Reinstating Military Members Separated Over the COVID-19 Vaccine
In August 2021, the U.S. Secretary of Defense mandated that all service members receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The policy was later rescinded in January 2023, but not before…
What Counts as Wrongful Termination Under Employment Law?
Losing a job is never easy, but when a termination is unjust or illegal, it can have serious financial, professional and even psychological consequences. While most U.S. employees…
In New York Family Court, Is the Judge the One Judging? The Profoundly Powerful Position of the Attorney for the Child
If the public knows anything from watching television’s assortment of courtroom shows, it’s that no one yields more power in a courtroom than the judge. Judges are gatekeepers…
What It Means: Gov. Hochul’s Proposal Would Ban Smartphones on School Grounds
As New York Gov. Kathy Hochul continues to lay out proposals in her Fiscal Year 2026 budget, she recently announced a proposal to reduce what Governor calls “distracted…
What to Know About Debts Initiated by the DoD and Your Rights
Military members and Department of Defense employees can occasionally find themselves owning a debt to the DoD as a result of the overpayment of pay or allowances, or early…
I Owe Taxes. Can I Obtain/Maintain a Security Clearance?
Both having outstanding federal or state tax debt and/or filing federal or state tax can negatively impact an individual’s ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance.…
DoD Employees, Contractors Can Appeal Security Clearance Decisions
Did you receive an unfavorable decision after your Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) hearing before an Administrative Judge? Under Department of Defense (DoD)…
Key Considerations for Federal Employees Contemplating the Deferred Resignation Program
On Jan. 28, 2025, nearly 2.2 million federal employees received a notification from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) explaining their right to elect a “deferred…
Dole Act aims to improve lives of veterans and their families
Following years of advocacy by veterans’ groups, a new law aims to provide increased relief to veterans and their families. The “Dole Act,” officially named the Senator…
Security Clearance Insight: New Driver, Same Old Bus . . . Navigating a New Administration and Handling Prior Mistakes
It is that magic time, every four years, when my email inbox and voicemail explodes with long-lost buddies dating from my years as a federal executive holding a security…