe that you have subjected to harassment or discrimination due to sex, race, religion, national origin, age, marital status or in retaliation for asserting your equal opportunity rights you may be able file a complaint with your agency's Equal Opportunity Office (EEO) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).   

Finally, is you are applying for, or currently hold, a national security clearance you are entitled to certain rights when you are denied a clearance or have your clearance suspended or revoked.  

 In the majority of personnel matters, you do not need an attorney.  It is a common misconception that only an attorney or the union can represent you.  The fact is that the most federal administrative proceedings specifically permit an employee to be represented by a representative of their choosing.  That includes our non-attorney representatives who are experts in federal administrative law and experienced in non-attorney representation. Also, using our representatives will be far less expensive that using an attorney.  For example, the initial retainer for an attorney to represent you in an MSPB or EEOC matter can be anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000.  Since most associate level attorney's bill at a rate of $250 to $300 per hour, the initial retainer is equivalent to about 40 hours of work on your case.  Compare this to hiring one of our representatives to provide you with non-attorney representation at a fraction of the cost.  We also offer payment arrangements and monthly payment plans!  The cost structure will be discussed with you during your free consultation. 

Many federal employees who are part of a union, law enforcement officers, or those who have purchased independent coverage under a plan such as FEDS Protection, are part of a Legal Defense Fund (LDF) or Disciplinary Defense Fund (DDF).   Capaldo Colangelo Poulos, LLC does not participate in any of those funds.  However, some plans have a certain amount the employee must pay out of pocket before the fund covers the remainder of the fees.  Check your plan documents to determine what you are responsible for paying and then consult with us to see what way forward is in your best interest.

Further, no defense or disciplinary fund or plan covers discrimination complaints (EEO) or security clearance appeals. 

It is our experience the majority of local shop stewards or union representatives are simply not knowledgeable or experienced enough to represent their members in serious adverse actions (removals and suspensions), FERS disability retirement applications, EEO complaints (informal and formal), administrative investigations and other disciplinary matters.  That being said, our representatives will work hand-in-hand with your union during the duration of our non-attorney representation. In some cases, unions may reimburse you for using our services. 

Our representatives are all former federal managers with graduate or doctorate level education in the study of law, extensive experience in personnel matters, including practicing before federal administrative agencies, commissions, and boards.  Additionally, some also have experience working as union officials in the federal sector.  The non-attorney representation services provided by our Capaldo Colangelo Poulos, LLC is unmatched.  During your free consultation take the time to inquire about the background and experience of the representative that will be assigned to your case.  You will not be disappointed. 

You should contact us for a free consultation at the earliest possible time.  This is usually when you have received a proposed adverse action or belief you have been retaliated or discriminated against. Your response to the deciding official is absolutely critical and could possible stop the action right there without the need to appeal the MSPB or through an administrative grievance procedure.  Also, filing applications, appeals and complaints with the MSPB, EEOC, OPM, Security Appeal Boards have time limits.  So, its critical to contact us as soon as possible. 

The level of services that you receive from one of our representatives is up to you.  We can assist you on a "as needed" basis or "take the whole case."  It depends on the level of services that you need.  We can assist you with advice, written responses, appeal and complaint filings, and anything else case related and you pay as you go.  Or, we can take the whole case from start to finish.  It is your choice.  You should discuss the level service required during you free consultation.  

We provide non-attorney representatives NATIONWIDE.  

If after your consultation we decide to take your FERS Disability Retirement case and we are unsuccessful in getting you approved for your disability retirement, we will refund you the total amount (100%) of fees paid.

We offer flat fee for FERS Disability Retirement cases with a 12-month payment plan or a discount for paying in full.  The cost will be discussed with you in detail during your free consultation.