FAQs

Choosing a Consultant

• Why should I select the Sparlin Law Office over other consultants?
• Isnt it expensive to hire a lawyer/statistician to prepare an affirmative action plan?

Why should I select the Sparlin Law Office over other consultants?

Most affirmative action consultants fall into one of three categories: statistical experts who are skilled in the mechanics of workforce analyses, law firms that are well-versed in applicable legal standards, and human resources professionals who have gained practical businesses experience. The Sparlin Law Office provides clients with a unique combination of all these skills. Because you are hiring a lawyer, you can expect an experienced assessment that considers not only the immediate question of regulatory compliance but also future sources of legal exposure. If you are selected for an OFCCP review, you need not seek independent legal advice or representation. Yet, because you also are hiring a statistician, you can rely on a numerical analysis that is thorough and accurate. Even if it becomes necessary or advisable to apply multiple regression or other sophisticated techniques,* these can be handled without retaining a separate statistical expert.
 
* One such situation is suggested by guidelines proposed by the OFCCP in November 2004, which would create incentives for the use of multiple regression to assess compensation equality. Although not mandatory, the guidelines would deem contractors to be in compliance with OFCCP self-evaluation requirements relating to employee compensation if they adhere to certain standards. For employers seeking this safe harbor, multiple regression techniques would be mandatory for workforces of 250 or more employees. Such employers also would have to provide monetary remedies for statistically significant disparities that cannot be explained by legitimate, non-discriminatory factors.

Isnt it expensive to hire a lawyer/statistician to prepare an affirmative action plan?

The cost is competitive with other affirmative action consultants. The Sparlin Law Office serves both large organizations and smaller businesses. It offers a flexible pricing structure that takes into account the differing needs of these clients. The direct cost of plan preparation, however, is not the only cost that contractors should consider. By anticipating and avoiding mistakes that could fuel future discrimination lawsuits or create other legal liabilities, a contractor may save far more than the fee for plan preparation.

Return to top