Financial Arrangements

Like most employment litigation attorneys Ms. Mugane charges by the hour because cases can vary widely in the complexity of issues or proof, length of proceedings, or whether an appeal is necessary. A prepayment is requested prior to commencement of services beyond the initial free 40-minute telephone consultation. 

Attorney’s fees are sometimes reimbursed by the agency (an ‘attorney’s fees award’) if the grievance is won on appeal to the Foreign Service Grievance Board, and if the decision meets certain standards. Ms. Mugane has an outstanding record in such cases. However, reimbursement is not available at the initial grievance level, or at any level if the case is resolved by a settlement.

Clients receive invoices by email following periods of activity with a listing of activities and time charged. In some cases Ms. Mugane uses an expert forensic psychiatrist or physician. In those instances the client is responsible for payment directly to the service provider, and for making any claims to the client’s medical insurer. In other instances the client’s own medical provider may request payment from the client for examination or preparation of a written evaluation. Such expert statements are pivotal in cases involving illness that affected performance as reflected in EERs or disciplinary proposals.