Understanding Your ROI: A Guide to the EEO Report of Investigation
Release Date: 06/05/2024
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The Chevron Doctrine, a legal precedent for nearly half a century, was recently overturned in a monumental Supreme Court decision. This ruling could radically alter how federal regulations are interpreted and enforced, significantly affecting employment law. The Chevron Doctrine, rooted in the landmark case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (1984), established a two-step process for courts to follow when reviewing a federal agency’s interpretation of a statute that it administers. The doctrine essentially granted agencies the authority to interpret ambiguous...
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Is Pursuing Your Employment Case Worth It?
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Fired? Afraid You Might Be?: Your Resource for Answers, Options, and Next Steps
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Avoiding Pitfalls in Federal Sector Litigation: How to Prepare for an EEOC Judge
The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast
Getting to the point where an EEOC judge is assigned to your case is a significant milestone in federal sector litigation. What happens next? Louise Ryder, a senior attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, is here to continue our series on navigating federal sector litigation. The EEOC process is complex and laden with procedural requirements that require strategic thinking. From the initial conference to the extensive discovery phase, understanding each step's intricacies, costs, and potential benefits—such as early settlement opportunities—can significantly impact a case's outcome. Being...
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The Fork in the Road: Choosing Between a Final Agency Decision or an EEOC Hearing
The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast
This episode continues our series on federal sector litigation. Today's focus is understanding the fork in the road after the investigative phase. Learn more about your options at this stage of the process. After receiving the report of investigation (ROI), you have two options: request a Final Agency Decision (FAD) or opt for a hearing before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Should you trust the agency to deliver justice or take your chances with the EEOC? Senior Attorney Louise Ryder walks us through this critical juncture in federal sector litigation. Gather the insights...
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A Guide to Protections and Accommodations Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast
How did a recent WNBA game inspire an episode about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act? Zachary Aman, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, was watching a WNBA game when an injury report graphic splashed across the screen. He saw the usual ailments—Achilles tendons, knee injuries—but then something caught his eye. Nestled amidst the injuries are two startling words: "Baby" and "Baby." In this episode, Zach uses this sports graphic to introduce the profound implications of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PFWA) became effective in June 2023. Before this...
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Workplace Harassment: Updated Guidance from the EEOC
The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast
Workplace harassment is an issue that affects countless individuals daily, imparting a significant emotional and psychological toll. While many may recognize the discomfort and unease caused by certain behaviors, discerning whether such actions are illegal can be challenging. Samantha Vanterpool Rucker, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom to discuss the newly issued guidelines from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that offer clarity on harassment matters. The episode kicks off by addressing the common misconception that all forms of bullying and harassment in the...
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Understanding Your ROI: A Guide to the EEO Report of Investigation
The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast
You’re a federal sector employee who has filed your complaint with the EEO. You receive your Report of Investigation (ROI). Now what? What exactly is an ROI, and what should you do next? Louise Ryder, an expert in federal sector employment law with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins us to explain the role of the ROI and provide strategic insight for those navigating federal employment disputes. Understanding and effectively analyzing the Report of Investigation (ROI) can dramatically affect the trajectory of your federal sector employment litigation. Everything hinges on the details and evidence...
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Short-Term and Long-Term Disability: What You Need to Know
The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast
Attorney Jessica Greer, from The Spiggle Law firm, joins Tom to guide us through the tangled web of short and long-term disability benefits. These benefits are often provided by employers as part of their benefits packages, but navigating them can be quite challenging. Tom and Jessica explore the differences between short and long-term disability, the legal protections involved, and the potential pitfalls employees may encounter. They provide a detailed overview to help clear up the confusion surrounding these benefits. Jessica highlights the overlap between short and long-term disability...
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Understanding The Critical Steps in the Formal EEO Complaint Stage
The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast
Louise Ryder returns to the podcast to walk us through the critical steps in the formal EEO complaint process. Louise shares her insight for crafting a compelling formal complaint, the strategic significance of naming witnesses, and what you can expect from the investigator's report. We’ll also cover how to handle objections, the advantages of a written response, and your options if the final agency decision is not in your favor. The journey from the informal EEO complaint stage to the formal process necessitates filing a formal complaint within 15 days of receiving the notice of the right...
info_outlineYou’re a federal sector employee who has filed your complaint with the EEO. You receive your Report of Investigation (ROI). Now what?
What exactly is an ROI, and what should you do next?
Louise Ryder, an expert in federal sector employment law with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins us to explain the role of the ROI and provide strategic insight for those navigating federal employment disputes.
Understanding and effectively analyzing the Report of Investigation (ROI) can dramatically affect the trajectory of your federal sector employment litigation. Everything hinges on the details and evidence compiled during the investigation phase of your formal complaint. This document can serve as both a roadmap and a springboard for a compelling case.
This ROI offers a detailed account of the investigative stage of your complaint, and knowing how to analyze it effectively can be instrumental in building a solid case.
Louise explains that this hefty document is a compilation of everything gathered during the investigation stage—statements, emails, notes, and more. Although it sounds like a mundane stack of paper, Louise reveals the hidden gems that can be buried within.
One of the most eye-opening moments in our discussion is Louise’s breakdown of what to look for when scouring the ROI. From the dates on your EEO counselor’s report to the affidavits of responsible management officials, each piece of information is a potential goldmine—or a pitfall to be wary of. As she unpacks the information typically contained in this document, you can almost feel a renewed sense of control over an otherwise daunting process.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Disclaimer
(01:23) What is the Report of Investigation (ROI)
(02:52) Why you should confirm the date listed in the report that the EEO counselor indicates that you initiated contact with the EEO
(05:16) Key information to look for in the ROI
(15:30) The critical role of the discovery phase
(17:56) How to use the ROI as a roadmap for the discovery process
(21:14) What does prima facie mean?
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be legal advice. This is for educational purposes only. If you are seeking legal advice, please talk to a lawyer.