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Rosemary Dettling

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Rosemary Dettling

also known as Federal Employee Legal Services Center (FELSC)

5.0
46 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 34 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Washington, DC
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Sexual Harassment, Civil Rights, Discrimination

1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC

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Rosemary Dettling's Website
Overview Reviews Experience Activity
Overview Reviews Experience Activity
Call for a FREE consultation (855) 610-5853

About Rosemary

Biography

Top 50 Labor & Employment Verdicts in California in 2024

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Employment and Labor 70%

35 years

70%
Civil Rights 10%

35 years

10%
Discrimination 10%

35 years

10%
Sexual Harassment 10%

35 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always

Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2016 2012 2010
Silver Client Champion

Avvo Client's Choice Awards

Client's Choice

The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2012
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2010

Silver Client Champion

Silver Client Champion

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service.

This attorney has received at least 3 client reviews, and has an average score of 4.0 or higher.

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 4 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2022

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 32 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1994

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 34 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1992

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Federal Employee Legal Services Center (FELSC)

(855) 610-5853

Mobile

(202) 379-9772

Fax

1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20006

felsc.com
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Gallery

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Online Presence

Other places you can find Rosemary online.

Rosemary Dettling's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (43) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Star rating
5 stars 41 4 stars 2
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 0
Practice Areas
Employment & Labor (34) Discrimination (16) Lawsuits & Disputes (16) Administrative Law (9) Government (4) Wrongful Termination (4) Civil Rights (3) Litigation (3) Appeals (1) Employee Benefits (1) Federal Regulation (1) Military Law (1)
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (33) Case Results (27) Practice Area Knowledge (23) Professionalism (19) General Knowledge (16) Recommendation (15) Responsiveness (11) Character & Conduct (9) Cost of Services (8) Trustworthiness (8) Compassion (7) Communication Style (3) Staff & Support (2) Punctuality (1)

Showing 1 - 5 of 23 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Nathan | April 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Very impressed, and highly qualified

While the law firm can be difficult to reach initially, this was explained by the high case volume and inability to take more clients at the time. She was very thorough in the intaking process and made sure that the case was well known. After becoming a client, all messages, emails, and phone calls... were promptly answered and all questions were answered. Not only was she extremely fair and competitive in price, her knowledge of the case exceeded my expectation by far. I would highly recommend her service to any employee in a MSPB or EEO case, as her professionalism is exceptional.

Posted by Juan | August 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Discrimination

A Warrior for Justice

Words cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am for the truly exceptional services that I received from Rosemary Dettling Esquire and Kristen Farr Esquire of the Federal Employees Legal Services Center (FELSC). Their attention to detail and their dedication speaks volumes. I reached out to this... firm for legal assistance when I was at my lowest point and all other avenues of redress to resolve the issues at the lowest level, were exhausted. When I finally decided to hire them, the Agency knew that I meant business. They came in and performed miracles. The backstory, I hired them to represent me regarding a case against my former Agency for discrimination; based upon race and disability; retaliation, and for subjecting hostile work environment. FELSC was extremely knowledgeable regarding these matters and got straight to work defending me. They were very reasonably priced compared to other law firms in the National Capital Region (NCR) and quite frankly, had better reviews over the others as well. I now know that the positive reviews were spot on. Upon speaking with Mrs. Dettling, It was obvious that she truly cared about my case and was adamant about seeking justice. She stuck by my side every step of the way. She wasn't out to nickel and dime me like I hear other firms have done to victims in the area. Mrs. Dettling worked tirelessly and effortlessly on my case day and night, while showing the utmost compassion. I was able to text, email, or call her anytime, and she'd respond right away. If you haven't guessed, I am EXTREMELY greatful for the level of service that I received. If I'm ever faced with the circumstances that I previously faced, she is the ONLY attorney that I'd trust to call. She showed great deal of empathy and persistence in my case throughout. She was able to put the facts of my case together quickly and highlighted things that I wasn't even aware of in order to build a strong defense. I remember reading that Mrs. Dettling is a shark when defending her clients. That in my opinion would be an understatement. She didn't take any crap from the Agency when they tried pull their typical tricks to disrupt and sabotage my case. You can tell that she was very well respected and highly regarded by the Judge. The end result was that Mrs. Dettling was able to negotiate a very generous settlement from the Agency, and ultimately ending a nightmare that lasted for years. I know that I could've never accomplished this without the assistance of Rosemary, Kirsten, and the FELSC team. They, in my opinion, are true champions of justice and social change. If you need a good lawyer, don't think about it, just do it. You can thank me later.

