Bernstein & Lipsett

For the thousands of individuals who contribute to the fabric of our nation's capital as federal employees, understanding and protecting your rights regarding pay and working conditions is paramount. Federal employment law is a specialized field, distinct from private sector labor laws, and requires legal expertise that truly grasps its intricacies. For residents of the District of Columbia who serve in federal agencies, Bernstein & Lipsett stands as a dedicated and highly experienced law firm focused on ensuring federal employees receive the fair compensation they are owed. This article will delve into the services, approach, and suitability of Bernstein & Lipsett for locals facing pay disputes or other federal employment law challenges.

Bernstein & Lipsett is a Washington, D.C.-based law firm with a distinguished history spanning over three decades. Since its establishment, the firm has exclusively focused on representing federal employees in judicial and administrative actions related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other federal pay laws. This highly specialized focus has allowed them to develop an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in a critical area of law that directly impacts a significant portion of D.C.’s workforce. The firm is led by Jules Bernstein and Linda Lipsett, both seasoned attorneys with extensive backgrounds in advocating for workers' rights. Jules Bernstein brings over a half-century of experience, serving on the board of directors of the National Employment Law Project, while Linda Lipsett has a robust background litigating on behalf of federal employees, including her start as a lawyer with the National Treasury Employees Union. Together, they have successfully represented thousands of federal employees who were wrongfully denied proper overtime pay, often recovering substantial sums for their clients. Their clientele includes employees from a vast array of federal departments and agencies, such as the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, DEA, Department of Defense, U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Service, across various job categories from intelligence analysts to investigators. Bernstein & Lipsett continues its vital work, actively pursuing new legal actions on behalf of federal employees to ensure they receive the pay they rightfully deserve.

Located in a prime area of downtown Washington, D.C., Bernstein & Lipsett’s office offers convenient accessibility for federal employees and residents throughout the District. The firm is situated at 1130 Connecticut Ave NW #950, Washington, DC 20223, USA. This address places them in the heart of the city's commercial and legal district, a bustling area well-served by public transportation.

For D.C. locals, the accessibility is a key advantage. The office is just a short walk from the Farragut North Metro station (Red Line) and Farragut West Metro station (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines), providing direct connections from virtually any neighborhood in the District. Numerous Metrobus routes also operate along Connecticut Avenue NW, offering additional transit options. While street parking can be a challenge in this busy part of the city, there are several commercial parking garages available within a short radius, providing convenient alternatives for those who prefer to drive. This central and well-connected location ensures that federal employees can easily access expert legal counsel without significant travel hurdles, reinforcing Bernstein & Lipsett's commitment to serving the local federal community efficiently.

Bernstein & Lipsett provides highly specialized legal services exclusively focused on federal employees and their rights concerning fair compensation. Their practice areas are meticulously tailored to address the unique complexities of federal pay laws.

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Litigation: The firm’s primary focus is representing federal employees in cases where they have been misclassified as exempt from FLSA overtime provisions. This includes pursuing claims for unpaid overtime at time-and-a-half rates, often for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek, which should have been compensated but were not.

• Federal Pay Law Actions: Beyond FLSA, they handle disputes arising from other federal pay laws, ensuring that employees receive all compensation due to them under federal statutes and regulations.

• Wage Theft Recovery: Bernstein & Lipsett actively works to recover "wage theft" for federal employees, which refers to situations where employers (in this case, federal agencies) unlawfully deny workers the pay they have earned, including overtime, minimum wage, or other benefits.

• Representation Across Federal Agencies: They represent employees from a vast range of federal departments and agencies, indicating their comprehensive understanding of how different agency structures and policies impact pay practices. This includes intelligence, law enforcement, defense, and administrative roles.

• Appellate Work: The firm has been lead counsel in cases that have established important legal precedents in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, demonstrating their capacity to handle complex appeals and shape federal employment law.

Bernstein & Lipsett stands out among legal firms in Washington, D.C., due to several distinctive features and highlights that underscore their expertise and dedication to federal employees.

