John P. Mahoney focuses his practice on litigating federal employment law, labor, and national security clearance law cases. He counsels and represents federal employees, contractors, agencies, unions, and employee associations in a wide range of issues, including employment discrimination, EEOC complaints, MSPB appeals, whistleblower retaliation cases, and more. He is a nationally recognized attorney who has earned a Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and has been selected as a 2017 Top Rated Lawyer in Labor & Employment Law. Mr. Mahoney, who also served as the Vice Chair of and an administrative judge with the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) Personnel Appeals Board (PAB), has an impressive record of success and is known for being able to deliver smart solutions along with caring advocacy.

To learn more about John P. Mahoney, Esq. visit his profile page on the website at:

Practice Areas

Employment and Labor 50%

50%

Government 50%

50%

Fees and Rates

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Awards

2023 2022 2021

...

+ 1

Avvo Client's Choice Awards

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AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

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This is the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 31 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1994

Good Standing

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016

Licensed in Maryland for 32 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1993

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2024

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Location

John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC, 20004

attorneymahoney.com

Message Get Directions

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John Patrick Mahoney's Reviews

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Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

4.8 /5.0

64 Client Reviews

Avvo

4.7

(62)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(2 )

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Star rating

5 stars 55 4 stars 3

3 stars 0

2 stars 0

1 star 4

Practice Areas

Employment & Labor (26) Lawsuits & Disputes (11) Administrative Law (10) Discrimination (7) Appeals (3) Government (3) Wrongful Termination (3) Litigation (2) Military Law (2) Federal Regulation (1)

What Clients Mention

Practice Area Knowledge (27) Advocacy (20) Professionalism (20) Recommendation (19) Case Results (16) Communication Style (15) General Knowledge (14) Responsiveness (9) Trustworthiness (9) Character & Conduct (8) Cost of Services (7) Compassion (4) Free Consultations (2) Punctuality (2) Payment Plans (1) Staff & Support (1)

Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | July 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Worth Every Dime

I am a career government employee: I had 16 years of service without a single problem at work...until a new boss was appointed as part of the overhaul of leadership at my agency under the current administration. Suddenly, I found myself facing an unfounded disciplinary action. I had never hired a l...awyer in my life for any reason, but I knew that I needed an expert to help me. From the second I started working with Mr. Mahoney's team, I knew I had found lawyers with experience and I finally felt HEARD, I am thrilled to report that my agency, as a result of my representative's aggressive litigation approach eventually cancelled the action and I am now back at work. Thanks to this Firm's diligence, I feel that I will be able to work until I am ready to retire ON MY TERMS!!!! My family and I feel blessed that we found this Firm, and I am glad that I hung in there through the litigation. We couldn't have done it without this Law Firm!

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John Mahoney

Replied last July 02, 2019

Thank you for your very kind review. It was our pleasure representing you and winning your federal employment back. Let me know if there is ever any other federal employment law matter that we can handle for you or your federal employee colleagues. I wish you nothing but the best for the rest of your federal career and beyond.

Posted by anonymous | April 04, 2019 | Employment & Labor

Government scientist who needed a federal employment attorney

I contacted John Mahoney, Esq., a partner in the law firm of Tully Rinckey, for legal advice involving a federal employment problem. My consultation with Mr. Mahoney occurred long after I had been interviewed regarding allegations made against me, a significant number of which were false. I should ha...ve contacted Mr. Mahoney as soon as the allegations emerged, but I trusted in my Agency to conduct a fair, objective, and thorough investigation. Instead, responsible management officials were using the opportunity to reduce my stature, duties, and responsibilities, as well as to degrade my work environment. Mr. Mahoney explained how he could assist me and immediately started to protect me with his in-depth knowledge of federal employment law. Over time, as my Agency retaliated against me for standing up for my rights and exercising my legal defense, Mr. Mahoney navigated me through a labyrinth of legal venues involving my Collective Bargaining Agreement rights, the Office of Special Counsel, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the Office of Inspector General for my Agency. Without Mr. Mahoneyâ€™s guardianship, I believe my Agency would have successfully â€œsteamrolledâ€ me into a significantly diminished position within my Agency and in my professional community of scientists, all the while engaging in violations of law (some repeatedly), harmful errors, and procedural misconduct against me. Throughout the increasingly complex evolution of my case, Mr. Mahoney always respected my contributions to my legal defense, which is very gratifying from one professional to another, as well as my wifeâ€™s concerns. As the harm against me, and by extension my wife, increased, Mr. Mahoney repeatedly made sure the path forward contained â€œrealityâ€ checks to ensure we were investing our resources in the most effective way possible. The law is complex and many aspects of a case that might appear â€œunfairâ€ or â€œunscrupulousâ€ are in fact violations of law. As a career federal employee who concentrated on my work objectives, I had only a rudimentary understanding of what my rights were and the limited personal wealth from my wifeâ€™s and my personal finances. My only chance of being treated fairly by a large powerful Agencyâ€”funded by taxpayer moneyâ€”was to find a guardian like John Mahoney who has an extensive understanding of the law and is a unflinching guardian of his clients. Incredibly, I talked to such a person on December 23 and retained him on the 26th, which shows the extent to which John Mahoney is a passionate advocate for his clients.

