Ariel E. Solomon

Bar / Professional Activity

• Faculty Members, National Business Institute (NBI) on Issues Pertaining to Civil Litigation
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, New York State

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• 9th Circuit Decision in California, Spletstoser v. Hyten, et al.,  changed the law to make it possible for some members of the armed forces to bring lawsuits for military sexual assault. , 2020
• Good v. Department of Homeland security, successful whistleblower case against the Department of Homeland Security in an action brought before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)., 2018
• Perry v. Department of Treasury, successful disability discrimination case against the Treasury Department. , 2018
• Williams v. DHS, successful racial discrimination case against the Department of Homeland Security., 2018
• Rafferty v. VA, successful whistleblower case against the Department of Veterans Affairs, brought before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).  Client, a government employee won against the VA in a wrongful termination case involving whistleblowing.  Although the Office of Special Counsel could have been involved, this was a case best resolved by an attorney experienced in federal employment law. , 2018
• Articol v. VA, wrongful termination appeal against the department of Veterans Affairs. , 2017
• Glover v. Department of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. 0120093752 (2012)., 2012
• Kavaliauskas v. IRS, 2014 MSPB 4, precedential decision regarding appeal rights for wrongfully terminated Department of Treasury Employee., 2014
• Williams v. DHS, obtained a successful verdict against the Department of Homeland Security for racial discrimination and hostile working environment. , 2017
• Bello v. Department of Department of Homeland Security (MSPB), 2013
• Substantial Merit Systems Protection Board settlement reached on behalf of a federal government, GSA employee, who was fired in retaliation for whistleblowing., 2014
• Knox v. FBI, substantial settlement reached in an action brought against the FBI for the wrongful termination of an employee with a hearing impairment. , 2015
• Goldsberry v. Department of Homeland Security (EEOC), 2013
• Barcley v. Department of Veterans Affairs, MSPB NY-0752-13-0039-I-1 (2013)., 2013
• Turner v. OPM, overturning an OPM adverse decision and awarding disability retirement to federal employee., 2014

Videos

• Ariel Solomon discusses representation of government employees in federal employment disputes, including wrongful termination, before the Merit Systems Protection Board. , Representation at the MSPB, Legal, Government, 2018
• Ariel Solomon discusses the nuances of representing Federal Employees. , Representation of Federal Employees, Legal, Government, Legislative, 2017
• Ariel Solomon interviewed on Democracy Now concerning her represtation of VA whistleblower, Dr. Jose Mathews, retaliated against for disclosing inadequate patient care to members of Congress, files a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel. , VA Whistleblower blows the whistle on inadequate patient care, 2014
• Ariel Solomon provides update on the employment laws affecting New York State, including amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended., Update on Employment Laws affecting New York State, Channel 13, 2009
• Ariel Solomon discusses New York State Pension Reform., New York State Pension Reform, Channel 13, 2009

Representative Clients

• Matter of Anonymous Google Whistleblower, discloses Google's Project Nightingale, creates a database of patient information that is not compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and which does not require the consent of patients to release their personal information.  Anonymous Google Whistleblower represented by Ariel E. Solomon. , 2019
• COL Kathryn Spletstoser v. GEN John Hyten, Joint Chiefs of Staff,  Col Kathryn Spletstoser sues the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for sexual assault.  Described as the rare case to survive a motion to dismiss in Federal Court.  , 2022
• Erickson v. United States Postal Service, 571 F.3d 1364, Fed. Cir. 2009.  Precedential appeal against the post office in a USERRA case. , 2009
• McMahon v. FBI, wrongful termination of a whistleblower employed with the Federal Bureau of Investigations., 2014
• Williams v. Department of Treasury, 118 M.S.P.R. 423, 2012.  Federal employee received a sucessful verdict against the Treasury Department in a wrongful termination case brought before the Merit Systems Portection Board. , 2012
• Mathews v. Department of Veterans Affairs, whistleblower retaliation and represention in connection with congressional hearing testimony for federal employee., 2015
• Kennedy v. Department of Air Force, 355 Fed. Appx. 406, 2009, 2009

