Federal contractors have new insight into how the government may implement and enforce Executive Order (EO) 14398, which aims to prevent federal contractors and subcontractors from engaging in discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities related to race and ethnicity. Recent Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council guidance and its request for emergency approval for
Laura A. Mitchell
Laura Mitchell is a principal in the Denver office of Jackson Lewis P.C. and leads the firm’s Workplace Analytics and Preventive Strategies Pay Equity subgroup. She partners with employers to evaluate, develop and implement policies and practices that ensure workplace fairness while mitigating legal risk. Laura is a guiding force in the firm’s most specialized and technical practice areas where she leverages an analytics-focused approach to partner with her clients in building legally compliant programs around which they can anchor their workplaces achieving productivity and stability.
Laura understands that creating a competitive advantage for employers in today’s workplace involves using a data-driven approach to counsel companies on the development of proactive and equitable non-discriminatory practices in hiring, promotions, separations and pay—and where advancements in technology can create both opportunities for efficiencies and risk that can be measured. Committed to putting her clients’ organizational goals first and foremost while balancing legal risk, Laura views herself as an extension of her clients’ team, responsible for providing proactive guidance and engaging in transparent, ongoing communication. Staying the course with employers across their organizational journey while balancing legal compliance obligations throughout their employees’ lifecycle ensures Laura’s position as a go-to resource.
Laura works with companies across all industries—both new and well-established multi-national organizations of all sizes—to realize the combined vision of legal compliance, increased productivity and economic growth enhanced by a focus on pay equity. As part of the pay equity journey, she advises employers on the evolving pay transparency landscape, working to align compliant practices with the practical realities of the business world.
Laura partners closely with government contractors to understand, implement and demonstrate compliance with their EEO regulatory and compliance obligations. She also works closely with non-government contractor clients to conduct risk assessments of their programs, policies, and training to align with federal and state anti-discrimination requirements.
Laura is the editor and a principal contributor of the GovCon Employment Exchange blog and presents on pay equity and government contractor obligations. To round out her days, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends attending sports events, working out, riding her bike, playing pickleball and taking in Colorado’s incomparable sunsets.
Announcing a New Chapter: The GovCon Employment Exchange
We are excited to share an important update with our readers. The Affirmative Action Law Advisor is evolving — and with that evolution comes a new name: the GovCon Employment Exchange.
First and foremost, thank you. Your continued readership and engagement have made this blog a trusted resource for developments in affirmative action and…
District Court Clears Path for DOL Release of Federal Contractors’ EEO-1 Data
On February 9, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California approved the parties’ stipulation in Center for Investigative Reporting v. U.S. Dep’t of Labor and lifted the temporary stay that had paused disclosure of federal contractors’ EEO-1 reports. With the stay lifted, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) can begin releasing…
DOL to Release EEO-1 Reports Following Ninth Circuit Ruling
On February 5, 2026, the parties in Center for Investigative Reporting v. U.S. Dep’t of Labor filed a stipulated request in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to lift the temporary stay that has paused the disclosure of federal contractors’ EEO-1 reports at the center of this case.
Case Background
In…
Ninth Circuit Decision on EEO-1 Reports Is In, But the Case Is Not Over
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit case involving EEO-1 reports and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has taken another procedural turn. The court’s July 2025 decision in Center for Investigative Reporting v. U.S. Dep’t of Labor upheld the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California’s finding that workforce composition…
Deadline Ahead: Pay Data Reporting Obligations for Massachusetts Employers
As the February 2, 2026, pay data reporting deadline draws near, Massachusetts employers with 100 or more employees should take proactive steps to comply with their obligations. Employers should ensure that wage data reports are accurate, complete, and filed on time. Read more about these reporting requirements, timelines, and key compliance considerations.
OFCCP Updates Veteran and Disability Jurisdictional Thresholds for Federal Contractors
As of October 1, 2025, the jurisdictional thresholds for two key regulations impacting federal contractors—the Rehabilitation Act (Section 503) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA)—have increased. These changes stem from an inflationary adjustment statute that authorizes the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to review and update acquisition-related thresholds in statutes governing federal procurement.…
Breaking OFCCP News: Catherine Eschbach leaving OFCCP
It is being reported that Ashley Romanias has assumed leadership of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), as Catherine Eschbach steps into a new role as Principal Deputy General Counsel at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
At the time of this post, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has not yet issued…
OFCCP Seeks Feedback on Section 503 Voluntary Self-ID Form in Connection with Other Proposed Regulatory Revisions
On August 25, 2025, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a new request for public comments on proposed revisions to its data collection and recordkeeping requirements under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503), which would include the withdrawal of the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability form (OMB Control…
OFCCP Updates Annual Veteran Hiring Benchmark
Though delayed, OFCCP has released the updated the annual Veteran Hiring Benchmark. The benchmark is set at 5.1% effective July 30, 2025.
The current 5.1% benchmark, is slightly lower than the previous mark of 5.2% set in March 2024 and continues the steady downward trend for this annual hiring benchmark.
Though there remains uncertainty around…