The Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics received several inquiries from New Jersey licensed lawyers employed by the United States government. Inquirers' job duties include advising their government employer on legal issues, including employment matters. Inquirers also represent the government before tribunals such as the Merit Systems Protection Board on employment issues.
The federal government budget has recently suffered automatic cuts requiring federal agencies to reduce costs of operation pursuant to the so-called "sequestration." Inquirers state that their employer is planning to impose a furlough of all civilian employees for one day a week, resulting in an economic loss of about 20% of pay per week for a period of time. Inquirers are civilian employees, likely to be furloughed. Inquirers will be asked legal questions about the implementation of the furlough program in their organization and anticipate defending the government in individual employees' appeals of their furlough before the Merit Systems Protection Board.
