Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: If someone has been with the government for over 25 years but is only in his or her late forties, can the government force the employee to retire due to cut backs in positions? A: No one can make you retire. However, it is possible that your position can be abolished, which could subject you to release based on a reduction-in-force. If you are RIFFED, your service makes you eligible…