Inside the EEOC: What Federal Employees Should Know

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