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

• Civil service changes: Expect policy churn—protect yourself by keeping key job documents and timelines.
• TSP Roth conversions: A new option is coming soon—understand the tax impact before you act.
• Appeals and filing rules: Don’t assume procedures are the same—verify where and how to file, and save proof.

Top Stories:

1. Harder Days Ahead in 2026: Political Interference and Civil Service Changes

Source: Government Executive — January 20, 2026

TL;DR: A new analysis warns that ongoing federal workforce reforms may increase political pressure on the civil service and create more workplace policy changes.

For federal employees, this means:

• If your duties, reporting chain, performance plan, or position description changes, save the old and new versions.
• Don’t rely on hallway talk—look for written agency guidance and request clarification in writing.
• If something feels retaliatory or inconsistent, start a simple timeline (dates, who, what was said, what changed).

Legal Insight:
Federal merit system rules protect employees from certain kinds of improper pressure and retaliation (often discussed under 5 U.S.C. §§ 2301–2302). Even when policies shift, agencies usually still must follow basic fairness and due process for personnel actions. Practical steps: keep copies of policies, PDs, performance plans, and notices; follow up on key instructions by email; and calendar any deadlines stated in writing. Because deadlines can be short in adverse actions and appeals, consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney.

2. TSP Roth Conversions are Coming (January 28): Benefits and Possible Tax Surprise

Source: FedSmith — January 20, 2026

TL;DR: Starting January 28, 2026, the TSP will allow Roth “in-plan conversions,” but converting can create a tax bill if you don’t plan ahead.

For federal employees, this means:

• You may soon see a new TSP option to move pre-tax (traditional) money into Roth—that can increase your taxable income for the year you convert.
• Before you act, think about timing, your tax bracket, and whether you need to adjust withholding.
• Save screenshots or confirmations of any TSP transactions you make.

Legal Insight:
A Roth conversion is mainly a tax decision: converting traditional (pre-tax) money usually counts as taxable income in the year of the conversion. The money stays in the plan, but the IRS still treats the conversion as income. Practical steps: read the TSP’s official guidance first, run a simple projection, and avoid large conversions without checking the tax impact. If you’re unsure, consider speaking with a qualified tax professional or fiduciary planner familiar with federal benefits.

3. Watch Filing Rules Closely: Independent Agencies and Employee-Rights Systems May Be In Flux

Source: The Guardian — January 20, 2026

TL;DR: The article describes debates about executive power and notes leadership changes affecting independent agencies that can matter to federal employees.

For federal employees, this means:

• Don’t assume the process is unchanged—verify current filing instructions for appeals, complaints, or grievances.
• Keep clean proof: save what you filed, when you filed it, and confirmation of receipt.
• If you are already in a case, focus on meeting deadlines and following current instructions, even if broader changes are happening.

Legal Insight:
Systems that protect federal employee rights (including MSPB-related processes) are based on statutes and regulations, and deadlines usually keep running even when leadership changes. Practical steps: use official websites for the latest forms and instructions, confirm the correct submission method, and keep dated copies of everything. If you are unsure where to file, ask the agency point of contact in writing and keep the response. Because deadlines can be short, consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney.

Mindful Moment of the Day

Protecting Focus with Mindful Calendar Blocks

Outlook can run your day if you let every meeting invite and email dictate your schedule. Pick one hour this week and block it on your calendar as quiet work time, even if you label it something simple like “project focus.” When that hour comes, close extra tabs, silence notifications, and take three breaths before you start the one task you chose. Treating that block as a promise to yourself trains others—and your own brain—to respect your need for focused attention.