This CLE course is specifically designed for attorneys who work for federal agencies and presents the many complex issues related to partisan politics and Federal employment. The course will discuss the 1939 Hatch Act (codified in 5 U.S.C. 7321 – 7326) as the “Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities” which still, after 80 years, prove challenging for Federal supervisors and attorneys alike. In today’s divisive environment it is particularly important for both attorneys and supervisors to understand the Act’s prohibitions and what it allows.

The course will address the two categories of Federal employees that are “covered” and the difference between the two categories. It will also deal with the prohibition’s exceptions for Presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed Federal employees. The term partisan political activity will be defined as will the types of activities both allowed and prohibited by these categories. Helpful test questions to consider in determining activities barred by the Act will be addressed.