Meet Ariel, a female Terrier/American Straffordshire Mix available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation have to say about her:
Ariel is tolerant, patient, incredibly friendly, and loves to wrestle and play with other dogs.
She is good in the car, walks nicely on a leash and is always excited to meet new friends. She is looking for a special someone, maybe with a laundry room where she can sleep at night and the ability to get her outside often during the day.
Are you and Ariel a match?
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.
Given the pandemic, and the current state of the economy, many employment lawyers for businesses and employees are preparing for a number of lawsuits related to COVID-19. There are many different types of potential employee civil claims that will ultimately arise as a result of the pandemic, the economy, layoffs and terminations.
The following are just a few examples of the type of litigation that may be on the horizon.
Negligence Claims Against Employers
One of the first types of claims that we expect to see in the near future are lawsuits filed by employees related to them getting sick from COVID-19.
It is likely that we will see some employees claim that they were subjected to work-related risks and were infected by COVID-19 as a result. It is too early to see whether or not Virginia, different states or the federal government will enact legislation limiting liability for these employers. Some of these claims may likely be based on employers that did not follow the letter of Executive Orders from the Governor or other relevant government medical authorities.
Some states may decide to make employers immune from such liability by expanding workers’ compensation coverage to make it easier to claim injuries without proof that it occurred at work. This would essentially shift liability from businesses to the state or create a hybrid solution. Businesses are likely to need this type of relief from the state.
Discrimination Claims Against Employers
One of the other types of claims that we are likely to see by employees involves discrimination claims with respect to pandemic-related terminations and layoffs. These are likely to be claims arguing that some employees were retained or terminated in a discriminatory fashion. For instance, we may see arguments that retention of employees was illegally based on race or sex.
Claims for Unpaid Wages
Another area that we are likely to see employee lawsuits filed over involve unpaid wage claims related to the pandemic. Many employers have been adversely affected and became insolvent immediately, unable to pay employees. Other employers may have thought that they could delay payment of wages to employees during the pandemic, which is illegal. In either case, a number of employees are likely to file such claims in the coming weeks and months.
Contact Us
It is too soon to tell all the ways in which the pandemic will affect employer-employee claims, but they are likely coming in the near future. If you are in need of employment law representation or advice, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.
Meet Lucky Lucy, a female Retriever Mix available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:
Are you looking for the perfect 1 1/2 year old pup that is already house trained, has manners and wants to please you and play… this is your girl.
She has a lot of energy and would love to have another dog to run and play with in a fenced yard. She is in a foster home and would love to find her forever family.
Lucy is spayed up to dates on all vaccines and is micro chipped.
Are you and Lucky Lucy a match?
Meet Coco, a black and white Domestic Short Hair male available for adoption locally.
Here is what his friends at The Feline Foundation of Greater Washington Inc have to say about him:
Are you looking for an affectionate, active kitty? Coco loves catnip toys and attention.
He is outgoing and when he wants you to pet him, he’ll grab your hand with both paws and pull it towards him. He likes to cuddle with you and knead on you and your blanket.
He’s been in homes with other cats and gets along with them.
Are you and Coco a match?
For professionals on the rise, an MBA is a key credential. But while an MBA may help launch the next stage of a career, few are willing to put everything on hold to obtain one. Staying on top of course work while holding down a job and meeting personal obligations is challenging at best.
“Students nowadays aren’t willing to go to school to earn an MBA on a full-time basis and forego the economic benefits of a full-time job,” says Dr. Parviz Ghandforoush, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business.
That’s one of the reasons why business schools like Pamplin have developed an alternative: hybrid MBA program options that combine the flexibility of online courses with the in-person interaction of a traditional MBA.
Online collaboration and discussion modules give students flexibility to access coursework whenever and wherever they are located. In-person class lectures offer hands-on learning, face-to-face discussions and substantive interaction with instructors and classmates.
According to Dana Hansson, Director of MBA Programs at Virginia Tech, the hybrid nature of the programs deliver flexibility and “a personal touch” that encourages students from various industries, work settings and management layers to pool their experiential knowledge.
Both hybrid pathways to an MBA — the Arlington-based Executive MBA and multi-city Professional MBA — offer advantages that promise to resonate long after a program’s completion.
An in-person element and cohort format create lasting relationships that can deliver significantly more value and meaning than any LinkedIn connection. Membership in an elite institution also promotes close professional relationships among peers throughout Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C., metro area.
With more than 100,000 alumni in the mid-Atlantic region alone, an MBA from Virginia Tech provides students with access to industry professionals and mentors, many of whom can connect graduates with opportunities for career advancement.
A part-time format means applicants can maintain a steady income while also furthering their career aspirations. As a public university, Virginia Tech also offers a high-value tuition rate.
