OSC: Whistleblower Protection Attorneys For Federal Employees
Last updated on October 14, 2026
Our federal government has passed laws to prohibit government and political corruption and protect federal employees against it. Additionally, there are federal whistleblower protection laws designed to protect against whistleblower retaliation.
With offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Dallas our federal employment law attorneys at Southworth PC protect whistleblower rights nationwide. Our team has over 25 years of combined experience. We use our skills and experience to passionately protect federal employees nationwide.
What Is The United States Office Of Special Counsel (OSC)?
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is authorized by the Whistleblower Protection Act to investigate and prosecute whistleblower claims. The Whistleblower Protection Act protects federal employees who observe or have evidence relating to wrongdoing from retaliation. It encourages those with information regarding violations of rules or regulations and wrongdoing to come forward and report those violations without fear of disciplinary action. The OSC strives to protect government employees and put an end to political corruption and violations of law. The OSC is like a prosecutor’s office, and our federal employment attorneys have experience bringing cases to the attention of the OSC and then to the MSPB if necessary.
Types Of OSC Complaints
Certain employment-related practices are strictly prohibited for government personnel and federal agency employees. Any employee who works for the federal government is eligible to file a complaint with the OSC regarding a co-worker’s or employer’s wrongdoing. The OSC handles complaints that include federal employees reporting retaliation for the following:
- A violation of any law, rule or regulation
- Gross mismanagement
- A gross waste of funds
- An abuse of authority
- A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety
An experienced employment law attorney will be able to help you understand which agency to contact first. In addition, the OSC works together with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to combat discrimination in the workplace. We will also help you prepare and structure your case strongly from the beginning.
How Are Complaints Filed With The OSC?
If you have witnessed, experienced or have evidence of any activity that you think qualifies you for whistleblower protection, you may file a complaint with the OSC. At Southworth PC, our employment law attorneys are familiar with the OSC complaint process and whistleblower protection. By hiring them to help you file a complaint, they can help protect you and your rights during the entire process.
How Can Whistleblower Retaliation Be A Sign Of A Prohibited Personnel Practice (PPP)?
Whistleblower disclosure retaliation often signals a prohibited personnel practice (PPP) as it directly undermines the merit system principles. Such retaliation occurs when an agency official takes or threatens adverse personnel action against an employee for reporting misconduct, like a violation of laws, gross mismanagement or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. The retaliation is a PPP if the official is aware of the employee’s disclosure and the disclosure contributes to the adverse action. Protecting whistleblowers from retaliation is crucial to maintaining integrity and accountability within the federal workforce. Our skilled federal employment law attorneys at Southworth PC are adept at navigating these complex cases, ensuring that your courage in speaking out is met with the legal shield it deserves.
What Is The Whistleblower Protection Act?
The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) serves as a shield for federal employees who expose illegal or unethical actions within the government. Enacted in 1989 and strengthened by subsequent amendments, the WPA ensures that those in the executive branch who report wrongdoing are safe from retaliation or corrective actions. It covers a range of lawful disclosures and upholds a “reasonable belief” standard for whistleblower claims. Our attorneys at Southworth PC are well-versed in the intricacies of the WPA, championing the rights of whistleblowers and guiding them through the complexities of the legal system to safeguard their careers and reputations.
How Can You Prove A Violation Of The Whistleblower Protection Act?
To establish a violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA), you must demonstrate that your whistleblowing was a key factor in the adverse personnel action taken against you. First, show that you made a protected disclosure or that officials believed you did. Then, confirm that the officials knew of your disclosure. Next, show the link between the disclosure you made and the personnel action, whether it was taken, threatened or failed to be taken. Lastly, prove that there was a causal connection between your whistleblowing and the action. If you meet this burden, the agency must then prove, with clear and convincing evidence, that it had a legitimate reason for the action that was not influenced by your disclosure.
Common Questions Clients Are Asking About Whistleblower Protection
Below are answers to common questions federal employees ask when facing workplace retaliation:
What qualifies as a protected disclosure under federal whistleblower laws?
A protected disclosure is any report of information that you reasonably believe shows a violation of a law, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. You need only a reasonable belief for your report to be legally protected from agency retaliation.
How long do I have to file a whistleblower retaliation complaint with the OSC?
Unlike EEO claims, there is no strict statutory deadline for filing a whistleblower retaliation complaint with the OSC. However, filing as soon as possible after the retaliatory action occurs is critical to preserve evidence, establish a clear timeline and request an immediate stay to pause any pending termination, suspension or disciplinary action.
What happens if the OSC decides not to prosecute my whistleblower Merit Systems Protection Board claim?
If the OSC closes its investigation without taking corrective action or fails to issue a determination within 120 days, you receive official exhaustion rights. This legal status allows you to file an Individual Right of Action (IRA) appeal directly with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
Understanding your legal rights and procedural options early is crucial in developing a solid case.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today And Protect Your Whistleblower Rights
Our employment law attorneys offer a free case evaluation and consultation appointment. To schedule your free appointment, submit an email using our online form or call us at 888-899-7284. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you with your case.