• Exclusive Focus on Federal Employee Pay: Unlike general employment law firms, Bernstein & Lipsett’s singular focus on FLSA and other federal pay laws for federal employees means they possess an unparalleled depth of expertise in this niche. This specialization translates into highly effective and knowledgeable representation.

• Decades of Experience and Proven Track Record: With over 34 years in practice, the firm has a long and successful history of recovering back pay and additional damages for thousands of federal employees. Their extensive experience ensures they understand the nuances of these cases and how to navigate federal administrative and judicial systems.

• Pioneers in Federal Overtime Litigation: Jules Bernstein and Linda Lipsett are recognized pioneers in litigating federal employee overtime cases. Their work has not only secured significant recoveries for clients but has also set important legal precedents that benefit federal employees nationwide.

• Representation Across a Wide Range of Federal Roles: The firm's experience with employees in diverse job categories—from intelligence analysts and IT specialists to investigators and security personnel—demonstrates their versatility and understanding of the varied nature of federal work.

• Client-Centric Approach to Fair Pay: Their mission is clearly defined: to ensure federal employees receive the fair pay they are entitled to under the law. This commitment drives their tenacious pursuit of justice for those who have been wrongfully underpaid.

• Influence on Federal Pay Law: By successfully litigating cases that establish legal precedents in federal courts, Bernstein & Lipsett actively contributes to the evolution and strengthening of federal pay laws, benefiting the broader federal workforce.

As a highly specialized law firm representing federal employees in specific pay-related disputes, Bernstein & Lipsett does not typically offer "promotions" in the traditional sense of consumer-facing businesses. However, their operational model and commitment to their clients provide significant benefits that can be considered invaluable "offers" for federal employees in the D.C. area.

• Contingency Fee Arrangement (Common in FLSA Cases): While not explicitly stated for all services, FLSA litigation is frequently handled on a contingency fee basis. This means clients generally do not pay upfront legal fees. Instead, the firm's payment is contingent upon winning the case or reaching a favorable settlement, typically as a percentage of the recovered back pay and damages. This arrangement makes high-quality legal representation accessible to employees who might otherwise be unable to afford it, aligning the firm’s interests directly with their clients’ success.

• Initial Consultations: Most law firms in this area offer an initial consultation, often at no charge or a reduced fee, to assess the merits of a potential case. This allows federal employees to understand their rights and options without immediate financial commitment.

• Focus on Maximizing Recovery: The firm's dedicated expertise in federal pay laws means they are highly effective at identifying all potential avenues for recovery and maximizing the compensation due to their clients, which is a direct financial benefit to the individual.

These inherent benefits serve as the firm's "promotions," emphasizing their commitment to making justice accessible and financially rewarding for their federal employee clients.

For federal employees in the District of Columbia who believe they have been wrongfully denied proper pay or overtime, reaching out to Bernstein & Lipsett is a crucial step.

• Address: 1130 Connecticut Ave NW #950, Washington, DC 20223, USA

• Phone: (202) 296-1798

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-296-1798

It is highly recommended to contact their office by phone to schedule a confidential consultation. This will provide an opportunity to discuss your specific situation, understand your rights under federal pay laws, and explore how their experienced team can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

For the countless federal employees living and working in the District of Columbia, Bernstein & Lipsett is an exceptionally suitable and vital local legal resource. Its central location on Connecticut Avenue NW ensures easy access from any part of the city, making it convenient to seek legal counsel without significant travel. What truly makes this firm indispensable for locals, however, is its unwavering and exclusive dedication to federal employment pay laws, particularly the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a city that is the epicenter of the federal government, having a legal team that profoundly understands the unique complexities of federal agencies and their pay practices is paramount. Bernstein & Lipsett's decades of experience, coupled with their successful track record of recovering millions for thousands of federal employees, offers peace of mind and powerful advocacy. For D.C. locals who have dedicated their careers to federal service and suspect they have been denied their rightful compensation, Bernstein & Lipsett stands as the premier choice, committed to fighting for your fair pay and ensuring justice is served right here in your community.