Posted by anonymous | June 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Victim of Federal EEO harassment

The best decision I made was hiring Ms. Dettling for my federal EEO complaint. After being harassed at my federal job and being subjected to a hostile work environment, I filed an EEO complaint. Then the retaliation started and I had to file another complaint. The stress had become debilitating an...d I had to leave my job but Ms Dettling stepped in at the 11th hour to help me. I am so grateful to her for taking my case, when no-one else would help me. The agency has not acted professionally and the EEO has not been professional in their comments and actions. Ms Dettling has stuck to her ethics and issues and is not giving up on our fight. She even recognized that the agency ignored my request for a medical accommodation and helped me work through that complaint. Her prices have been reasonable, especially considering all the work she has had to do on my case. I am so grateful for her knowledge and determination.

Posted by Lynne | May 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Best Decision I Ever Made

In 2007 I filed an EEO Complaint against my employer for a hostile work environment and later included retaliation when I was denied a promotion. The case went to mediation and I won my promotion and a 2-step increase, however I was responsible for my attorney fees. My attorney at the time warned m...e that this would not be the end of it. As soon as the agreement was signed, the retaliation began in earnest, subtle at first and later to the point that I was falsely accused of unprofessional conduct. I contacted my first attorney to represent me but he declined the case. I then contacted what I thought to be a reputable law firm in DC, only to be bled dry of what little savings I had as well as what I had to borrow against my 401K before we even got to hearing. Ultimately that was the point I realized that my attorneys had no intention of going to hearing, even though I was adamant upon hiring them that this time I had to go to hearing. This firm switched my attorney three times in the three weeks prior to the actual depositions, and during the deposition phase failed to properly represent me. When I declined to sign a new retainer for responding to Agency’s Motion for Summary Judgement, which was due in one week, my attorney stated that “This time they would really fight for me and in the next breath stated he had a great idea to get agency to settle”. At that point, I hung up the phone and searched desperately for a new attorney to represent me. That is when I found Rosemary Dettling. She took my case at the 11th hour (less than 1 week to respond to agency’s motion for SJ), received my file less than two business days prior to the response date because my former law firm dragged their feet in releasing my file) and was able to make such a compelling argument to deny SJ that we were granted a hearing date. The hearing was held last week and when I tell you that Rosemary Dettling is the ONLY attorney you should have represent you before the EEOC, that is a huge understatement! She was able to get all of agency’s witnesses to admit wrongdoing when I think they actually believed they were credible witnesses! We have not received a decision yet from the hearing, but I am confident that we will prevail. Rosemary Dettling is the most competent, knowledgeable and compassionate attorney I have ever met and I would not be in the position I currently find myself in without her. You will not find better representation anywhere! As frightening as it was to switch attorneys at the last minute, it was the best decision I have made in my adult life! I highly recommend Rosemary Dettling, and I am proud to call her my attorney.

Posted by Deborah | March 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law

Outstanding and Understanding

Ms. Dettling was the expert I needed in my MSPB against the US Army. She her expertise guided me through the year long ordeal the agency. During pre-hearing meetings, Ms. Dettling's understanding of the law and similar case law gave me a clear advantage. She is smart, tough and does her homework t...o make sure you have the best case and ability to win. She understood my federal position and was able to ask the questions to get the information she needed for my case. Ms. Dettling is to be able to immerse herself in each of her cases giving her clients the best guidance, advice, and counsel. I would not hesitate to recommend her to others. Ms. Dettling is the best of the best.

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Rosemary Dettling's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Rosemary
Joanne Dekker Donohue headshot
Joanne Donohue

Employment and labor lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"Rosemary is a highly professional and experienced attorney. She is committed to her clients and to resolving their issues expeditiously and efficiciently. It is a pleasure working with her."

