What actually happens when a federal employee files an EEOC complaint? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Mickman, a former EEOC Administrative Judge who's seen it all—from inside the agency to now representing employees in private practice.
We cover the basics of the EEOC process, why return-to-office mandates are triggering a surge in accommodation issues, and how long federal EEO cases really take. Hear important distinctions between DEI policy and what's actually enforceable under federal law.
00:00 – Intro: Meet Courtney Mickman
01:22 – Courtney's Role at EEOC and Federal Background
03:48 – What Is an EEOC Administrative Judge?
05:01 – Discrimination Types EEOC Covers
07:23 – Current Trends: Return-to-Office and Disability Accommodations
10:22 – The Burden of the Accommodation Process
12:31 – Interim Accommodations and Systemic Delays
14:11 – Advice for Employees Seeking Accommodation
16:42 – How Long Do EEO Cases Take?
20:55 – DEI vs. EEOC Law: What's the Difference?
22:42 – Resources for Federal Employees and Managers
25:08 – Final Thoughts + Resource Roundup
⚠️ Reminder: This is an informational discussion and not legal advice. If you're facing an EEO issue, always consult an attorney.
Helpful Resources:
EEOC Resources: https://www.eeoc.gov
Alan Lescht & Associates Blog: https://www.dcemploymentattorney.com/resources/blog/
Follow Courtney Mickman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-mickman-36145633a/
Work with Love: www.fedupwardcoaching.com
Connect with Love:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge
