Eric L. Pines

Eric Pines represented me in an EEO case involving disability discrimination and harassment/retaliation involving my employer the V.A. The process of an EEO case for a federal worker is arduous and confusing. Mr. Pines helped me navigate through the process and explained every step in language I co...uld understand. He was tough, knowledgeable, and stood his ground in his representation of me with the V.A. But, his interaction with me, his client, was empathetic and patient. It was clear he personally understood the emotional and personal loss associated with my case. He knew what I wanted most was acknowledgement and accountability from my employer. However, he understood that, in most cases, acknowledgement and accountability from the employer was a goal unlikely to be met. But, I got both from Mr. Pines; he acknowledged my grief, loss, and feelings of abandonment and promised me that we would get accountability by following through with the process of my case. He made good on that promise, and helped me feel empowered in the end. He negotiated a settlement for me so that I could move on with my life. Prior to my agreement with the settlement, Mr. Pines gave me all my options truthfully and candidly, disregarding any personal gain. In other words, he told me what my best options were regardless of any loss or additional gain to his practice. He is an attorney with integrity and honesty. If you have legal issues associated with Federal Employment I highly recommend Mr. Pines. I'm so thankful for his representation and assistance in one of the most difficult times in my life.

I complained to the EEO about a reasonable accommodation denial and within days, the Agency leveled discipline. I spoke to several attorneys who didn't speak plain English. So I took to the internet. I found the Eric L. Pines Group; spoke to Aaron Wersing and was amazed by how pleasant he was.... I felt safe instantly. He didn't pressure me, but recommended a 2 hour consultation with Attorney Pines. I went with his recommendation and I was hooked right away. Eric Pines truthful, to-the-point, respectful and by the end of the consultation, offered me a solution to my issue and advised me to make a decision; no pressure. I'm glad I did because after 4 mediations and a year 1/2 of torment, the Agency and I have finally reached a settlement. Eric Pines is a skillful attorney who knows his craft well. He dealt with some very difficult personalities, but remained professional and objective the whole time. He also has members in his Firm who are like geniuses, in my opinion. Scott Santarelli, and Eric Pines are who I dealt with most of the time. They both returned calls and emails promptly. Sometimes, I would receive a reply or call the same day. Scott is quick-witted; compassionate and consoling. He and Eric always provided me with a resolution. Their expertise and people skills set the tone for interacting in adverse situations like mine, which I believe were second-to-none. Although I spent money, it was money well spent to protect the investment I made in my Federal career. The price was reasonable, and the Firm actually looked for ways for me save money! I'm happy I found and hired this Firm to help me though all this.

After getting injured at work (after having back surgery fail) and painfully realizing that my ability to perform my job duties was no longer possible, I searched online for a reputable disability lawyer. I read the horror stories some federal employees posted about in discussion boards, I did not k...now where to turn. I found out that only Eric Pines and his staff were willing to work with me financially and to assist me throughout the entire process. I was guided and kept informed about the FERS disability process and after OPM approval. Scott Santarelli was very professional, competent, and prepared my case both humanely and professionally. They worked diligently with my treating physician to ensure the disability paperwork was received by my former agency and by OPM in a timely manner. This law firm is fantastic. They took up my case without demanding thousands of dollars upfront. They offered me a very reasonable payment plan before and after getting OPM FERS disability approval. Even though having to file for FERS disability was daunting and stressful, Scott was professional and patient. He worked very hard on the packet and was involved with my agency's HR staff. It took sometime to get the packet assembled due to my agency and physician, but the moment these forms were finalized, Scott was ready. Throughout, Scott called me often and we met via telephone anytime I had questions or concerns. He did not let myself get down. His expertise afforded me the opportunity to have peace of mind throughout the process. They treated me like a person and not like just like another client, very personable. I highly recommend Eric Pines. Joanna was also very helpful. I give Scott Santarelli high praise. This is the only law firm I would recommend to anyone thinking /needing to file an OPM FERS disability application.

I was mixed up in a retaliation case and a toxic work environment within a Federal agency. Luckily I researched attorneys and called Eric's Firm- Through Eric I met Stephen Goldenzweig who handled my case. Stephen is awesome; honest-a good communicator & fair. This firm gave me the courage to stand ...up to this massive agency and in the end negotiated an excellent settlement that helps me get my life back and recognizes that the agency's actions were wrong!

My government employer was threatening to report me to the licensing board. I was completely distraught and unable to fight this on my own I did not know what to do. I contacted a big law firm to discuss this, but I was treated disrespectfully, given no hope and no compassion (I was only a little f...ish). I left that firm and contacted Eric Pines law firm. From the first consult Eric, Stephen and Aaron were considerate, caring and understood what I was going through. They encouraged me to ask questions, kept me informed of everything going on and absolutely no surprise bills. There were two issues dealt with my employer, first was the report to the licensing board and second was applying for retirement disability. Stephen handled the licensing issue and he called me directly when he received the letter that I would not be turned into the board, I was in a state of shock and so grateful. This is my life, my family and I could not fight by myself.....they fought for me. The retirement disability outcome is still pending and is being handled by Eric, I feel he is doing a wonderful job for me. I would highly recommend this firm, all of these gentlemen made my terrifying situation more tolerable by being kind, professional and caring human beings.