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Legal Insider: The MSPB Appeals Process for Federal Employees

By PoP Sponsor (a)

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

We represent federal employees nationwide before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in federal employee appeals. It is not uncommon for federal employees to be unaware of how the MPSB works and what kinds of cases they hear. The answer is that they handle numerous types of federal employees appeals. The overwhelming majority of appeals that they hear involve appeals serious disciplinary actions. Their jurisdiction includes many other types of cases, including retirement, whistleblower and military discrimination cases (in addition to other types of case).

MSPB Appeals should be considered similar to being in court and federal employees should be represented by counsel. The government will be represented by an attorney and it is very difficult for an individual to represent themselves through this process.

Filing the MSPB Appeal

The first step in the MSPB appeals process is for a federal employee to file a MSPB appeal within the deadline. For many appeals that the MSPB hears (those involving serious discipline for federal employees), the deadline is typically 30 days from the effective date of the adverse action to file the appeal. The MSPB appeals process has mostly transitioned to electronic filing so the process is pretty efficient to start a case. It is very important to timely file the appeal and to even file it early given that an untimely appeal will likely be dismissed. Here is a link to an article about the filing of an MSPB appeal.

Receipt of the Acknowledgment Order

Usually, within a week of filing an MSPB Appeal, a judge will be assigned to the case and issue an order which basically sets the ground rules and timelines in each case. This is known as the Acknowledgement Order. This order is about 10-15 pages and provides a lot of information about the processing of the individual MSPB appeal and should be reviewed carefully so the deadlines and conferences are not missed.

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DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Despite it being a double holiday weekend, there are still more than 300 open houses scheduled in D.C. this weekend alone. Check out our favorite open houses below and to see the full Open House List, click here.

  • 3259 O Street NW — $1,250,000 — Georgetown
    Open Sun. 2-4 p.m. — Metro DC Houses
    “On a cobblestone lined street where the old Georgetown trolley used to roll, the property is set back unlike many of the oh-so-familiar row houses. This semi detached property boasts 2 real bedrooms and the owners suite has 2 closets and one is a WALK-IN closet in fact the previous owners have rough in for a half bath that still exists. The front yard is nicely manicured, but the private rear yard is the perfect oasis and escape from all of the hustle of Georgetown. You can feel the history in this home from its stone basement foundation, which includes a full-size washer and dryer, plus the central AC system and boiler for radiators. As you walk through the house with its built in bookshelves you are brought to its farm house feel with the kitchen in the rear of the home. That history comes with modern amenities, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and heated ceramic floors. You are less than two blocks off of Wisconsin Ave, which gives you access to all of the amazing restaurants and businesses in the area. You are also less than 2 blocks from Volta Park which is perfect for those fur babies and humans alike.”
  • 212 16th Street SE — $980,000 — Hill East
    Open Sat. 2-4 p.m. — Andres Serafini
    “Welcome to 212 16th Street, a totally renovated row-home in the heart of Hill East. This elegant residence was completely gutted and reimagined with a contemporary blend of modern finishes. Enjoy a thoughtful floor plan including 1,860+ sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, private parking, reimagined front porch, and 2 decks off the back.”
  • 701 Lamont Street NW #PH54 — $739,999 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sat. & Sun 1-3 p.m. — Debi Fox
    “A Rare Find, True Industrial [2 BR/2 BA] Penthouse Loft! Best unit in the building, with an amazing Private Roof Top Deck with hot tub.”
  • 1611 Levis Street NE #2 — $670,000 — Trinidad
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Tumi Demuren
    “This [3 BR/3 BA] smart home features facial recognition security, home key system, security system and front and rear cameras. Some other unique features are surround sound speaker system, smart fridge & rain shower with water jets in the master bathroom.”
  • 531 Kennedy Street NW #9 — $685,000 — Brightwood Park
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. & Sun. 1-4 p.m. — Josh Zuares
    “Modern convenience and designer finishes comprise 1,090 Square feet of this rarely available and expansive penthouse unit. Consisting of two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a loft, separately deeded/taxed parking and a massive private roof deck, Unit 9 epitomizes the ideal city lifestyle.”
  • 458 M Street SW #9 — $859,000 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — Sally Charnovitz
    “Mid Century Modern Rare Townhouse Condo immersed in landscaped private setting with courtyard, multiple upper level outdoor decks and garage parking. This secluded townhouse space gleams with brilliant flow of natural light from all sides.”

Adams Morgan Dream Home to Debut This Weekend!

By PoP Sponsor (a)
1/5

2370 Champlain Street NW

This is an entertainer’s dream right in the heart of Adams Morgan!

Totally renovated, this 1,100 square foot unit runs along the entire south side of The Champlain, allowing for loads of light in every room. Double pane windows mean you can enjoy the sights of this vibrant city neighborhood without being disturbed by the sounds.

Whether you create elaborate meals yourself or delight in delivery, the kitchen’s oversized quartz peninsula and wide open floor plan provide plenty of space for all the entertaining. And whether a trained sommelier or more casual oenophile, the built-in 200 bottle EuroCave wine fridge will store all your favorites at the perfect temperature. The split floor plan, two fresh and bright en suite baths, and dual unit entrances make it possible to cohabitate or host overnight guests and still enjoy a level of separation.

In-unit laundry, an extra storage unit, and a separately deeded garage parking space in the building will make your urban life easy. Come take a look!

Open this Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and  Sunday, June 19 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

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“A Real Lifesaver for a Working Mom…”

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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If you’re like most people, you’d rather not waste hours of time getting your car maintained or repaired. That’s why so many people are responding to CarCare To Go with reviews like the one below.

CarCare To Go brings modern convenience and simplicity to car repair. They combine the quality and trust of a full-service shop with a uniquely transparent process, plus  free valet pick-up and delivery from your home or work.

I cannot recommend CarCare To Go enough! At first it felt very strange that they were arranging complimentary valet etc — definitely seemed too good to be true and I was waiting for the catch to come into play. But it really truly was all true and was a real lifesaver for a working mom who did not have the time to drive and wait for an inspection during the work week or on the weekend with an overactive toddler. I worked with Roxy who was AMAZING and communicated regularly and clearly with me at just the right times in just the right intervals. I felt very informed while being able to focus my time and attention elsewhere. Efficient, friendly, professional! Would definitely use them again. — Elise C.

CarCare To Go is so confident that you’ll love their new service and come back for more, that they’re offering first-time clients an oil change for just $20.22. No catch. Synthetic or blend for any make or model car. Just enter coupon code FIRST20 when you book. And the valet and a light hand clean are completely free.

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Real Estate Fresh Finds: June 15

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by RLAH Real Estate.

Featured Property of the Week: 1117 10th Street NW #311

“Custom Comfort at Quincy Court — Quincy Court Condominiums — already offering you the world where downtown, Mount Vernon Square, Shaw, and Logan Circle meet – is ready to welcome you to a world of contemporary comfort and dynamic design. Already looking lovely, the lobby and other common areas will soon undergo a fabulous facelift. And Unit 311, a gorgeous 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit, goes even further with custom window treatments and a dazzling 2022 kitchen remodel perfectly crafted for this stunning space. Raise the electric blinds and sunlight will pour into this corner unit, highlighting the high-end remodel, custom light fixtures, and so much more. Overwhelmed by this inviting aesthetic? Not to worry. You can always step out onto your private balcony for a breath of fresh air. Or head to the shared rooftop to sun yourself, grill dinner, or simply soak in the views above Washington from every direction. If you can bear to tear yourself away, the city is at your doorstep, the Metro is a mere two blocks, and your secure premier parking spot is tucked into the building’s garage.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 5 BR/5.5 BA French castle-style detached home with 6,300+ square feet spread across 4 levels on a full 1-acre lot that allows the owner to expand the main home or subdivide to resell 2 extra separate homes/lots — all for $8.75M.
  • “Great Property you don’t want to miss! [3 BR/1.5 BA] Rowhouse with basement in Brookland on block across from Noyes Elementary School. Off street parking in rear, forced air heating system and wood floors.”
  • This “3 BR/3.5 BA penthouse stunner with private roof terrace & parking in sought-after Petworth. This luminous and spacious 2-level home with west (front) and east (back) exposures boasts an open floor plan with white oak floors throughout; a chef’s kitchen featuring state-of-the art appliances, gas cooking and a massive breakfast bar.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a “spacious 1064 square foot 3 bedroom and 2 full bath condo” with an open layout, hardwood floors, upgraded kitchen, and a fantastic location in the U Street Corridor.

Coffee with Coleman: Is Now a Bad Time to Be Buying a House?

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Welcome to Coffee with Coleman! I’m John Coleman, and in this feature, I’ll cover real estate topics in fun and easy-to-digest video breakdowns. If there’s a topic you are interested in hearing more about, feel free to comment on the video and/or reach out to me directly.

Are you thinking about buying a house in this market?

It seems like it’s softening and interest rates are going up. We recently took the plunge and thought it might be helpful to put our thoughts out there to give you some perspective on what we thought.

Most Thursdays I host a livestream at 6 p.m. to cover a lot of the nuts and bolts of the home-buying process. Sign up here to learn more: www.learntobuydc.com. 

The Big Corporations Are Finally Catching Up to Well-Paid Maids

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Some of the country’s biggest corporations are finally catching up to Well-Paid Maids.

On May 16, Well-Paid Maids, a living-wage cleaning company here in D.C., raised its starting wages to $22 an hour.