The part-time Professional MBA and Executive MBA programs can each be completed in the same amount of time as a traditional full-time program, and less than a traditional part-time program.
Learn more at mba.vt.edu.
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 Kimberly Berry
Our law firm handles many different types of federal retirement issues in our representation of federal employees.
One of the more common types of retirement cases that we often handle involves the representation of federal employees in the disability retirement process before various federal agencies and the Office of Personnel Management.
Federal employees filing for disability retirement are typically covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System or the Civil Service Retirement System.
Federal employees should consider the following questions before they pursue OPM disability retirement:
How serious are the federal employee’s medical issues and are they linked to the federal employee’s position description duties?
When making a disability retirement decision, keep in mind that OPM evaluates your continued ability to work with your medical condition in the context of the duties described in your position description. If the medical disability is not deemed serious enough, or not fully supported by medical documentation and evidence, and is not sufficiently linked to your inability to “usefully and efficiently” carry out your job duties, then OPM may deny the disability retirement application.
How long is the medical disability realistically expected to last?
OPM requires that a medical disability be expected to last at least one year in duration. When considering whether to file for disability retirement, it is important for you to consider the expected duration of your medical disability. Disabilities with known shorter duration could be problematic for you in the application process.
Can a federal employee survive on a reduced annuity?
If you are considering filing for OPM disability retirement, understand that this type of retirement usually provides you with a lower monthly retirement annuity in comparison to full retirement. As a result, we recommend that you obtain benefit estimates from your human resources representative and consult with a financial advisor about the impact of a potential reduced annuity prior to filing for disability retirement.
Are there modifications to a federal employee’s current position that can be made to allow the federal employee to continue to work?
Oftentimes a federal agency will work with you to provide you with a reasonable accommodation (i.e., change in duties, hours, telework or other adjustments) that can make your current position and medical condition workable. This can often be the best solution, even if it is only a short-term solution.
As a part of the disability retirement process, the federal agency is required to certify that it is unable to accommodate your disabling medical condition in your present position. The agency must also certify that it has considered you “for any vacant position in the same agency, at the same grade or pay level, and within the same commuting area, for which [you] qualified for reassignment.”
Do your medical professionals believe that you should not continue in your current position?
This is an important consideration when filing for disability retirement. In most cases, physicians will be open with their patients about whether it is a good idea to keep working in their current federal employment position.
There are at least two reasons to discuss a possible filing for OPM disability retirement with your treating medical provider(s). First, your health should be of primary importance and a consideration when determining whether continuing in a job hinders or impedes your recovery. Second, physicians and their medical opinions are necessary and, in fact, crucial in the disability retirement application process with OPM.
OPM will require a physician’s statement about your medical issues, and the physician’s statement can either make or break the outcome of your disability retirement application.
When considering OPM disability retirement, it is important to obtain the advice and representation of legal counsel. You can contact our law firm through www.retirementlaw.com, www.berrylegal.com, or by telephone at (703) 668-0070, to schedule a consultation to discuss your individual federal employment retirement matter. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.
Meet Soda, a young Domestic Short Hair female available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at The Feline Foundation of Greater Washington Inc have to say about her:
Soda is a sweet girl just like her name. She enjoys company at meal time and throws great dinner parties, she’ll even knead you some air biscuits for dessert.
When she wants affection she’ll seek you for pets and will reciprocate with head butts and purrs. Soda had a bit of a rough time after her human became ill and could no longer care for her, after some time in the shelter her sister cat Boppie got adopted, that’s when Soda came to FFGW for a new start.
Now she’s ready for her new forever home. She is comfortable in the company of other cats and would do best in a quiet household where she can take her time getting acclimated to her new surroundings. Soda is currently in foster with FFGW
Are you and Soda a match?
Imagine a new townhome with impeccable style in a place where you can step outside your door and walk to grab coffee at Starbucks or a bite to eat at Founding Farmers. Or walk to Metro to explore the entire D.C. area.
That could be your reality at Union Towns, where the Knutson Companies is preparing to debut a new collection of just 26 stunning townhomes in the vibrant and growing Reston Station area.
These new townhomes offer the extraordinary architecture, thoughtful designs and premium finishes that the Knutson Companies is known for, plus the rare opportunity for a walkable Northern Virginia lifestyle close to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station and sought-after shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Union Towns will feature some of Knutson’s most popular townhome designs, priced from the $800’s. The floorplans include up to 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and 2,779 square feet, plus a private, 349-square-foot rooftop terrace that becomes your Yard in the Sky.
You’ll also enjoy the community’s dog park and access to a rooftop pool looking out over Reston Station.
Other nearby attractions at Reston Station include Sweet Leaf, Nordine Salon and Day Spa, and Orangetheory Fitness.
