Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch

We are honored to announce that KCNF has achieved three prestigious metropolitan rankings in Washington, D.C. in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms!    We congratulate our team for once again earning a Tier 1 metropolitan ranking in Employment Law – Individuals and two Tier 2 metropolitan rankings in Civil Rights Law and Litigation – Labor & Employment.   “We are truly honored to be named to the Best Law Firms list once again this year. This distinction underscores the dedication of our team and reaffirms our commitment to championing civil rights, advancing social justice, and delivering exceptional legal counsel,” said managing partner Elaine Fitch.     Read more about the recognition here: https://lnkd.in/gyk8cHPR #BestLawFirms #BestLawyers #EmploymentLaw #DCLaw

In her latest article, KCNF attorney Margaret House breaks down the new rule from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which prohibits federal agencies from considering non-federal salary history when setting pay for certain new hires. While the new rule aims to reduce pay inequities within the federal workforce, particularly for women and minorities, it comes with significant limitations, and the long-term effectiveness in closing pay gaps is yet to be determined. 📖 Read the full article to learn more about how this new rule will impact federal hiring and pay structures: https://lnkd.in/gBpVc8TS #EmploymentLaw #PayEquity #FederalEmployees #EqualPay

KCNF was proud to sponsor the Women's Bar Association Foundation’s 22nd Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction. The event raised more than $21,000 to support the WBAF’s mission to fund grants for its community partners, who are on the forefront of providing legal and related services to at-risk women and girls in our community.   📸 Pictured are KCNF attorneys Anna Kathryn Barry, Elaine Fitch (she/her), and Margaret House enjoying the sunset over Washington, D.C.    Several items from the auction are still available, and the WBAF is extending the opportunity for donors to purchase them with no bidding until 5 p.m. ET today. You can review the available items and support a great cause by visiting https://lnkd.in/eFa74897   #2024WBAFWineTasting #WBAF #GivingBack #LegalAid

From all of us at KCNF, and also Beetlejuice (as portrayed by our own Sacred B. Huff), we hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween! 🎃 👻 #HappyHalloween #Halloween #Beetlejuice

In a recent interview with Federal News Network’s Thomas Temin, KCNF attorney George Chuzi discussed the possibility that former President Donald Trump will reinitiate Schedule F if re-elected, which would classify a large portion of senior career civil service employees as political appointees and exempt them from certain employment protections.    According to Chuzi, such a reversal would threaten to “erode the nonpartisan aspect of the civil service” and blend it into an extension of political appointees.   Listen to the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gM3tBvg2   For more information about Schedule F, read this blog post by George from our archives: https://lnkd.in/gmhTWHJC   #EmploymentLaw #CivilService #FederalEmployees

KCNF attorneys Margaret House and Olivia Carrara recently traveled to Austin, Texas, to attend the National Employment Lawyers Association Boot Camp, an intensive program dedicated to honing trial skills for plaintiff-side employment lawyers. Throughout the week, the two collaborated with fellow advocates from across the nation, working in trial teams and culminating in a mock trial, which was judged by seasoned trial attorneys.  ⚖️ Margaret took on the challenge of representing the plaintiff, as pictured below where she is cross-examining a defense witness. Olivia, on the other hand, represented the defense. Both conducted direct and cross-examinations and delivered compelling closing arguments. Thanks to NELA for creating this opportunity for workers’ rights advocates from across the country to come together and sharpen their trial techniques while also fostering camaraderie. 🤝 #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentLawyers #LawFirm #Austin #NELA

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, federal employees must be mindful of how, where, and when they engage in political activities. Violating the Hatch Act, even unintentionally, can lead to serious disciplinary action, including removal, demotion, or debarment from federal employment. If you’re a federal employee, it’s essential to understand the law before participating in any political activity.   In a new blog post, Elisabeth Baker-Pham (she/her) answers 10 common questions regarding federal employees' rights and responsibilities during election season, including under the Hatch Act.    https://lnkd.in/gRKzyDZC   #EmploymentLaw #FederalEmployees #HatchAct

Bloomberg Law recently published Sacred B. Huff's insightful analysis of D.C.'s new wage transparency law, which requires private sector employers to disclose full salary ranges and healthcare benefits in job listings. While this is a positive step toward addressing gender and racial pay inequities, the law falls short by not offering a private right of action—meaning individuals can’t sue for violations, relying instead on D.C.'s attorney general to take action. To truly close the wage gap, especially for Black, Latine, and Indigenous women who face the steepest disparities, stronger measures are needed.   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gR4Ma7sx   #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentLawyers #WageTransparency #PayEquity

On October 3, KCNF's Elisabeth Baker-Pham (she/her) had the opportunity to present at the ClearanceJobs 2024 Connect Conference, which brought together leaders in the national security and defense communities for strategic and innovative sessions.    Lisa's presentation, "Key Changes in the Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ)," provided a detailed explanation of the changes that applicants can expect to see on the PVQ, which will replace the SF-86 once it is implemented. For example, while the SF-86 asks all applicants about marijuana use in the last 7 years, the PVQ’s threshold question regarding marijuana use only asks about the last 90 days.    Pictured alongside Lisa are ClearanceJobs Senior Editor Jill Hamilton and Director of Content and PR Lindy Kyzer   #EmploymentLaw #SecurityClearance

D.C.’s new wage transparency law became effective on June 30, requiring private sector employers to disclose a job listing's full salary range and healthcare benefits. The new law also prohibits private employers from screening prospective employees based on their wage history.    In a new blog post, #KCNF attorney Sacred B. Huff discusses the reasons behind the law's implementation and additional measures that would further support pay equality.    https://lnkd.in/ejCBX8xP   #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentLawyers #WageTransparency