March 2025 Newsletter

STAY INFORMED

Social Security Fairness Act Will Help Public Sector Retirees

In a victory for many retired firefighters, police officers, teachers and others who have seen lower Social Security checks because of their state and local pensions, Congress passed the Social Security Fairness Act on December 21, 2024. President Biden is expected to sign the Act into law any day now.
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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT

First Responder – PTSI Act: A Game-Changer for Pennsylvania’s First Responders

On Oct. 23, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed the First Responder – Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Amendment (Act 121 of 2024) to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act into law. This amendment represents a step forward in recognizing and supporting the mental health needs of our First Responders. Act 121 will go into effect on Oct. 29, 2025.
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ATTORNEY NEWS

Michelle Devitt Promoted to Partner

We are pleased to announce that Michelle “Micky” Devitt has been made a partner of the firm.
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Labor Lawyer Richard Poulson Cautions Workers Mulling Public vs. Private Sector

Some public service employees may be looking to transition to the private sector as the Trump administration aims to reduce the federal workforce. Motivated by a recent buyout offer and philosophical differences with the new leadership, some federal employees are turning to outplacement services to navigate career changes.
Willig, Williams & Davidson partner Richard G. Poulson discussed important considerations for these workers in an article that appears in Business Insider and MSN. He noted that public-sector workers should be careful when moving from a regulatory role to a private-sector role in the same field or with the same clients. “There may be restrictions in effect there. People need to make sure that they’ve got their eyes wide open before they make those decisions,” Poulson said.
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Willig, Williams & Davidson Adds Two New Attorneys

We are thrilled to welcome two attorneys to our team. Nancy McCauley has returned to the firm as counsel and Liam Riley has joined the firm as an associate.
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Labor Lawyer Michelle Devitt Discusses Executive Order Slashing Workforce

As part of a plan for the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), President Trump recently issued an executive order requiring federal agencies to “initiate large-scale reductions in force.” Under this order, federal agencies may hire only one employee for every four that leave. The mandate also impacts temporary federal employees, retired employees who have been rehired, and employees associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Willig, Williams & Davidson partner Michelle “Micky” Devitt weighed in on the ramifications of this move in articles that appear in Fortune and Forbes. She noted that the executive order could incapacitate agencies that have “no fat left to trim from,” given other recent attempts by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce.
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