Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, P.C.

09/08/2026

The EEOC has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would substantially revise the regulations governing how federal employees and applicants bring discrimination and retaliation claims.

Among the most significant changes: eliminating mandatory pre-complaint EEO counseling, replacing the current automatic right to a hearing before an administrative judge with a discretionary EEOC referral process available only on appeal, and ending administrative class complaint adjudication. The rule also implements new reporting and transparency requirements.

The public comment period is open now through September 28, 2026, a narrow window given the scope of what's being proposed.

We encourage federal employees, agency EEO practitioners, and anyone working in this space to read the proposal carefully and strongly suggest submitting comments before the deadline. We also suggest everyone file a comment proposing that the comment period be extended by 30 days. You can leave more than one comment.

Comment here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/EEOC_FRDOC_0001-0365

Read the proposed rule here:https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/%28OLC_to_Exec_Sec_8.26.26_FR%29_NPRM_29_CFR_part_1614_508.pdf

09/02/2026

We're pleased to welcome Nelly Sambra to KCNF as our new Accounts and Administrative Specialist. Our team is excited to have her on board and looks forward to working with her.

Welcome, Nelly!

09/01/2026

Being reported to the government by an ex, a coworker, or an acquaintance can feel like a clearance holder's worst nightmare, but thinking critically throughout the process can make all the difference. In the latest episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, KCNF’s Elisabeth Baker-Pham and Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs discuss what happens when a clearance holder is reported out of spite — from the most common allegations to the steps you should take if it happens to you.

Lisa's advice: "You have due process rights before any adverse action is taken on your clearance. But also take it seriously. Taking it seriously can help resolve the issue as soon as possible."

Listen to the episode: https://kcnfdc.com/blog/someones-trying-to-sink-your-clearance-now-what/

Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mhm1UsZWKs7AkGMR926pH

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/security-clearance-insecurity/id1781744194

08/31/2026

Since early 2025, innumerable career federal employees have been fired under a single justification. Officials call it "pursuant to Article II," the administration's claim that the president can dismiss civil servants at will, bypassing decades of due process protections under the Civil Service Reform Act.

One case is before the Federal Circuit and potentially headed to the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling that could shape how job protections for career civil servants are applied going forward.

In an article for Federal News Network, George Chuzi and Steve Pershing break down the cases, the courts' conflicting rulings, and what's at stake for federal workers nationwide.

Read the full piece: https://kcnfdc.com/blog/can-the-president-ignore-the-csras-job-protections-for-federal-employees/

08/26/2026

Federal employees facing discipline or termination may soon have fewer safeguards. A new DOJ opinion curbs the independence of the Foreign Service Grievance Board, the body that has reviewed whether agencies have enough evidence before disciplining or firing Foreign Service employees.

KCNF's George Chuzi spoke with Government Executive about what's driving the shift, tying it to the Supreme Court's ruling in Trump v. Slaughter on the president's removal power.

Read more:
https://www.govexec.com/management/2026/08/state-department-boards-ability-challenge-firings-undercut-doj/415612/

Critics of the decision say the Justice Department's opinion is another step in the Trump administration's goal of making it easier to fire federal employees who are not fully aligned with its policy goals.

08/25/2026

We are pleased to welcome Thomas Walker to KCNF as Counsel.

Tommy brings more than a decade of experience in senior legal roles with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he litigated employment matters and advised government leaders on complex workplace issues.

At KCNF, his experience advances the firm's mission to advocate for federal and private sector employees facing discrimination, retaliation, disciplinary actions, and other workplace disputes.

Learn more about Tommy and the experience he brings to our clients: https://kcnfdc.com/attorneys/thomas-walker/

08/21/2026

KCNF is looking for an Employment Attorney with a commitment to social justice, a passion for employment law, and a creative approach to litigation.

Responsibilities: Represent federal and private-sector employees before the EEOC, MSPB, OSC, and in state and federal court on matters involving discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower claims, sexual harassment, and more. You'll manage all phases of litigation, from strategy and discovery through motions, hearings, and trial.

Required Experience:
• 5+ years of litigation experience
• Experience in EEOC or MSPB hearings and/or court trials, preferably as first-chair
• A self-starter who thrives on a team
• Strong case management, research, and writing skills

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and independent writing sample to [email protected].

08/20/2026

We're proud to share that seven of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Named to The Best Lawyers in America: Elaine Fitch, Mary K***z, George Chuzi, and Steve Pershing.

Named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch: Anna Kathryn Barry, Sacred B. Huff, and Briana Imran.

Congratulations to all on this well-earned, peer-driven recognition.

08/06/2026

Many college students don't realize there's a difference between a public trust position and a security clearance — and that difference can shape their career options for years to come.

In the latest episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, KCNF partner Elisabeth Baker-Pham and Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs discuss what every college student should know before pursuing a career in national security, from understanding eligibility requirements to avoiding early missteps that can affect future clearance decisions.

Lisa’s advice: "If you know you're intending on a certain path, look at those guidelines—figure out what you need to be doing now to be preparing. Enjoy your present freedoms but always with an eye to the future."

Listen to the episode: https://kcnfdc.com/blog/what-college-students-should-know-before-pursuing-a-career-in-national-security/

Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mhm1UsZWKs7AkGMR926pH

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/security-clearance-insecurity/id1781744194

07/31/2026

We're proud to share that four of our attorneys, Elaine Fitch, Mary K***z, Elisabeth Baker-Pham, and Keir Bickerstaffe, have been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers guide.

Now in its ninth edition, the guide recognizes advocates who fight for victims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, abuse of power, and other violations of their employment rights.

Congratulations to all the attorneys nationwide named to this year's guide on this well-deserved recognition.

See the full guide here: https://www.lawdragon.com/guides/2026-07-24-the-2026-lawdragon-500-leading-civil-rights-plaintiff-employment-lawyers