State and local government employees have a legal right to challenge an adverse employment action when it threatens their career, benefits, or reputation.

Murray Law provides experienced counsel and sound representation for employees facing adverse employment actions, including disciplinary and performance-based measures.

Employment attorney Steven Murray has represented numerous public-sector employees who prevailed in adverse employment action proceedings before federal, state, and local government agencies. Steven has successfully litigated employment and civil rights cases in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, securing favorable resolutions against the State of Colorado, the United States Government, and local government entities. He has also obtained jury verdicts against both the City and County of Denver and the United States Government.

Defense Against Disciplinary & Performance-Based Adverse Employment Actions

The procedural rights of state and local government employees to challenge an adverse employment action depend on the public entity employer and the severity of the action. Common forms of adverse employment actions include termination, demotion, suspension, pay reduction, or other disciplinary measures.

• Colorado State Employees: Under Colorado law, certified state employees may challenge an adverse employment action before an Administrative Law Judge of the Colorado Personnel Board. This right is provided to employees who have completed a probationary period and achieved certified personnel status in the state personnel system.
• City and County of Denver Employees: Denver employees may contest specific personnel actions in appeals to the Career Service Board. The Career Service Rules also provide grievance and mediation processes, offering additional avenues to challenge an adverse employment based on their personnel status and the personnel action.

Whistleblower Complaints and Retaliatory Adverse Employment Actions

Employees in both the Colorado state personnel system and the Denver career service may also file “whistleblower” complaints. These complaints challenge unlawful retaliatory adverse employment actions taken against employees who have disclosed government misconduct, waste, or unlawful activities.

Protecting Your Rights Against Adverse Employment Action

State and local government employees facing an adverse employment action do not have to do so alone. Murray Law is committed to protecting public-sector employee rights and helping to achieve the best possible outcome.