More destinations will open soon, including Matchbox Restaurant, a new Marriott hotel and Reston Station Tower offices, anchored by Google.
The Knutson Companies is a locally owned builder known for neighborhoods that enhance your lifestyle with access to recreation, restaurants, retail and transit. With award-winning architectural designs, personalized interior design services and a customer-focused approach, they’ve earned a 100% satisfaction rating from their homeowners.
To learn more about Union Towns and the growing development at Reston Station, visit UnionTowns.com.
Meet Quincy, a male American Staffordshire Terrier mix available for adoption locally.
Here is what his friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team have to say about him:
Quincy is a sweet 2 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix.
He loves going to dog parks where he can exercise those legs. He loves his humans and would do best in a home where he’s the sole recipient of your affection!
Quincy has an average activity level & likes to go on 2-3 walks a day. He’d be a great running & hiking companion. He’d love nothing more than to find his forever home!
Are you and Quincy a match?
By Nicola Caul Shelley, Synergy Design & Construction
Life in Reston sure feels a lot different these days and we hope you and your families are staying healthy and safe. Construction is considered an essential business service here in Virginia, so we’re still open and employing innovative tools to continue to deliver our same excellent customer service and beautiful home remodels, while keeping our team and clients safe.
We’re proud to say the Synergy team continued to work hard on the on-time completion of the home remodeling projects that were mid-way through construction when the lockdown took effect. Fortunately, we had many of the business tools and job site safety practices already in place, so were able to quickly respond and react to the dynamic situation that was (and continues to be) life in the middle of a pandemic.
You might think it’s an odd time to think about a home remodel during a health crisis, but we have been hearing from people working from home and self-isolating who tell us they have started to focus on the things in their home that just don’t work — from the lack of a dedicated home office space to the aging kitchen that is just too cramped. Now is the perfect time to think about the design of your kitchen, even if you aren’t ready to start a remodel.
With that in mind, we got to thinking how we could help. Maybe being at home has you dreaming of a more open concept for your main level or binge watching HGTV home remodeling shows and thinking, “What if I did that in my kitchen…?” If this sounds like you, then join us as one of our resident experts, Emily Bickl, Interior Designer, shares the secrets to creating a more open concept kitchen.
The webinar is FREE. Claim your spot now!
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.
Many Virginians have recently found themselves laid off or otherwise out of work due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, unemployment compensation benefits are needed like never before. This is a short article on the unemployment claims process in Virginia and benefits in light of new legislation.
Benefits for affected employees can be sought through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Employees who have been laid off, terminated or otherwise had their hours reduced can qualify. Here is a link to the VEC directions for initiating a claim.
Changes to Unemployment Claims Related to COVID-19
On March 12, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) also provided additional guidance to state unemployment agencies interpreting unemployment benefits related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DOL offered states guidance in being flexible in awarding unemployment compensation to those affected.
As of March 15, the Commonwealth of Virginia waived the one-week waiting period for the unemployed to receive unemployment benefits. The effect of this change is that out of work Virginians can receive unemployment compensation benefits sooner.
Another change is that a claimant in Virginia has usually had to show that they were actively seeking new work, but Virginia changed this requirement in light of COVID-19 for obvious reasons.
Lastly, Virginia is in the process of making unemployment compensation benefits available to the self-employed (1099 and Gig Economy workers) pursuant to an order from Governor Northam.
To file for unemployment compensation in Virginia, please apply at www.vec.virginia.gov. It is also recommended to file as soon as possible so that benefits can start as soon as possible.
Contact Us
If you are in need of employment law representation or advice, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.
Meet Toby, a young Domestic Short Hair male available for adoption locally.
Here is what his friends at The Feline Foundation of Greater Washington, Inc have to say about him:
Ulysses P. Toberson (otherwise known as Toby) is a very sweet boy. He likes to snuggle in cozy spaces and is often quiet, but he isn’t overly shy.
When he wants attention he is out head-butting you and rolling over.
He has rabbit-soft fur and loves being pet and you’ll hear his loud purr when he relaxes. If you’re okay being patient while Toby adjusts to his new home, then Toby may be the one for you!
He was dumped in a colony of semi-feral kitties and the caretaker recognized that he was not part of the group and brought him inside and called us to rescue him.
We think he was a bit traumatized by his early experiences and he does like to have a safe cubby or hiding space available to him.
Are you and Toby a match?
Imagine the fright in coming down with symptoms of coronavirus: fever, cough, tiredness and trouble breathing. Then imagine trying to navigate the health care system with limited English skills, especially when loved ones are barred from medical settings to limit the virus spread.
