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About the Merit Systems Protection Board

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB or “the Board”) is an independent, quasi-judicial agency in the Executive Branch that serves as the guardian of federal merit system principles.

The Board, which is made up of three members appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, is responsible.

The MSPB typically does not handle discrimination cases. This responsibility primarily belongs to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). However, where an adverse employment action otherwise within the jurisdiction of the MSPB, for example a removal, is alleged to have been based on prohibited discrimination, the MSPB can hear provide full relief in that affirmation defense claim, including the award of compensatory damages. This is referred to as a mixed case appeal.

The MSPB will not provide advice or guidance on employment, examinations or benefits. This responsibility belongs to the Office or Personnel Management (OPM).

Additionally, the MSPB will not investigate prohibited personnel practices (PPP). This is the responsibility of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). Tully Rinckey PLLC is available to represent you and to prosecute your PPP complaint before the OSC.

The Douglas Factors

An agency’s decision to take disciplinary or adverse action against a federal employee must consider a set of standards referred to as the Douglas Factors.  On appeal, the MSPB will review those factors to determine if the agency gave them appropriate consideration in determining severity of discipline imposed.

There are twelve Douglas Factors.  Generally, not all twelve are relevant to any given case, but those that are relevant must be considered in determining whether to impose discipline against a Federal employee and, is so, the level of that discipline. The full list of factors is as follows:

Tough Aggressive Representation

At Tully Rinckey, it is our belief that every federal employee has the right to due process and a fair hearing, including  proper application of the Douglas Factors. Any disciplinary action can lead to greater problems in the future and in extreme cases, can result in the end of an employee’s career in federal service.

The attorneys at Tully Rinckey PLLC have litigated hundreds of cases at the agency level before MSPB Administrative Judges, as well as before the full three-member MSPB panel. If necessary, our attorneys are also experienced and have been successful in arguing appeals of MSPB decisions before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

To learn more about the MSPB appeals process when facing discipline in the federal workplace, download Tully Rinckey PLLC’s free MSPB Guidebook.

Contact Us

During your initial consultation, an experienced lawyer from Tully Rinckey will review with you the critical facts and applicable law in your case. The attorney will help you identify and carry out a litigation plan.

Contact a Tully Rinckey attorney to see how we may assist with your case.  We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 202-787-1900 or via email at info@fedattorney.com.