Attorneys for Federal Employees — Nationwide

Nearly 200,000 federal workers and supporters follow our updates across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing gives you the three stories that actually matter to your job, plain‑English legal guidance, and one short practice to protect your peace of mind. If it helps you, forward it to a colleague—new readers can subscribe at https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. 

Today at a Glance

• FEMA staffing cuts challenged in court: Big workforce changes may slow down or shift based on litigation—save every notice now.
• IRS service targets adjusted after hiring shortfalls: If your metrics are changing, get expectations in writing and keep proof of barriers.
• TSP adds Roth in-plan conversions: A new retirement option is here, but it can trigger taxes—move carefully.

Top Stories:

1. FEMA Staffing Cuts Challenged in Court

Source: Federal News Network — January 28, 2026

TL;DR: Unions and nonprofits sued over FEMA staffing reductions. The case could affect how fast FEMA can make changes and what rules the agency must follow.

For federal employees, this means:

• If you work at FEMA (or your agency is doing big staffing cuts), the “how” matters, not just the “what.” Courts can slow changes down or require a different process.
• You may see shifting guidance and timelines, including new notices, new organizational charts, or updated plans.
• Your best protection is a clean paper trail: save every message and every document.

Legal Insight:
Big workforce changes can trigger civil service rules and (for bargaining unit employees) union/contract obligations. Start building your file now: reorganization notices, position descriptions, SF-50s, emails about new duties or new reporting chains, and any RIF-related paperwork if it appears. If you get a notice of proposed action or other adverse action, calendar every deadline immediately and ask for the supporting documents in writing. Because deadlines can be short, consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney.

2. IRS Dials Back Phone Service Targets After Missing Hiring Goals

Source: Federal News Network — January 27, 2026

TL;DR: The IRS is adjusting service targets during filing season because it did not hire enough staff. That can change workload, overtime, and how performance is measured.

For federal employees, this means:

• If you’re in an IRS call center or related unit, targets and expectations may change quickly—and you may be judged against them.
  Staffing shortages can increase pressure and scrutiny, even when delays are outside your control.
  If your metrics shift, you want clarity on what “good performance” looks like right now.

Legal Insight:
When agencies change targets, the risk is being rated on standards you did not clearly receive—or that do not match your actual workload and tools. Keep copies of your performance plan, any written “clarifications,” and emails setting production goals. Document barriers you raised (staffing gaps, system outages, training issues) and do it in writing, close in time to the problem. Because deadlines can be short, consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney—especially if this starts turning into a performance case.

3. New TSP Option: Roth In-Plan Conversions Officially Launch

Source: FedSmith — January 28, 2026

TL;DR: TSP now allows Roth in-plan conversions. This can offer tax flexibility, but it may also create a tax bill now.

For federal employees, this means:

• You may be able to convert some eligible traditional TSP money into Roth inside the plan.
• A conversion can increase your taxable income for the year you convert.
• This is a “move carefully” feature—especially if you are close to retirement, expecting a big bonus, or trying to avoid a higher tax bracket.

Legal Insight:
This is mainly a tax and plan-rules issue. Before you do anything, download and save your TSP statements and confirm what balances are eligible. If you work with a financial planner, make sure they understand TSP and federal benefits—not just general 401(k) rules. For significant conversions, consider speaking with a qualified tax professional so you understand the likely tax impact before you click “submit.”

Mindful Moment of the Day

Coming Back From Leave Without Panic 

 Returning from vacation, sick leave, or FMLA to a wall of emails can make you want to run back out of the building. Before opening anything, take two minutes to sit, feel your breath, and remind yourself, “I will not finish it all today, and that’s okay.” Then scan your inbox only for items that are both time‑sensitive and truly yours, and put just three of them on a separate short list for today. Let everything else wait while you work that small list first, so your body learns that coming back doesn’t have to mean instant overwhelm.