Closed Case
Race Discrimination in Employment
Settled in 1997 for $4 million and Injunctive Relief

In 1986, Jane Lang and Paul Sprenger initiated an administrative action against the Department of Labor on behalf of its black professional, technical and managerial employees. They had two complaints: African Americans were disproportionately victims of a RIF, and racial discrimination hindered the opportunity of African Americans to advance.

As often is the case, the federal government's administrative review process dragged on for many years. But after finally emerging with a favorable administrative ruling on the claims, Sprenger + Lang was able to negotiate a comprehensive settlement. The Department paid four million dollars, of which one million was set aside for training programs for class members identified under individual development plans to enable those class members to acquire the skills necessary for advancement. The settlement also included revamping of DOL's performance appraisal system and process for evaluating EEO complaints.