PRACTICE AREAS
Federal Employment
Since 2004, Ms. Whitfield has represented United States government employees in all aspects of their employment. Whether it is discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the denial of a request for reasonable accommodation request, an EEO complaint, an alleged performance matter, a proposed disciplinary action, an on-the-job injury, or a denial of disability retirement, Ms. Whitfield strongly advocates for the rights of federal employees. When appropriate, Ms. Whitfield assists her clients in resolving employment issues with their employing agencies via the alternative dispute resolution process. Ms. Whitfield represents clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the U.S. Department of Labor Employees' Compensation Appeal Board.
Draft Court Orders to Divide FERS & CSRS Annuities and TSP Accounts
Divorce is never an easy process and dividing federal employee benefits in conjunction with a divorce requires state-court orders that are drafted in adherence with the statutes governing the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees Retirement System, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Ms. Whitfield has years of experiencing drafting these state-court orders. In addition, when former spouses of federal employees are denied benefits due to improper Court Orders, Ms. Whitfield has experience appealing the denial of benefits to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and has appeared before the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board.
Federal Workers Compensation
Civilian employees of the Federal Government who suffer a workplace injury are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). The FECA provides coverage for federal employees who suffer traumatic injuries as well as occupational disease claims and provides a range of benefits including medical benefits, vocational rehabilitation, monetary awards for permanent disabilities, wage-loss benefits and survivor benefits for eligible dependents. Ms. Whitfield often assists federal employees with their FECA claims and represents federal employees who have been denied benefits.
Maryland Unemployment
If you are a worker who has become unemployed through no fault of your own, and if you are able and available to work, and have worked you may qualify for benefits through the Unemployment Insurance program, administered through the Maryland State Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation. Claims for unemployment benefits can be made via the internet or by calling one of the Claim Center telephone numbers. The weekly benefit amount provided by the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Law ranges from $50 to $430 per week and is based upon the amount of money that the employee earned from previous employers during a specific time period. Ms. Whitfield has assisted unemployment claimants in obtaining the unemployment benefits to which they are entitled.
Unpaid Wages
Employees who perform work for an employer deserve to be paid for the work that they have done and at the rate set by State and County laws. Maryland Wage and Hour Law dictates the minimum wage that employees have to be paid for work, and the rate at which employees are to be paid when working overtime. Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law dictates the right of employees to receive wages and how often employees must be paid and how employees can enforce their right to payment. Employees who have not been paid for overtime work might qualify for treble damages (three times your unpaid overtime). If you have worked and have not been paid, Ms. Whitfield can assist you in collecting your unpaid wages and any damages to which you might be entitled.