On March 11, 2025, the San Diego Federal Bar Association hosted an interactive discussion aimed at educating federal employees about wrongful termination and providing insights on best practices during and after employment. The event featured partners at Johnson Heeder LLP, Melissa Johnson and Nicole Heeder, both of whom specialize in representing employees in the federal sector. The San Diego FBA's VP of Professional Engagement, Eva Dech, moderated the discussion.
The event was well-attended and empowered attendees with information to ensure they preserve their rights and make a good record in case of wrongful termination. The panelists explained the difference between an at-will and for-cause employee; how due process protects federal employees facing removal; the critical filing deadlines to pursue a claim; the different legal avenues to challenge a termination; and that certain rights and remedies may vary if the employee is represented by a federal sector union.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was to remember that, as a general matter, federal employees have a property interest in their job, and to remove that interest, the Government must follow due process. Another was to call an attorney as soon as you get notice that an adverse action may be occurring because the time a federal employee has to file a claim is short—sometimes as short as 30 days. An attorney can also help you understand what rights and remedies are available to you, and which administrative forum would be best for your case.
The panelists also provided helpful resources, including "How to Find Your SF-50," a report by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board on "What is Due Process in Federal Civil Service Employment?", an Information Sheet for Probationary Employees, the Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments, and an Unemployment Compensation Fact Sheet. All of these and more can be found here.
The San Diego FBA thanks the panelists for sharing their time and expertise with our community. And a special thank you to Eva Dech for moderating and organizing this program, and employment rights attorney, Ted Holmquist, for helping make this presentation and a partnership with the San Diego County Bar Association and American Constitution Society San Diego Lawyer Chapter possible. Thank you to the SDCBA and ACS San Diego Lawyer Chapter for co-sponsoring this event. This was truly a community effort.