Business Details
21 Years
experience
Experienced Employment Law Attorneys Protecting Workers' Rights
Established in 2005, Gilbert Employment Law has been a steadfast advocate for employees facing workplace injustice. Our firm specializes in representing federal and private-sector employees in cases involving discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower claims, and security clearance issues. With a team of nationally recognized attorneys, we bring decades of combined experience in navigating complex employment law matters before agencies like the EEOC, MSPB, and OSC.Our practice is built on a foundation of integrity, with a commitment to treating every client with dignity and respect while pursuing equitable resolutions. We have authored seminal publications in federal employment law and continue to shape industry standards through litigation and advocacy. Our attorneys' deep expertise in federal labor relations and appellate work positions us as leaders in defending employee rights nationwide and internationally.
Services
Discrimination Claims
Whistleblower Representation
Security Clearance Appeals
Federal Employee Defense
Private Sector Litigation
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have represented federal employees nationwide since 2005
- Our attorneys are recognized leaders in EEOC and MSPB proceedings
- We authored foundational texts on federal employment law
- We provide personalized representation with proven litigation success
- Our team combines decades of federal labor law expertise
What people say
Successful case outcomes
Dedicated representation
Experienced attorneys
Nationwide reputation
Personalized approach
Services
Discrimination Claims
We represent employees facing unlawful workplace discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, and other protected classes. Our attorneys handle EEOC complaints, federal sector discrimination cases, and private-sector litigation. With expertise in Title VII and federal anti-discrimination statutes, we guide clients through complex administrative processes and courtroom proceedings to secure equitable remedies and damages.
Whistleblower Protection
Our firm defends federal and private-sector employees who face retaliation for exposing workplace misconduct. We handle OSC complaints, qui tam actions, and MSPB appeals related to whistleblower reprisals. Our attorneys leverage the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act and False Claims Act to protect clients from demotion, termination, and other adverse actions resulting from lawful disclosures of fraud or misconduct.
Security Clearance Defense
We advocate for federal employees and contractors facing security clearance revocation or denial. Our representation includes responding to Notices of Intent to Revoke, Department of Defense hearings, and MSPB appeals. With deep understanding of adjudicative guidelines, we develop strategic defenses to protect clients' careers and national security clearances through administrative and judicial channels.
Federal Employee Defense
Our attorneys defend federal workers against disciplinary actions including suspensions, demotions, and removals. We handle MSPB appeals, performance-based actions, and Inspector General investigations. With expertise in federal labor law, we challenge procedural violations and constitutional breaches to protect employees' due process rights and career stability through negotiated settlements or litigation.
Private Sector Litigation
We represent private-sector employees in discrimination, wage violation, and wrongful termination cases. Our practice includes FMLA violations, harassment claims, and contract disputes. With experience in state and federal courts, we pursue individual and class-action litigation to enforce workplace rights under Title VII, ADA, and state employment laws while maintaining strategic focus on client-specific objectives.
People
Gary M. Gilbert
President
Former Chief Administrative Judge at EEOC's Baltimore Field Office with 20+ years of federal employment law experience. Author of 'Federal Employees Legal Survival Guide' and nationally recognized speaker on employment law matters.
Kevin L. Owen
Partner
Experienced litigator with expertise in MSPB proceedings and federal employee rights. Regularly quoted in major media outlets regarding federal employment law issues and whistleblower protections.
Deryn A. Sumner
Managing Partner
Leading authority in federal labor relations with extensive experience in EEOC hearings and appellate employment law cases. Serves on national employment law advocacy organizations.
Shannon C. Leary
Partner
Specializes in security clearance defense and federal employee disciplinary actions. Recognized for successful outcomes in high-stakes clearance revocation cases before DoD and federal courts.
Cori M. Cohen
Partner
Expert in private-sector employment litigation with focus on discrimination claims and wage violation cases. Active member of National Employment Lawyers Association and state bar employment law committees.
Questions
What constitutes employment discrimination under federal law?
Discrimination occurs when employment decisions are based on protected characteristics like race, gender, religion, or disability, rather than job performance. This includes unequal treatment in hiring, promotions, compensation, or disciplinary actions.
How do I report federal employee whistleblower retaliation?
Report retaliation to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) within 65 days of the adverse action. Our attorneys can help file complaints and navigate the complex procedural requirements for whistleblower protections.
What happens if my security clearance gets revoked?
You'll receive a Notice of Intent to Revoke. You have 30 days to respond with mitigating evidence. Our attorneys can develop defense strategies challenging the revocation basis through agency hearings or federal court appeals.
Can federal employees sue for workplace discrimination?
Yes, but must first complete EEOC administrative process. After 180 days, you can request a 'right to sue' letter to file civil litigation in federal court for discrimination claims against federal agencies.
What are reasonable accommodations under the ADA?
Reasonable accommodations include workplace modifications like schedule changes, assistive devices, or modified equipment that enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions without causing undue hardship to the employer.
How long do federal employment cases typically take?
Cases vary: EEOC complaints take 180+ days, MSPB appeals 6-12 months, and federal court litigation 1-3 years. Our attorneys prioritize efficient resolution while preparing for potential trial litigation when necessary.