View All Endorsements
Sara Lynne Bloom headshot
Sara Bloom

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Top Employment Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine

2025

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2025

America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry

2024

Top 50 Labor & Employment Verdicts in California in 2024, TopVerdict

2023

America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry

2022

America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry

2021

America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry

2020

America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry

2019

America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry

2018

America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry

2016

Client's Choice, Avvo

2012

Client's Choice, Avvo

2010

Client's Choice, Avvo

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Owner/Attorney, Federal Employee Legal Services Center (www.felsc.com)

2002 - 2006

Attorney, U.S. Department of Transportation

2000 - 2001

Attorney, U.S. Department of Commerce

1991 - 2000

Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division

Associations

2022 - Present

New York Bar

Member

2021 - Present

U.S. Court of Appeals - DC Circuit

Member

2007 - Present

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association (“MWELA”)

Member

2007 - Present

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Member

1994 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

Member

1994 - Present

Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Member

Pro Hac Vice Admission (Alaska, Maryland, and California)

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

DAMWYK v. KENDALL, III (AIR FORCE), Case No. 2:22-cv-04424-HDV-SK

Successful

GUESS v. EPA

Successful

BARTRON v. DOD

Successful

DAVIS v. FAA

Successful

FIVECOAT V. US AIR FORCE

Successful

JACKSON v. US AIR FORCE

Successful

CLIFFORD v. USPS

Successful

LAMPKINS V. USPS

Successful

AMES v. DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: VA failed to accommodate disabled employee.

Successful

JONES v. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: Judge orders FBI to reverse termination and reinstate client.

Successful

Damwyk v. Kendall III

More case summaries:

Successful

Additional case summaries:

Successful

SIMON v. U.S. POSTAL: Postal Service found guilty of race discrimination.

Successful

KELLY v. U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: Postal Service discriminated against client based on perceived disability.

Successful

BATSON-RILEY v. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS: VA culpable for retaliating against employee.

Successful

ARTHUR v. COMMERCE: Attorney fees awarded in the middle of the hearing, as a sanction against the Commerce.

BENSON V. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: Granted request to void settlement agreement.

Successful

LANE-PORTER v. U.S. ARMY: Client awarded $80,000 plus four years backpay.

Successful

WELLARD v. DOJ: $70,000 awarded in compensatory damages; DOJ liable for disability discrimination and reprisal.

Successful

RODROCK v. U.S. ARMY: Awarded $110,000, reinstatement to her job, and years of backpay.

Successful

PIERRE v. U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: $35,000 awarded in compensatory damages; disability discrimination and retaliation.

Successful

CARR v. NASA: $100,000 awarded for disability discrimination.

Successful

RIOS v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE: Dep’t. of Commerce guilty of whistleblower retaliation.

Successful

GROGANS v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION: Client awarded $125,000.00 in compensatory damages and backpay.

Successful

FLORY v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: VA found liable in a mixed-motive termination case.

Successful

WHITFILED v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: VA liable for same sex harassment.

Successful

GARRATY v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY: Client awarded $35,000.00 in compensatory damages

Successful

CAROS v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY: Judge ordered DHS to reverse termination; client wins three years backpay.

Successful

DOHERTY v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: Client awarded $110,000 in Compensatory Damages.

Successful

THORNSBERRY v. U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: Postal Service found guilty of sex discrimination.

Successful

SCOGGINS v. U.S. ARMY: Judge ordered Army to reverse termination; client wins three years backpay.

Successful

LEWIS v. U.S. ARMY: Army found guilty of retaliatory harassment.

Successful

COMPLAINANT v. U.S. ARMY: Army ordered to reverse termination; client wins $65,000 and five years backpay.

Successful

MOORE v. AIR FORCE: Air Force guilty of sexual harassment, retaliatory harassment, and constructive discharge.

Successful

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

American University

MA - Master of Arts in Literature

1991

Notre Dame Law School

JD -Juris Doctor

1987

University of San Diego

BA - Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Publications

2026

Federal Employee Legal Services Center Case Results

2026

Federal Employee Legal Services Center Testimonials

2025

Languages

English

Activity

2

Legal Answers

Legal Answers

Q&A

Am I able to sue the Department of Veteran Affairs for releasing personal, classified information about me none-job relalated

17 Feb 2018
Q&A

Can you file for worker compensation if your health decline after being discriminated against ?

15 Feb 2018
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