Affirmative Action Plans

Overview

With many of our clients serving as federal, state or local government contractors or subcontractors, our Labor and Employment Group features a preeminent, nationwide affirmative action compliance practice that has shifted its focus with the current Administration’s rescission of Executive Order 11246. With an increased focus on state and local affirmative action requirements, we provide the full range of affirmative-action-related compliance services through each and every step of the process — from determining whether our clients are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) under the Rehabilitation Act and/or the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) to developing affirmative action plans (AAPs) required by state and local laws and representing contractors and subcontractors in compliance reviews or audits conducted by state and local enforcement agencies.

Some additional services we provide include:

  • Counseling clients on compliance with the non-discrimination and affirmative action obligations with regard to veterans and individuals with disabilities under VEVRAA and the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Helping new federal, state and local contractors or subcontractors set up their initial affirmative action plans (AAPs) and associated tracking mechanisms.
  • Preparing AAPs in a cost-effective manner using a custom database program; we perform this work for smaller clients with a single AAP and for large, nationwide contractors with many AAPs.
  • Representing clients being investigated by the DOL in connection with complaints filed under VEVRAA or Section 503; in this capacity, we act as either the direct contact point with the DOL or provide advice and counseling "behind the scenes."
  • Teaming with labor economists to conduct sophisticated regression analyses of compensation, to challenge any alleged disparities, or to prepare for litigation.

We draw upon our extensive knowledge of sophisticated statistical data analysis methodologies, and have counseled numerous clients on the best statistical approaches to satisfy their affirmative action obligations and to provide some measure of protection in the context of actual or threatened class action litigation.

Much of our work in this arena, including mock audits and compensation analyses, is amenable to fixed-fee or other alternative fee arrangements.

Insights

Firm News | 11 min read | 06.05.25

Crowell Attains Leading Rankings in Chambers USA 2025

Washington – June 5, 2025: Crowell & Moring earned 80 rankings for 71 lawyers, as well as 43 national and statewide practice area rankings, in the Chambers USA 2025 guide. The rankings are driven by independent interviews of clients and lawyers at peer firms.

Insights

Firm News | 11 min read | 06.05.25

Crowell Attains Leading Rankings in Chambers USA 2025

Washington – June 5, 2025: Crowell & Moring earned 80 rankings for 71 lawyers, as well as 43 national and statewide practice area rankings, in the Chambers USA 2025 guide. The rankings are driven by independent interviews of clients and lawyers at peer firms.