Kentucky Personnel Board Appeals

If you're a classified state employee facing discipline, demotion, or dismissal, you may have the right to challenge that action before the Kentucky Personnel Board. I represent state employees in those appeals.

What the Personnel Board does

The Kentucky Personnel Board hears appeals from classified ("merit system") state employees who have been disciplined or penalized by their agency. If your employer has taken an action against you that you believe is unjustified or improper, the Board — not a regular courtroom — is often where that dispute is decided.

Actions you may be able to appeal - KRS 18A.095(1)

• Dismissal or termination
• Suspension without pay
• Demotion
• Involuntary Transfer
• Other adverse personnel actions taken against a classified employee.

How the process works

An appeal to the Personnel Board generally moves through several stages. You file your appeal, the case is assigned to a hearing officer, and an evidentiary hearing is held where both sides present testimony and documents. The hearing officer issues a recommended decision, and the Board then enters a final order. If necessary, that order can be appealed to Franklin Circuit Court.

The deadline is short — don't wait

Different stages of the personnel board process have different deadlines. These deadlines are limited and missing them can keep you from avoiding termination or even cost you the right to appeal at all. It's important to act as soon as you receive notice of the action against you and reach out to an attorney experienced in these matters.

How I help

State personnel appeals have their own rules, deadlines, and procedures that differ from ordinary court cases. I help state employees prepare and present their appeals — building the record, developing the evidence, examining witnesses at the hearing, and making the case for why the agency's action should be overturned or reduced.

Talk to me about your situation

If you've received notice of a disciplinary action as a state employee, contact the Law Office of Adam Johnson to discuss your options.