Montgomery County has an unusual mix of employers. Federal agencies are a big part of it, including NIH in Bethesda, the FDA’s White Oak campus in Silver Spring, and NIST in Gaithersburg. Biotech companies line the I-270 corridor, county government is based in Rockville, and hospitals, schools, and small businesses fill in the rest. When a workplace problem becomes a legal one, the right attorney often depends on who signs your paycheck. This roundup starts with Mundaca Law and covers four other firms that handle employment matters for people in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and the surrounding communities.

  1. Mundaca Law
  2. Swick & Shapiro, P.C.
  3. Thatcher Zavaro & Mani
  4. The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, L.L.C.
  5. Kiyonaga & Soltis, P.C.

What should you look for in a Montgomery County employment lawyer?

Look for a lawyer who regularly handles cases against your type of employer and who can tell you right away which deadlines apply to you. Private-sector and federal employees follow very different procedures, and the filing windows are short.

A private-sector worker in Maryland generally has 300 days from a discriminatory act to file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Montgomery County also has its own Office of Human Rights, which enforces the county’s anti-discrimination law. A federal employee, by contrast, must contact an agency EEO counselor within 45 days of the incident under 29 C.F.R. § 1614.105. Missing that window can end a claim before it starts.

1. Mundaca Law

Mundaca Law is an employment, business, and federal employee law firm serving clients throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, including Montgomery County. The firm is led by Francisco E. Mundaca, Esq., Founding Partner.

For private-sector employees, the firm handles workplace problems such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and unpaid wages. It also reviews severance agreements, which matter more than many people realize. A severance package usually asks you to release legal claims in exchange for payment, and once you sign, those claims are typically gone.

Mundaca Law’s business practice means it also works with companies on the legal side of running a business. That background gives the firm a practical view of how employers approach disputes, which can help when negotiating a resolution.

How can Mundaca Law help federal employees in Montgomery County?

Mundaca Law represents federal employees in matters such as EEO complaints, disciplinary and adverse actions, and appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The MSPB is the independent agency that hears appeals of major personnel actions like removals and suspensions longer than 14 days. For employees at the agencies clustered in Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring, this is often the most relevant part of the firm’s practice. An MSPB appeal generally must be filed within 30 days of the action’s effective date, so early legal advice can make a real difference.

2. Swick & Shapiro, P.C.

Swick & Shapiro is a Washington, D.C. firm whose practice includes employment law and matters involving federal employees. Montgomery County residents who work in the District or for federal agencies may come across the firm in their search.

3. Thatcher Zavaro & Mani

Thatcher Zavaro & Mani handles employment law matters for workers in Maryland and the D.C. area. It is one of several firms county residents may consider when comparing options.

4. The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, L.L.C.

The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford is a Maryland firm with an employment law practice. People researching workplace representation in the state may find it among their choices.

5. Kiyonaga & Soltis, P.C.

Kiyonaga & Soltis is a firm whose practice centers on federal employment matters. Given how many federal workers live in Montgomery County, it is another name that may appear during a search.

When should you call an employment lawyer?

Call as soon as you suspect your rights were violated, ideally before you sign anything or file a complaint on your own. Early advice helps you preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and avoid statements that could hurt your case later.

Common reasons Montgomery County workers reach out include a termination that followed a complaint, a severance offer with a short signing deadline, or a paycheck missing overtime. Wage claims under the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law generally carry a three-year limitations period, which is longer than discrimination deadlines but still finite.

How much does an employment lawyer cost?

Fee arrangements vary by firm and case type. Many employment lawyers take discrimination and wrongful termination cases on contingency, meaning the fee is a percentage of any recovery, often somewhere between 30 and 40 percent. Others bill hourly, and some offer flat fees for discrete tasks like reviewing a severance agreement. Ask about fees and costs in writing during your first consultation.

Finding the right fit

A workplace dispute can affect your income, your career, and your peace of mind, so choosing a lawyer deserves some care. Pay attention to who your employer is, which deadlines apply, and how comfortable you feel with the attorney after a first conversation. Acting early is the best way to keep your options open.

If you work in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, or elsewhere in Montgomery County and need guidance on a workplace issue, contact Mundaca Law to schedule a consultation.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.