If you are going to initiate an EEO complaint, I strongly recommend that you obtain legal advice and/or legal representation early in the process. One of the drawbacks of this advice is that the agency can make an offer of resolution at any time after the filing of the written (formal) complaint, but not later than the date an administrative judge is appointed to conduct a hearing, if you are represented by an attorney during that timeframe. The offer of resolution may be lacking in some aspect, and if you refuse it, then your legal fees may not be paid after the expiration of the 30-day acceptance period. As I stated, it would behoove you to obtain legal advice, or representation, but also weigh the consequences of representation, versus obtaining legal advice, in the early stages of complaint processing.