Transactions

• Solomon Law Firm, PLLC annouces grand opening of the New York, NY office, located at 675 Park Avenue, suite 2607, New York, NY 10152.  The New York office location will optimize the Firm's current representation of Employees located in the tri-state area.   , 2018

Honors

• Ariel Solomon was recognized among The Best Lawyers in America.  Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review, designed to evaluate the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.  , The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers, 2023
• Outstanding Professionals Award Association of Professional Women, 2011
• 10.0 superb rated attorney, highest possible rating., Superb Rated Attorney, AVVO, 2018
• The National Advocates: Top 100 Litigation Attorney, Top 100 Litigation Attorney, 2018
• Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor., SuperLawyers Rising Star, 2013
• Albany Business Review 40 under Forty honoree. , Albany Business Review, 2015
• Empire State Counsel Honoree, New York State Bar Association, 2008
• Superlawyers Rising Star selectee, Superlawyers, 2018
• Selected by the American Society of Legal Advocates (ALSA) as one of the top Labor and Employment attorneys to retain in 2018, Top Labor & Employment Attorney, American Society of Legal Advocates, 2018

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• You work hard and expect to be paid fairly, but what if you discover that a coworker doing the same job earns more? Pay disparities can often go unnoticed, but they are more common than you might think. Understand your rights and how to challenge unfair wages. Understanding Unequal Pay Laws: - Equal Pay Act (EPA): Requires equal pay for equal work regardless of gender. - Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Prohibits pay discrimination based on race, sex, and more. - Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: Extends the timeline for filing pay discrimination claims. Steps to Take if You Suspect Wage Discrimination: - Talk to Your Employer: Approach HR or your manager about your concerns. - File a Complaint: Depending on your sector, file with the EEOC or your agency's EEO office. - Seek Legal Guidance: Consulting with an attorney can clarify your options and help build your case., author, How Do I Prove Unequal Pay?, Equal Pay Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Every federal employee deserves a fair and inclusive workplace. When medical conditions or religious beliefs conflict with job duties, knowing your rights regarding reasonable accommodations is crucial to ensuring you can work without unnecessary hardship., author, Explaining Reasonable Accommodation for Federal Employees, Federal Employees Informational Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• When you hold a C-suite role, whether that’s CEO, CFO, COO, or General Counsel, your job comes with a high level of responsibility, compensation, and public visibility. The agreements you sign at this level affect your income, career path, and reputation long after you leave the company. We represent senior executives throughout their employment life cycle, from contract review and negotiation to exit strategies and post-employment restrictions. If you’re taking on a new role or transitioning out of one, having the right legal support matters. It can make a meaningful difference in how you start or end that chapter., author, Representation of C-Suite Executive Level Positions, C-Suite Executive Level Positions Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Every federal employee deserves a workplace that respects their rights and fosters fairness. As you serve the nation, it's essential to understand the protections afforded to you in the workplace—from equal pay to protection against discrimination and retaliation.   Key Rights for Federal Employees Include: - Equal Pay Rights: Under the Equal Pay Act, you have the right to equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. If you spot any discrepancies, we can help you challenge them. - Protection Against Retaliation: The Whistleblower Protection Act safeguards you from punitive actions after reporting misconduct or unethical practices. - Discrimination Protections: Laws like Title VII and the ADA ensure you're treated fairly, without bias based on race, gender, age, or disability. - Reasonable Accommodations: If you have a disability, you’re entitled to necessary accommodations to help you perform your job effectively., author, What Workplace Rights Do Federal Employees Have?, Federal Employees Informational Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Federal employees play a critical role in ensuring the effective and fair operation of our government. However, with great responsibility comes high expectations. When these expectations are not met, disciplinary actions can follow, significantly impacting your career. Disciplinary charges can stem from various reasons, including: - Misconduct: Insubordination or workplace violence. - Performance Issues: Failing to meet established performance standards. - Attendance Violations: Issues related to absenteeism or tardiness. - Failure to Follow Instructions: Not adhering to lawful directives. - Misuse of Government Property: Inappropriate use of resources.   What Agencies Must Prove: Agencies bringing disciplinary charges must establish specific evidence to support their claims. Understanding these requirements empowers you to defend yourself effectively., author, What Are the Common Disciplinary Actions Brought Against Federal Employees?, Federal Employees Informational Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Fair pay isn't just about equity—it's about valuing every individual's contribution. Unfortunately, many employees still face wage disparities that undermine trust and well-being in the workplace.   The Equal Pay Act is a vital piece of legislation that aims to eliminate wage disparities based on gender. In our latest blog post, we delve into the critical insights you need to know regarding this important law., author, Key Insights to Understand from the Equal Pay Act, Equal Pay Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• The most important consideration when litigating before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), is how to take full advantage of the rules governing discovery in order to get access to information and documents that can help you defend against an adverse action and/or carry your burden of proof on affirmative defenses that were raised. Information obtained through discovery can be used to both defend against adverse actions such as removal, and to prove claims that a federal employee may have brought against a Federal Agency (affirmative defenses). In this sense, discovery is used for both an offensive and defensive strategy. , I filed an appeal with the MSPB, now what?, MSPB Blog, 2022
