DEI and Labor attorney Craig Leen

Craig Leen, Labor Law expert, joins the podcast to discuss why Accessibility should be a core part of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Craig shares his inspiring journey through private practice and impactful roles in government, including his tenure as Director of the OFCCP at the U.S. Department of Labor.

Drawing from his personal and professional journey, Craig shares powerful stories about disability advocacy and the impact of inclusive policies. He emphasizes the need for empathy, legal protections, and proactive change.

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction

01:51 Career Journey

03:43 Early Aspirations and Influences

05:35 Political Experiences and Reflections

13:11 Advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

18:34 Personal Connection with Disability Advocacy

28:00 The Cost of Accessibility

28:12 Legal Rights and the ADA

29:40 Global Perspectives on Disability Rights

31:16 Personal Advocacy and Challenges

34:16 Navigating Public Spaces with Disabilities

39:19 Neurodiversity and Workplace Inclusion

44:07 The Importance of Empathy

49:28 Concluding Thoughts on Inclusion

BIOGRAPHY:

Craig Leen is a Partner at K&L Gates in Washington, D.C., where he co-leads the firm’s OFCCP and Affirmative Action Compliance practice and serves as Pro Bono Coordinator for the D.C. office. He previously served as Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) at the U.S. Department of Labor, where he led one of the nation’s premier civil rights enforcement agencies and was the recipient of multiple Secretary’s Honor Awards. Craig also served as City Attorney of Coral Gables, Florida, and earlier in his career held leadership roles in the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office, handling significant federal civil rights and appellate matters. In addition to his legal practice, Craig teaches as a Professorial Lecturer in Law at GW Law and serves on numerous civil rights and bar association committees, while also being a frequent speaker on employment law, civil rights, and government practice.

LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-leen-1a47155b/

K&L Gates Bio: https://www.klgates.com/Craig-E-Leen