We’re hearing about the risks facing front line workers including doctors, nurses, emergency personnel and service workers, yet there are also disturbing reports that medical interpreters are not being afforded personal protective equipment and protocols, and of patients experiencing sub-standard, potentially life-threatening barriers to services.
“High quality medical interpretation allows healthcare service providers to effectively communicate and comply with language access laws,” says Silvia Villacampa, Managing Director of Liberty Language Services in Vienna, Virginia.
“Because in-person interpreters risk exposure like all health care workers, video remote and over-the-phone interpreting are excellent ways to reduce risk while providing much needed support to service providers serving limited English-speaking patients in our community,” Villacampa adds.
25 million people in the U.S. speak no or limited English, and the COVID-19 epidemic has intensified longstanding language access issues in health care. Video remote technology, which can be used with any phone, tablet or computer with a webcam, offers the safest solution.
“It’s HIPAA compliant, and our trained and qualified interpreters work in hundreds of languages, as well as American Sign Language,” Villacampa notes.
With years of experience providing on-site medical and legal interpretation services throughout the mid-Atlantic region, Liberty Language Services applies the same careful vetting, training, testing and understanding clients’ needs to Video Remote and Over the Phone Interpreting.
Visit the Liberty Language Services website for more information.
Meet Jade, a female Labrador Retriever and Boxer mix available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team have to say about her:
Jade is approximately three years old and just had a litter of beautiful puppies!
After some R&R, she is now ready for adoption! Jade is SO appreciative of any and all human attention. Be ready to cuddle with this sweet one!
What brings the greatest joy to Jade is falling asleep on your lap. She is mostly house trained and is great with kids and other dogs.
Are you and Jade a match?
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.
Many security clearance holders and future applicants have been affected by the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic, most often in connection with their overall financial situation or credit. This article discusses the potential security clearance implications of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 for security clearance holders and applicants.
Financial Issues
The most common security clearance concern for clearance holders, even before the pandemic, involved financial issues. The current COVID-19 crisis will directly impact these types of security concerns. Individuals will likely face potential financial losses, bankruptcy, bad credit or unmanageable debt as a result of the crisis.
These types of issues fall under Guideline F, Financial Considerations pursuant to Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4). SEAD 4 provides the Government’s security clearance guidelines that adjudicators review in evaluating whether or not to grant a security clearance. Financial concerns usually include bad credit, unpaid debts, unpaid taxes and other related financial issues.
It is very likely, due to the existing and future disruptions in business and work that many individuals could be laid off or lose their jobs if the COVID-19 pandemic lasts for an extended period of time. We may very well be entering a recession right now given the number of jobless claims that have recently been filed.
With these recent layoffs, individual finances are clearly going to be negatively impacted. An economic downturn and loss of work can have massive financial implications for many government contractors and other private-sector employees in a relatively short period of time. If individuals are laid off, it is often the case that they find themselves financially underwater within a month. As a result, these individuals are often unable to pay their mortgage, rent, car loans, consumer credit loans or other major bills.
These types of issues affect security clearance holders as debts which result from such a recession are not easily rectified immediately even when new positions requiring clearances become available. We still have clients who lost a majority of their investments during the Great Recession between 2007 and 2009 who still have to address financial issues in connection with their security clearances. In other words, COVID-19 may lead to a downturn which can have a major effect on security clearance holders or applicants for a long period of time.
The COVID-19 Crisis Will Most Certainly Be Viewed as Unique and Mitigating
In terms of security clearances, there is good news for clearance holders, applicants and future applicants. Clearance adjudicators recognize that major shared events, like recessions, are unique in nature which can help to mitigate those security clearance concerns. COVID-19 related financial issues and any downturn would almost certainly fall in this category.
Specifically, SEAD 4, under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, provides mitigation to those facing security concerns related to debts, credit and other financial issues. SEAD 4. Paragraph 20(a) provides as mitigation that “the behavior happened so long ago, was so infrequent, or occurred under such circumstances that it is unlikely to recur…” Furthermore, Paragraph 20(b) states, as a key mitigating factor that “the conditions that resulted in the financial problem were largely beyond the person’s control (e.g., loss of employment, a business downturn, unexpected medical emergency… and the individual acted responsibly under the circumstances.)”
There is no reason to doubt that security clearance adjudicators will give serious consideration to mitigating financial-related security clearance concerns related to debts, bankruptcy and taxes as they have done in the past as it relates to losses occurring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our general advice to security clearance holders is for them to keep on top of their finances, work with creditors (even if they are uncooperative) if they are laid off or lose their jobs and keep copies of all documents and their attempts to resolve debts or otherwise appear to act responsibly. Even if a creditor doesn’t act reasonable, copies of records showing that the individual tried to do their best in a difficult financial situation is often very helpful.
Contact Us
If you are in need of security clearance law representation or advice, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook or Twitter.
