Welcome to the Federal Employee Briefing by Southworth PC - attorneys for federal employees. Our online community has grown to over 120,000 federal employees and followers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn—united by timely legal insights and genuine care for workplace challenges, plus passionate legal and social advocacy to back those who back America. In today’s briefing, you'll get authoritative updates, practical strategies, and mindful guidance designed specifically for your federal career. Join us to stay informed, empowered, and supported. Thank you everyone for your support! We are grateful!
Top Three News Stories:
1. Court Bars CFPB from Firing Employees Without Cause
A federal judge has ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to reinstate terminated employees and preserve agency data, siding with the employees' union. Judge Amy Berman Jackson prohibited the dismissal of CFPB employees without just cause related to performance or conduct and suspended any reduction-in-force notifications. This preliminary injunction comes amid efforts by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to downsize the federal workforce. Politico
Legal Insight:
This ruling underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring that federal agencies adhere to due process and merit system principles when implementing workforce reductions. The decision highlights the legal requirement for agencies to provide just cause for terminations, reinforcing protections against arbitrary dismissals and upholding the integrity of federal employment statutes.
2. OPM Seeks to Hire New Driver Amidst Hiring Freeze
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), central to the administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce, has approved an exception to the nationwide hiring freeze to employ a new driver for its leadership. This decision follows the retirement of one of the agency's two drivers in March. Critics argue that this move contradicts the administration's push for government efficiency and highlights potential inconsistencies in the application of the hiring freeze. Reuters
Legal Insight:
The approval of hiring exceptions during a declared hiring freeze must be scrutinized for adherence to legal standards and policies governing federal employment. Such actions may be challenged if deemed arbitrary or inconsistent with the principles of fairness and transparency required in federal workforce management. Ensuring that exceptions are granted based on clear, justified criteria is essential to maintain the integrity of the hiring freeze policy.
3. Federal Judges Block Trump's Executive Orders Targeting Law Firms
In a series of rulings, federal judges have temporarily blocked key provisions of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump that sought to penalize prominent law firms, including Jenner & Block and WilmerHale. These orders aimed to restrict the firms' access to federal buildings, suspend security clearances, and limit their interactions with government agencies, actions perceived as retaliation for their representation of clients opposing the administration. CNN
Legal Insight:
The judiciary's intervention underscores the constitutional limitations on executive power, particularly concerning actions that may infringe upon the rights of legal professionals and their clients. The First Amendment protects not only free speech but also the right to association, which includes the relationship between attorneys and their clients. By attempting to penalize law firms for their choice of clients, the executive orders risk violating these fundamental rights.
Mindful Moment of the Day:
The “Three-Sentence” Email Rule
When stress and overwhelm cloud your professional communications, commit to the “Three-Sentence Rule.” Limit your email responses to three clear, concise sentences, forcing yourself to communicate mindfully and intentionally. This mindful brevity promotes clarity, reduces unnecessary explanations, and preserves mental energy, allowing you to accomplish more with less stress.
Legal Tip of the Day:
Handling Agency Investigations Professionally
If you're the subject of an agency investigation, your career and reputation may hang in the balance. Remember, you have rights, including the right to representation and protection from self-incrimination. Seek qualified legal counsel before providing any statements or interviews, and carefully document every aspect of the process. Early and strategic intervention is key to protecting your rights and limiting harm.
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Social Media Recap:
Hey Federal Employees! Our newest insights—fresh from social media—are now live on the blog. Check out today’s timely updates and practical tips to confidently navigate your federal employment challenges. Here's what's new:
Protecting Your Federal Career Amid Layoff Concerns
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