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John Mahoney

Replied last April 04, 2019

Thank you so much for your kind words! It is a true pleasure to represent you. We take pride in going to battle for our clients.

Posted by anonymous | November 02, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Great encounter

Had a great experience talking with Mr Mahoney. He is very direct and knowledgeable. He listened to my needs and what I thought. He was not pushy. I’m thankful a friend recommended his firm. If anyone is being harassed in the work place do something about it. I Look forward to working with him moving... forward.

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John Mahoney

Replied last November 21, 2022

Thank you for the great review. We are happy to hear you are pleased with your experience and look forward to continuing to work with you.

Posted by Tremel | June 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Tremel C

I was referred by from colleague of mine who used Mr. Mahoney law in a similar case. Mr. Mahoney provided a great initial consultation . He explained procedures in details and answered all my questions. Looking forward to seeing his work.

John Mahoney

Replied last June 12, 2020

Thank you for your kind review. We really appreciate it. We are honored to represent you and look forward to helping you protect and enhance your federal career.

Posted by anonymous | September 20, 2019 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Do Not Recommend

I hired John in the past to represent me, which was a terrible mistake. On many occasions he was just down right rude, arrogant, abusive and lied. He was very responsive and answered and/or return calls, but I found his information redundant, this being in his best interest as it's how he makes his m...oney. I found on some occasions, while talking with him, he acted as if he was up to date on my case, but was not. There were all several times occasions that it was better for me to obtain information regarding my case myself verses wasting my time and money calling and/or arguing with him. Furthermore, when paying any attorney, especially one that charges this much, I don’t think it’s too much for them not to be hateful liars, but I found this one to be just that. Before hiring this person I would highly recommend an in person consult, if I would have met him in person I would have never hired him as my representative!

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John Mahoney

Replied last May 29, 2017

I am sorry to read this review, as I always strive to please my clients. In fact, I have effectively represented over a thousand clients in my 23 years as a practicing attorney. This matter has been finally concluded since this review was submitted.

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John Patrick Mahoney's Lawyer Endorsements

Received

Given

Endorse John

Melissa Lolotai

Employment and labor lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"John is an expert in this field and highly respected among peers."

Michael Mierau

Employment and labor lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. John Mahoney is a leading expert in employment law. He cares deeply about the needs of his clients and uses his expertise to ensure the best possible outcome for them."

Letha Miller

Employment and labor lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"John is a great attorney and wealth of information on federal employment legal matters."

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Steven Herrick

Employment and labor lawyer

Mathew Tully

Military law lawyer

Experience

Rating: 10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024.

Reciprocal - Suspension issued in MD, 2024

updated on 05/13/2025

This means that the attorney's misconduct in another state, or jurisdiction, also violated the rules for practicing law in Maryland.

Informal Admonition issued in DC, 2016

updated on 09/14/2016

An admonition means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar gives the lawyer an admonition in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Honors

2021

Federal Employment Lawyer of the Year in Washington D.C., Corporate INTL

2021

Federal Employment Law - Lawyer of the Year in Washington D.C., Global Law Experts

2021

Featured Attorney, Lawyers of Distinction

2021

Top Attorneys, National Law Journal

2021

Top Lawyer, American Lawyer

2021

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2020

Client’s Choice Award, Avvo

2020

Federal Employment Lawyer of the Year in Washington D.C., Corporate INTL

2020

Federal Employment Law - Lawyer of the Year in Washington D.C., Global Law Experts

2020

Top 100 Attorney, America's Top 100 Attorneys

2020

Top Lawyer, American Lawyer

2020

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2019

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2019

Top Attorneys, National Law Journal

2019

Top Lawyer, American Lawyer

2018

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2018

Top Lawyer, American Lawyer

2017

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2016

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2015

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2013

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2012

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2011

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2010

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2009

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2008

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2007

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2006

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2005

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2004

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2003

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

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Work Experience

2014 - Present

Principal, The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law

2009 - 2014

Partner, Tully Rinckey, PLLC

2009 - 2014

Chairman of the Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, Tully Rinckey, PLLC

2003 - 2008

Managing Partner, Mahoney & Mahoney, LLP

2000 - 2003

Senior Associate, Shaw, Bransford, Veilleux & Roth

1992 - 1999

Attorney, Passman & Kaplan, PC

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Associations

American Bar Association

Member

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association

Member

2009 - 2014

District of Columbia Bar, Labor and Employment Law

Co-chair

2003 - 2004

District of Columbia Bar, Labor and Employment Law

Past Chair

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Sample of Legal Cases

UK v. Secretary, Dep’t of the Army, EEOC Case No. 531-2011-00095X (Shubow, Admin. J. Mar. 31, 2015)

