Skilled Representation for U.S. Federal Employees Free Initial Case Review

Steven E. Brown
Founding Partner

Steven E. Brown

Steven E. Brown is the founding partner of Brown & Goodkin, a two-attorney firm in Westlake Village, CA which concentrates on federal employee rights. He received his BA from Columbia University and his JD from the University of Southern California, and he is a member of the California State Bar. A former postal worker and native of the Washington D.C. area, Mr. Brown has represented and counseled thousands of federal employees. Current practice areas include workers' compensation (FECA); disability retirement (CSRS and FERS); employment disputes such as adverse actions (MSPB); employment discrimination (EEOC); and whistleblower protection (WPA and WPEA). Mr. Brown published a monthly e-newsletter on federal employee issues and has authored many articles, a number of which are available on the firm’s website, www.federal-law.com. Mr. Brown is active in several nationwide attorney groups in the area of federal employee rights and benefits, including WILG (Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group – founding chair of FECA Section) and NELA (National Employment Lawyers Association).

No matter what you are facing,
I am ready to skillfully represent you.

Bar Admissions

  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, 2001

  • United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit, 2000

  • United States District Court for the Northern District of California, 2000

  • United States District Court for the District Court, Southern District of California, 1999

  • United States Supreme Court, 1986

  • United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1981

  • United States District Court for the Central District of California, 1977

  • California, 1973

Education

  • J.D. - University of Southern California, 1972

  • B.A. - Columbia University, 1968

Professional Memberships

  • The State Bar of California

  • American Bar Association

  • American Association for Justice

  • National Employment Lawyers Association (Federal Employee Rights Practice Group)

  • California Employment Lawyers Association

  • Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group (Founding Chair and Member, FECA Section)

Special Agencies

  • U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs and Employees' Compensation Appeals Board

  • U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board

  • U.S. Office of Personnel Management

  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Examples of Recent Successful Cases

  • Ongell Pela v. Dept. of Defense, EEOC No. 570-2021-00460X (06/21/2022) (Defense Logistics Agency found to have created hostile work environment for employee based on gender and pregnancy);

  • John Cope v. Dept. Of Air Force, ECAB Docket No. 2021-1216 (04/19/2022) (OWCP denial of disability benefits from 2012 to present reversed and remanded);

  • Complainant v. Dept. of Defense, EEOC No. 480-2019-00011X (12/07/2021) (Navy found to have subjected employee to hostile work environment based on race, retaliation);

  • Arlinda Watson and Dept. of Navy, OWCP File No. 132414436 (08/24/2021) (FECA survivor benefits awarded to widow of employee exposed to asbestos at Army and Navy facilities in CA and UT from 1958 to 1994);

  • Bonnie Olson v. VA, EEOC No. 480-2021-00054X (01/04/2021) (VA found to have discriminated against older doctors by paying them less);

  • Latham v. USPS, 117 MSPR 400, 2012 MSPB 20 (02/24/2012) (contributed to WILG amicus brief filed in precedent-setting Board restoration rights appeal arising under USPS NRP process). 

  • Mark Griffin v. Dept. of Navy, 2004WL3087077 (PERSONNET) (11/26/04)

  • Carolyn Martinez v. OPM, 2004LW1699514 (PERSONNET) (11/10/04)

  • Carolyn Martinez v. OPM, 2004LW2777936 (PERSONNET) (06/30/04)

  • Mark Bumblis v. Dept. of Navy, 2004WL1699502 (PERSONNET) (06/10/04)

  • Mike Noble and U. S. Postal Service, PSBCA No. 5046 (08/26/04)

  • Mark Bumblis v. Dept. of Navy, 2003WL22778928 (PERSONNET) (11/12/03)

  • Kim R. Kiser, ECAB Docket #00-2442, Issued 03/5/02

  • Dennis Kretch, ECAB Docket #1997-1621, Issued 06/16/99

  • Mark Brandlin, ECAB Docket #94-325, Issued 11/24/95

  • William E. Crum, ECAB Docket #94-1024, Issued 11/20/95

  • Udella Billups, 41 ECAB 260 (1989)

  • Robert H. Evans, 39 ECAB 583 (1988)

  • Theodas Reed, 38 ECAB 488 (1987)

  • Armin Foster, 37 ECAB 702 (1986)

  • Crittenden v. OPM, 26 MSPR 152 (1985)

  • Beth P. Chaput, 37 ECAB 158 (1985)

  • Joyce E. Mister, 34 ECAB 1127 (1983)

  • Strickland v. Becks (1979) 95 CA3d Supp.18, 157 CR 656