Shows
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysShould I Take a Settlement or Keep Fighting?Episode Summary:
In this episode, Eric L. Pines discusses the complexities of settlement negotiations for federal employees. He shares insights on evaluating settlement offers, understanding the risks of rejecting settlements, and knowing when to negotiate for more. Eric emphasizes his passion for helping federal employees reach settlements that provide both peace of mind and practical benefits.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:40 - Types of settlement offers and evaluating fairness
02:42 - Risks of rejecting settlements
04:19 - When to negotiate for more
06:09 - Settlement finality a...2025-07-1615 minPines Federal Employment AttorneysStaying Afloat: Smart Financial Moves to Make While Your OPM Disability Retirement Claim is PendingEpisode Summary:
In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric Pines discusses crucial financial strategies for federal employees waiting for their OPM disability retirement claims. He covers essential topics including health insurance continuation, financial management options, and the interplay between different benefit programs like workers' compensation and unemployment.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:35 - Episode topic introduction: Financial strategies during OPM disability claims
00:57 - Common financial challenges during claim processing
02:21 - FMLA leave and health insurance coverage options
05:34 - Attorney's role in educating c...2025-07-0117 minPines Federal Employment AttorneysWorkers' Comp vs. Disability – Understanding Your Options as a Federal EmployeeEpisode Summary:
In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric L. Pines discusses the crucial first steps and best practices for federal employees seeking workplace accommodations. He covers documentation requirements, common mistakes to avoid, important deadlines, and employee rights in the accommodation process.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:42 - First steps for requesting workplace accommodation
01:32 - Documentation requirements and paper trail importance
02:51 - Working with medical professionals
04:29 - Common mistakes to avoid when requesting accommodations
06:37 - Timeline requirements and deadlines
2025-06-1714 minPines Federal Employment AttorneysFork in the Road: What happens to your benefits after a federal buyout?Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines discusses the implications of federal buyouts, retirement benefits, and disability rights for federal employees. He explains different types of separation programs, including VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) and VSIP (Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay), and their impacts on retirement benefits. The episode also covers important considerations for federal workers facing buyout decisions and the intersection with disability benefits.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:42 - Defining federal buyouts and RIF (Reduction in Force)
03:14 - Impact on OPM r...2025-06-1017 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysOvercoming Barriers: Federal Employees and Mental Disability AccommodationsEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Eric Pines discusses mental disability accommodations for federal employees, covering qualification criteria, common mental disabilities, reasonable accommodations, and challenges faced when requesting accommodations. The conversation explores how mental disabilities are handled differently from physical disabilities and the importance of proper medical documentation.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Defining mental disabilities in federal employment
01:16 - Different definitions of disability in federal government
03:01 - Common mental disabilities among federal employees
03:45 - Types of reasonable accommodations
04:36 - Process for requesting a...2025-05-2912 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysOPM Disability Retirement and SSDIEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Eric L. Pines discusses OPM disability retirement and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) for federal employees. He explains the qualification requirements, application processes, and how these two disability programs interact. The episode covers common application mistakes, appeals processes, and when federal employees should consider transitioning from reasonable accommodations to disability retirement.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Explaining OPM disability retirement qualifications
03:34 - Why federal employees need to apply for both OPM and SSDI
05:15 - Common application mistakes to avoid
07:19...2025-05-2915 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysNavigating the Social Security Disability Maze: Tips for a Faster, Smoother ProcessEpisode Summary:
In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric L. Pines discusses the complexities of filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). He provides valuable insights into the application process, common reasons for denial, and tips for improving approval chances. The episode particularly focuses on the importance of medical documentation and understanding the strict criteria for SSDI approval.
Key Timestamps:
00:09 - Introduction and episode overview
00:53 - Basic process of filing SSDI claims
01:08 - Eligibility requirements and application process
02:40 - Common reasons for SSDI claim d...2025-04-2214 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysUnderstanding Workplace Modifications for Federal Employees with Physical DisabilitiesEpisode Summary: In this episode, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with Eric L. Pines about workplace modifications for federal employees with physical disabilities. Eric explains what constitutes a reasonable accommodation, the process for requesting modifications, and the role of medical documentation. He also discusses challenges employees may face and offers practical solutions for overcoming them. Additionally, Eric shares real-life examples of successful workplace modifications and provides guidance on when to seek legal assistance if an accommodation request is denied.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Empowering Workers
00:09 – Welcome from host Kevin Rosenquist and guest Eric L. Pines
00:44 – What is a reas...2025-04-0813 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysStep-by-Step Guide to Applying for OPM Disability RetirementEpisode Summary:
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees Disability and Employment Rights and Social Security Disability for All, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Eric L. Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer and expert in federal disability retirement. Eric provides a step-by-step guide to applying for OPM disability retirement, explaining eligibility, required medical documentation, and how it differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Empowering Workers
00:09 – Introduction to Eric L. Pines and today’s topic
00:42 – What is OPM disability retirement?
