Washington DC Expertise

FortneyScott is widely recognized for its Washington insider knowledge and up-to-date information relating to the key developments that affect employers and the workplace. 

FortneyScott has significant experience and expertise in governmental matters involving the workplace, including the agencies, Congress, the enforcement policies and practices, and the political considerations. FortneyScott’s attorneys—many of whom previously led and served in key federal and international agencies and held

Congressional staff positions—have unique experience and knowledge of the government agencies as well as the statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and enforcement practices affecting employers, including federal contractors’ extensive EEO, affirmative action and pay equity matters.

FortneyScott functions as the “eyes and ears” in Washington, DC for employers and often works closely with employers’ Government Relations team and representatives to provide the needed expertise on the workplace subject matters. We monitor and report on the relevant regulatory and legislative developments and the actions by the federal enforcement agencies, and advise employers on steps to advance its clients’ business goals and objectives based on the federal developments. 

We frequently advise clients in assessing whether additional efforts, including lobbying services, should be engaged and whether a trade association or an issue-based coalition would be most effective in representing our clients’ interests.

Our Washington Insider team provides a variety of services, including the following specific services:

• Monitoring and reporting as developments warrant on the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and other federal regulatory agencies recent labor and employment related developments. We promptly review any developments and provide our clients with an initial analysis of its implications to assist companies in making informed assessments of next steps;
• Monitoring and reporting on Capitol Hill for legislative developments or hearings related to labor and employment issues, particularly focusing based on our clients’ needs; and
• Significant involvement in agencies’ regulatory and enforcement agendas, including testifying before a Congressional subcommittee, and extensive meetings with the White House, Office of Management and Budget, and the agencies relating to OFCCP, EEOC and Wage and Hour rulemaking and implementation matters.

Members of the firm have worked regularly with the political appointees and career federal agency officials, and are in a position to advocate on behalf of employers for regulatory and employment law changes.