Do You Really Know How to Use the Douglas Factors? – July 10, 2025

If only there was a checklist that you could use to determine the correct penalty to address employee misconduct. Oh right, there is: the 12 factors identified in the Merit Systems Protection Board’s landmark Douglas v. VA decision. Yet, look at any recent batch of MSPB decisions, and you’ll find continued confusion about penalty determination.

This class will review recent case law and highlight how agencies correctly use the Douglas factors and also how they have been misapplied. Get all your Douglas questions answered, such as: Do the factors go in the proposal or the decision? What do OPM regulations say about the Douglas factors? What’s the best way to prevent penalty mitigation? And much more.

Learning objectives

• Understand the Douglas factors principles.
• Explain when and how to use each factor.
• Avoid the too-common Douglas mistakes that will derail your case.

Training time

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET

Pricing

Early bird (register by June 10, 2025): $195.00

Standard (register June 11 – July 10, 2025): $250.00

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer?

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If, for some reason, your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

Can I earn CLE credits for this class?

CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees. If you are seeking CLE credit, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Can I share my access link with co-workers?

No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.

Can I register a teleworker?

This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation, and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24-hour advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.

Is this Training Compliant with the 2025 Executive Orders? 

All FELTG classes are in compliance with the Trump administration’s Executive Orders.