ATTORNEY MAHONEY'S CLIENT AWARDED NEARLY $330,000 BY THE EEOC:

Cohen v. Department of Homeland Security (ICE), MSPB Docket No. SF-0752-12-0427-I-1 (Jun. 19, 2014)(nonprecedential)

MSPB Mitigated Client's Removal to 90-day suspension with backpay, benefits, & fees

Hamilton v. Donley, Sec'y, Dep't of the Air Force, EEOC Request No. 0520130469 (Dec. 20, 2013)(Settled May 14, 2012)

Attorney Mahoney's Client Awarded Approximately $1,000,000, plus removal canceled and returned to LEO duty with a promotion.

O'Keefe v. Donahoe, Postmaster Gen., United States Postal Service (Southwest Area), EEOC Appeal No. 0120130848 (Jun. 11, 2013)

EEOC Ruled Attorney Mahoney's client was discriminated against and ordered status quo anti relief, compensatory damages and fees..

Hussey v. United States Department of Agriculture, MSPB Docket No. DA-0752-10-0130-A-1 (Jan. 6, 2011).

Attorney Mahoney's Client's Removal Appeal Settled $45,000 in reasonable attorneys’ fees based upon the successfully enforced settlement.

Farrell v. Dep't of Treasury, EEOC Petition No. 0420070019 (Oct. 24, 2008)

Attorney Mahoney's Petition to Enforce Previous EEOC Decision Granted in successful SES nonselection EEOC case

Johnson v. Johanns, Sec'y, USDA, EEOC CASE No. 520-2006-00120X (EEOC NYDO, BAO, Default Judgment Sanctions Or. Jan. 22, 2007)

Attorney Mahoney Secured Full-Relief Default Judgment Sanctions/Full Relied in Novel Removal EEOC Case

See The Washington Post, Mar. 8, 2006, The Federal Page.

Settled Client's claims of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation against FEC

See the Gazette Newspaper June 3, 2005

Attorney Mahoney Settled Client's EEO Disability Discrimination Case v. NIH, NCI

Cornyn v. Department of the Treasury, MSPB Docket No. DC-0351-02-0576-I-1 (Sep. 30, 2003)

Attorney Mahoney Successfully Represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury in MSPB RIF Appeal

Farrell v. Snow, Sec'y, Dep't of the Treasury, EEOC Appeal No. 07A20043 (May 5, 2003)

Attorney Mahoney WIns EEOC SES Nonselection Case for Federal Employee

Flythe v. Caldera, Sec'y, Dep't of the Army, EEOC Appeal No. 01972258 (2000)

Attorney Mahoney won a finding of discrimination and an award of full relief, with backpay and compensatory damages in excess of $100,000

VanWersch v. Department of Health and Human Servs., 197 F.3d 1144 (Fed. Cir. 1999)

Attorney Mahoney Wins Novel Due Process MSPB Appeal for Class of Disabled Federal Employees

Dong v. Smithsonian Institution, 943 F. Supp. 69 (D.D.C. 1996)

Attorney Mahoney won this case of first impression as the first case awarding compensatory damages under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a

Wheeler v. District of Columbia (D.D.C. Feb. 10, 1995)

Attorney Mahoney Won a Class Action in D.D.C., receiving a multi-million dollar backpay award for all retired U.S. Park Police

Dong v. Smithsonian Institution, 125 F.3d 877 (D.C. Cir. 1997), reh'g den., No. 96-503 (1997), cert. den., 524 U.S. 922 (1998)

42 U.S.C. Section 2000e-16 amended to cover Smithsonian Institution

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Education

1993

Catholic University of America

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

Assumption College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

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Speaking Engagements

2009

D.C. Bar Association

How to take an effective deposition- CLE Attendee

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Publications

2011

National Law Journal What Rights to Privacy Do Federal Employees Have?

N/A

National Employee Rights Institute Federal Employees Legal Survival Guide

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Languages

English

Spanish

Portuguese

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Activity

Legal Answers

Legal Guides

Legal Answers

Q&A

Can someone write an anonymous letter if they fear that there job will be in jeopardy ?

17 Jul 2017

Additional Locations and Practice Areas

Washington employment / labor lawyers Washington government lawyers

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This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024
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John Patrick Mahoney

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Awards

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 31 years

Licensed in Maryland for 32 years

Location

John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law

Gallery

Online Presence

John Patrick Mahoney's Reviews

Overall Rating This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

John Mahoney

John Mahoney

John Mahoney

John Mahoney

John Mahoney

John Patrick Mahoney's Lawyer Endorsements

Experience

Professional misconduct

Honors

Work Experience

Associations

Sample of Legal Cases

Education

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Languages

Activity

Legal Answers

Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.