01:41 – Understanding SSDI and how it relates to OPM dis...2025-03-2515 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysRepresenting Title 38 VA Doctors and NursesEpisode Summary:
In this episode of Empowering Workers, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines about the unique legal challenges faced by Title 38 VA doctors and nurses. They delve into the differences between Title 38, Title V, and hybrid employees, exploring the rights and legal protections available to each group. Eric provides expert insights on disciplinary processes, appeals, and accommodations for VA medical professionals dealing with workplace stress, disabilities, and overwork. If you're a VA doctor or nurse, this episode is packed with crucial information about your employment rights and avenues for legal recourse.
Timestamps:
00:00 – We...2025-03-1116 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysCommon Mistakes That Federal Employees Make When They Are First Making Their Accommodation RequestsEpisode Summary:
In this episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines discuss the common mistakes federal employees make when requesting workplace accommodations. With recent policy changes affecting federal employees, it's more important than ever to understand your rights under the Rehabilitation Act (ADA for federal employees). Eric shares insights on the interactive process, how to effectively communicate accommodation requests, and what steps to take if a request is denied or delayed.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction to the Show
Overview of Empowering Workers and introduction to Eric L. Pines
[00:47] Common Mistakes When Requesting Accommodations
Not...2025-02-2615 minPines Federal Employment AttorneysSupporting VA Doctors and Nurses: A Guide to Representation, Reasonable Accommodations & Disability RetirementEpisode Summary
In this episode, Eric Pines discusses key issues related to the representation and accommodation of VA doctors and nurses (Title 38 employees), covering topics such as reasonable accommodations, disability retirement, and the unique challenges these professionals face. Eric explains the different types of VA employees and their rights, as well as the processes involved in requesting accommodations and handling denials. He also shares his firm’s approach to advocating for VA employees, offering resources and insights into how employees can navigate the system to protect their rights.
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:30] Introduction to...2025-02-1119 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysCracking the Code: Navigating OPM Disability and Social Security Disability ClaimsEpisode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers, host Kevin Rosenquist chats with Eric L. Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, about navigating the complexities of OPM Disability and Social Security Disability claims. Eric shares insights into the nuances of these systems, the unique benefits available to federal employees, and the importance of having legal representation to ensure a smooth and successful claims process. Whether you’re a federal employee or anyone seeking Social Security Disability, this episode is packed with invaluable advice.
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:09] Intro to Empowering Workers podcast.
...2025-01-2817 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysFederal Disability Claims 101: Early Intervention Can Make All the DifferenceEpisode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability and Employment Rights, and Social Security Disability for All, host Kevin Rosenquist talks with Eric Pines, a renowned federal employment lawyer, about the basics of federal disability claims. They explore common challenges federal employees face when applying for disability benefits, strategies to overcome denials, and the essential documentation required for a successful application. Eric also discusses the potential financial benefits of disability retirement, the timeline for approval, and advice for navigating the process effectively.
Timestamps:
[00:01-00:10] Introduction to Empowering Workers a...2025-01-1616 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysEnsuring Equal Access: Advocating for Federal Employees’ Accommodation RightsEpisode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability, and Employment Rights, host Kevin Rosenquist talks with Eric Pines, a federal employment lawyer specializing in disability accommodations and Social Security claims. They explore Eric’s career journey and his passion for advocating for federal employees’ rights, particularly in workplace accommodations and disability cases. The discussion covers practical advice for federal employees on navigating the accommodation process, understanding legal protections under the Rehabilitation Act and ADA, and handling denials or potential retaliation. Eric also shares insights on the importance of early legal intervention and strategies to fost...2025-01-0618 min
IDD Health MattersEp 51: Unlocking Disability Rights: Insights on Workplace Accommodations with Federal Employment Lawyer Eric PinesWelcome to another episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, hosted by Dr. Craig Escude. In this episode, Dr. Escude talks with Eric Pines, Esq., a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, mediator, and attorney business coach. Eric discusses his work in advocating for reasonable accommodations for federal employees, particularly veterans, and those with disabilities. Eric Pines provides insights into his legal practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding and asserting one's rights under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act. He shares real-world examples, including helping veterans with PTSD secure work-from-home arrangements...2024-07-0124 min
The Law EntrepreneurGrowing from a Solo Practice with Eric PinesToday, my guest is Eric Pines. Eric is an attorney who now operates a medium-sized law firm of about 30 employees and they're spread across multiple locations, as is often the standard these days. I wanted to have Eric on board because he could speak to the growth from a solo practice, that he started in his garage, hiring a few friends to help him run his business and has now moved on to have this medium-sized practice We talked about all the lessons learned, things he did right, things he did wrong, things he wish he had done differently...2022-02-1439 min