Less than two weeks later, Bank of America and Apple followed suit.

OK, so maybe we’re being a little cheeky. But the fact that Well-Paid Maids raised its starting wages before these billion-dollar companies proves Well-Paid Maids lives by its name.

In fact, let’s do a quick comparison:

  • Well-Paid Maids ended 2021 with about 20 employees and did $800,000 in revenue.
  • Bank of America has more than 200,000 employees and did nearly $90 billion in revenue in 2021.
  • Apple has more than 150,000 employees and did more than $378 billion in revenue in 2021.

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Upgrade to Starry Internet and Get 2 Months Free Plus $100!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Stay-in this summer (even if for a bit) with Starry!

Switch to Starry Internet and get ridiculously fast internet for as little as $30 a month, every month. No long-term contracts, data caps, or annual price hikes.

Sign up at starry.com by August 15 and get two months free plus $100 to either Amazon or Target. Use code TARGET or AMAZON at checkout. Offer valid for new customers only. Additional terms apply.

For as low as $30 a month all-in, Starry gives you ultra fast speeds (up to 200Mbps), free WiFi router and installation, up to $200 reimbursement for your old provider’s early termination fees, unlimited data — no data caps or overage fees, and friendly, reliable 24/7 customer support from a locally based team of experts.

Don’t wait- upgrade your summer with the best streaming, gaming, and internet from Starry!

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Another consecutive weekend with 300+ D.C. open houses as we head into the summer shows that the typical market slump at this time of year is still nowhere to be seen. While inventory may feel slim to some homebuyers, there are still plenty of great options. Take a look at our favorite open houses below and  to see the full Open House List,  click here.

  • 631 D Street NW #1234 — $495,000 — Penn Quarter
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Zach Lipson
    “Just in time for July 4th, you can watch the fireworks bursting over the Washington Monument from your own window or better yet, from the building’s amazing roof deck! This top floor, 1 bedroom condo offers light and views from the living room, kitchen and bedroom balconies. The living room features beautiful built-ins to feature all your favorite books and mementos. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and an eat-in island. Enjoy the convenience of city living with access to everything Washington, D.C. has to offer with two major Metro stop only blocks away. Explore the museums on the Mall or check out what’s going on in Penn Quarter and Chinatown. The Lafayette is an amenity-rich, pet friendly building with a rooftop pool, rooftop lounge with grills and seating, gym, community room, courtyard, and movie screening room. Parking is available for rent in the building.”
  • 3016 Thayer Street NE — $885,000 — Woodridge
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Sabrina Shorts
    “This four-bedroom 4.5 bathroom with an expansive backyard is awaiting its new owner. The open concept and natural light flow throughout the house.”
  • 4403 Kansas Avenue NW — $1,069,000 — Petworth
    Open Sun. 2-5 p.m. — Carlos Garcia
    “Fabulous end-unit townhouse with huge corner lot yard! This 3 BR 3.5 BA home recently underwent a top-to-bottom renovation, and boasts top of the line finishes throughout. Hardwood floors and tons of light through large windows and 3 exposures.”
  • 1121 G Street NE #2 — $899,000 — H Street
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Andres Serafini
    “This totally redeveloped condo with 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, PLUS large den welcomes you with lots of natural light, open floor plan, and shining hardwood floors throughout. The reason this unique Double Wide model is set apart from others in D.C. is because two properties were combined to create this expansive unit with vast living and entertaining space on one floor.”
  • 555 Massachusetts Avenue NW #717 — $599,900 — Mt Vernon Triangle
    Open Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Stacey Barton
    “Luxury, convenience and style in the heart of Mount Vernon Triangle! Spacious and bright 1 br/1 ba+den with assigned, full-sized garage parking space (next to elevator) and extra storage. This is an excellent floor plan and smart use of space.”
  • 139 North Carolina Avenue SE — $1,550,000 — Capitol Hill
    Open Fri. 5-7 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Jackie Havard
    “Built in 1900 and located on one of the best blocks in D.C., 139 North Carolina is all dignified beauty and cozy vibes. She is splendid in length and provides three levels for living. She is a stunning beauty with carefully preserved architectural details, wood floors throughout, an updated kitchen that would delight the most finicky of chefs, huge windows with so much natural light flooding in and a backyard that is a perfect oasis.”

Upgrade Your Career With Capital One

By PoP Sponsor (a)
1/2

We’re looking for some bright, passionate minds to join our tech team.

Help us develop the kind of breakthroughs that improve the lives of millions of customers every day. You’ll also receive amazing benefits and a schedule that keeps your work/life balance top of mind.

That’s Life at Capital One.

Explore open tech roles and apply now!

Follow on Facebook @CapitalOneCareers. 

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