• Facing a proposed removal action as a federal employee can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to define the outcome of your career. Let’s guide you through the process on how to effectively challenge a proposed removal action., author, How to Effectively Challenge a Proposed Removal Action, Employment Termination Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Congressional investigations are a powerful tool for uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability, often initiated by brave whistleblowers who expose misconduct within government agencies or private organizations. Their courage not only shines a light on serious issues, but also leads to important reforms and the restoration of public trust., author, Congressional Investigations, Congressional Investigations Article, Legal Services, 2025
• Every employee deserves a fair and inclusive work environment. But how can you tell if discrimination is happening in your workplace? In this blog, we break down the signs of workplace discrimination and empower you with the knowledge you need to recognize it. From subtle microaggressions to overt biases, understanding your rights is the first step toward fostering a more equitable workplace., author, How Can I Identify Discrimination in My Workplace?, Employee Discrimination Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• No one should feel unsafe or disrespected in their workplace. Sexual harassment and assault go beyond inappropriate behavior—they disrupt lives and create environments filled with fear. If you’ve experienced misconduct, remember, you have the right to stand up for yourself and pursue justice. Key Points About Sexual Harassment and Assault:  Sexual harassment includes unwelcome comments, jokes, gestures, or advances. Sexual assault involves physical acts occurring without consent, such as groping or coercion. Legal Protections: Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and other laws, workplace harassment is illegal, and employees have clear channels for reporting and justice. , author, Sexual Harassment & Assault, Sexual Harassment & Assault Practice Area, Legal Services, 2025
• Navigating the MSPB hearings process can seem overwhelming for federal employees, but we’re here to simplify it for you.     What You’ll Learn: - Initiating the Appeal: Filing your case and understanding the timeline. - Preparation for the Hearing: What documents and evidence are needed to present your case effectively. - The Hearing Process: How the hearing unfolds, what to expect, and the role of the Administrative Judge. - Post-Hearing Steps: What happens after the hearing and how to follow up on the decision.   This informative guide covers the entire MSPB hearing process from start to finish, ensuring you are well-prepared to advocate for your rights., author, Explaining the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Hearings Process, MSPB Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• When misconduct occurs in the workplace, it often takes someone within the organization to bring the issue to light. Whether it’s uncovering fraudulent practices, unsafe conditions, or discriminatory behavior, employees play a vital role in ensuring accountability.   Speaking up might feel daunting, but it’s a powerful way to protect yourself, your colleagues, and even the future of the company. Corporate wrongdoing doesn’t just harm the bottom line—it undermines trust, fairness, and the values that should define every workplace., author, Why It’s Important to Report Corporate Wrongdoing, Reporting Corporate Wrongdoing Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Blowing the whistle on workplace misconduct takes courage. Employees who expose unethical or illegal activities often face retaliation, from job loss to emotional distress. Thankfully, whistleblower laws protect private-sector employees from unfair treatment and provide a path to recover damages. If you've been wronged after reporting misconduct, you deserve to understand your rights and pursue the compensation you're entitled to., author, How Are Damages Calculated in a Whistleblower Case?, Whistleblower Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Federal employees deserve workplaces where they feel respected, valued, and free from discrimination or harassment. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the reality. When workplace issues arise, it’s important to take action to protect your rights and hold employers accountable., author, Congressional Complaints, Congressional Complaints Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Workplace discrimination can leave you feeling powerless, frustrated, and unsure of where to turn. No one should have to face unfair treatment because of who they are, yet these experiences remain all too common. Whether it’s unequal pay, harassment, or being overlooked for opportunities, discrimination impacts your career and well-being. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face this alone. There are steps you can take to protect your rights and hold your employer accountable for their actions., author, An Employee's Guide When Facing Discrimination, Employee Discrimination Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• Speaking up against wrongdoing within a federal agency takes courage. Whistleblowing can shine a light on serious issues like fraud, waste, or threats to public safety, but it also comes with questions and concerns. Many federal employees find themselves caught between doing the right thing and protecting their careers. While the process can seem overwhelming, understanding your rights and the steps involved can empower you to act responsibly and effectively. Making informed decisions is the key to safeguarding both your integrity and your future., author, Debunking the Whistleblower Process for Federal Employees, Whistleblower Blog, Legal Services, 2025
• #MeToo Legislation: Did Congress Just Put Its Money Where Its Mouth is?In an effort to create greater accountability and better resources for victims of sexual harassment, Congress passed S.3749 on Dec. 13, 2018. The law represents a bipartisan response to the onslaught of sexual harassment allegations plaguing Congress and the resulting torrent of resignations., author, #MeToo Legislation:Did Congress just put its money where its mouth is?, New York Law Journal, Legal, Government, Legislative, 2019
• Co-Authored, Publication for the American Bar Association Concerning the Employment Rights of Veterans under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), co-author, Ensuring the Employment Rights of America's Citizen Soldiers, American Bar Association: Human Rights Journal, Legal, 2017
• Featured guest speaker on employment rights for returning veterans under USERRA., Panelist, N.Y. State Law School Veterans Consortium & G.I. Bill Conference, Albany Law School, 2014
• Featured speaker concerning Women's Equality in the Workplace with Tonko supported cadidate for New York State Senate.  , Featured Guest Speaker, Women's Equality and Gender Discrimination in the Workplace, Candidate For New York State Senate, 2014
• Ariel Solomon featured as a distinguished attorney by the Albany Business Review for her representation of high profile clients., Featured Attorney, How to Stand Out in the Law, Albany Business Review, 2014

• Discrimination
• EEOC
• Employment Litigation
• MSPB
• Office Of Special Counsel
• Sexual Harassment
• Whistleblower Law
• Wrongful Termination

“Ariel is a credit to the legal profession. Over the years, I have seen her grow in the profession and achieve excellence. I highly recommend her.”

“Ariel practices employment law in the federal arena on behalf of employees of federal executive agencies, therefore, the local attorneys do not generally have an opportunity to appreciate her significant accomplishments that are rarely realized by someone practicing for less than 5 years. Within one month of admission to the bar, the American Bar Association invited Ariel to be a featured co- author in their Human Rights Journal following their acknowledgment of her several successful accomplishments in representing veterans in employment matters under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Solomon, Ariel E. and Tully, Mathew B., “Ensuring the Employment Rights of America’s Citizen Soldiers.” http://www.abanet.org/irr/hr/spring08/tully_solomon_spring08.html. Within One year of practice, Ariel independently taught herself the complex practice area surrounding representation of federal employees and independently built a thriving federal employment practice, that was instrumental to establishing new law and provided exceptional representation to clients. Ariel’s clients have often times remarked about her unassuming tenacity and casual brilliance in the court room.Within one and a half years Ariel had successfully represented clients before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Ariel served as an inspiration to her colleagues and her clients, often winning cases and obtaining lucrative settlements on the basis of rote determination alone, while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism and integrity. After two years of practice, Ariel served as the principal attorney in precedent setting cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and a champion of the employment rights of veterans returning home from service abroad, who too often, found themselves unemployable or terminated from the their jobs. Erickson v. United States Postal Service, 571 F. 3d 1364 (Fed. Cir. 2009). After three years of practice, Ariel left big law firm life to establish an additional federal employment practice where she has more freedom to practice law in a manner commensurate with providing affordable representation to clients who are most in need. Ariel has been recognized by the New York State Bar Association for her pro bono work and her dedication to ensuring exceptional representation is attainable to everyone.”