Jacqueline R. Scott

JACQUELINE R. SCOTT

CO-FOUNDER

1909 K Street, NW, Suite 330, Washington, DC 20006

Tele: (202) 689-1200 | Fax: (202) 689-1209

Ms. Scott is a co-founder of FortneyScott, where her diverse practice focuses on business, international, and workplace matters.

She counsels U.S. and foreign-based clients on complying with U.S. workplace and tax laws and assists U.S. employers in expanding outside the U.S. She regularly advises clients, many of which are federal government contractors, on workplace investigations; government procurement and related employment issues; prevailing wages under the Service Contract and Davis Bacon Acts and related matters; worker classification issues; and compliance with the wage and hour requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and related state laws.

Ms. Scott is a frequent lecturer on issues of international labor and employment law, including expatriate and secondment agreements, overtime, minimum wage, data privacy, worker classification status, international tax, and human rights. She holds key leadership positions in international professional organizations, including, having served as President of the Union Internationale des Avocats (International Association of Lawyers or UIA) from 2023-2024 and now serving as the UIA’s Immediate Past President. UIA is an international association of lawyers committed to the protection of human rights, including worker’s rights and the defense of their universal nature, including, specifically, the defense of lawyers’ human rights in protecting the human rights of others. Ms. Scott formerly served as Director General of the UIA’s Institute for the Rule of Law (UIA-IROL) and has also served as a member of the ITC Pro-Bono Committee on International Model Contracts for Exporting SME’s.

Ms. Scott has significant experience and expertise in adjudicating both U.S. and international commercial and employment disputes. She served for many years as the United States’ Member and First Vice President of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal, the seven-member, independent appellate forum of last resort that adjudicated claims made by United Nations employees worldwide. Drawing on years of experience in the securities industry as an attorney for an international financial institution, Ms. Scott has served in the United States as an arbitrator for the securities industry with the National Association of Securities Dealers.

Ms. Scott’s workplace investigations practice includes conducting workplace investigations for employers in the private, not-for-profit, and public sectors. She has investigated sensitive matters involving fraud and mismanagement; harassment and discrimination; and matters arising under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Ms. Scott’s wage and hour practice includes advising and representing clients, including not-for-profit organizations, on matters involving federal and state prevailing wage issues; and the FLSA, including minimum wage and overtime obligations and exemptions, classification of positions as exempt or non-exempt, overtime requirements for non-exempt employees and compensation strategies and policies for exempt employees. She also advises clients on matters involving the classification of workers as employees or independent contractors.

Formerly, Ms. Scott was in-house counsel to Merrill Lynch, an international brokerage firm, advising and litigating on matters involving securities and commodities compliance, various broker-dealer issues, and related employment matters. She also has extensive experience in the practice of corporate and international tax law, including project and tax-exempt bond finance, as well as ERISA, with Mudge, Rose, Guthrie, Alexander & Ferdon, in New York, NY and Chadbourne & Parke, in Washington, D.C. Ms. Scott has trial and appellate litigation experience in state and federal courts. She formerly served as the General Counsel to the Junior League of Philadelphia.

Firm Practices

Professional Activities

Immediate Past President, Union Internationale des Avocats (International Association of Lawyers or UIA) - 2024-2025
President, Union Internationale des Avocats (International Association of Lawyers or UIA) - 2023-2024
Director-General, Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA)’s Institute for the Rule of Law (UIA-IROL) – 2016-2022
Member, American Employment Law Conference (AELC)
Member, First Vice-President, United Nations Administrative Tribunal, 2003-2009
Former Arbitrator (Public), National Association of Securities Dealers

Admitted to Practice

District of Columbia
Connecticut
New York
Pennsylvania
Virginia
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Supreme Court of the United States

Education

Georgetown University Law Center
(LL.M in International Law/Arbitration/Tax)
New York University School of Law (LL.M. in Taxation)
Vanderbilt University School of Law (J.D.)
Vanderbilt University (B.A., cum laude)

Languages

French
Spanish

FortneyScott Workplace Legal Compliance Webinar Series: Part I: EEOC Trends and Employer Readiness

September 4, 2025

Federal policies under the Trump Administration are reshaping workplaces nationwide. Employers must stay ahead of evolving laws and shifting EEOC priorities. Join FortneyScott attorneys on Thursday, September 18 th at noon EDT to learn the key steps organizations should take now to ensure compliance with EEO laws influenced by these broader policy changes. Key Topics to be Covered Include: Status of the Commission and what to expect once there is a restored quorum; Current EEOC priorities , including protecting religious liberties, eliminating unlawful DEI, and reshaping sex discrimination; Notable EEOC enforcement actions, updates, and emerging trends; and Actionable strategies and key takeaways to ensure compliance with Title VII, the PWFA, etc. This webinar is the first in a four-part series designed for compliance professionals, in-house counsel, HR and inclusion leaders, and other business leaders responsible for labor and employment law compliance. To register for FortneyScott’s Workplace Legal Compliance training series, please click here .

FortneyScott Launches Workplace Legal Compliance Training Series

September 2, 2025

During the first months of the Trump Administration employers have faced unprecedented challenges in understanding and keeping up with the rapidly changing legal environment. To assist our clients in successfully navigating these challenges, FortneyScott is initiating a four-month, complimentary training program addressing Workplace Legal Compliance. These new, original trainings will occur during September through December, 2025 and will include 4 monthly webinars, at least 4 podcasts of DC Insider—Employer Update and timely alerts as developments unfold. The trainings are designed to provide substantive updates and to assist employers in addressing the latest developments as part of their organization’s comprehensive workplace legal compliance program. How to Participate : Register now for the FortneyScott Workplace Legal Compliance webinars, podcast notifications and alerts: Register for all 4 webinars (September 18, October 23, November 20 and December 18). Register for notifications of new podcast episodes of DC Insider—Employer Update. Register for Workplace Legal Compliance alerts and updates. If you have an immediate questions or feedback, please contact any of the FortneyScott attorneys or email info@fortneyscott.com . Additional Background : Workplace legal compliance is essential for mitigating risk, protecting employees, and fostering a positive and reputable company culture. Adhering to federal, state, and local laws concerning labor, safety, and discrimination prevents costly penalties, lawsuits, and operational disruptions. Beyond simply avoiding legal and financial consequences, compliance builds trust with employees and other stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to ethical conduct. This creates a fair and safe work environment that boosts employee morale, increases retention, and enhances overall productivity. By proactively managing legal responsibilities, an organization strengthens its reputation and brand image, which in turn can attract top talent and create a competitive advantage in the marketplace. FortneyScott’s Workplace Legal Compliance supports employers in meeting these objectives. Ultimately, legal compliance is not only a regulatory obligation – it is a strategic investment in the long-term success and integrity of your organization.

David Fortney Recognized in The Best Lawyers of America for 2026

August 21, 2025

We are pleased to announce that FortneyScott attorney David Fortney has been recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America for 2026, in recognition of outstanding achievement and contributions to the field of Labor and Employment law. This marks a continuation of his recognition in The Best Lawyers in America since 2008, reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership. It underscores the impact of his work within the professional community. We extend our congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

DOJ’s Civil Division is Initiating False Claims Act Investigations of DEI Practices

August 18, 2025

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Division is sending Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to federal contractors seeking information on their DEI practices, under its authority to investigate False Claims Act (FCA) claims. Flowing from President Trump’s Executive Order 14173, which seeks to limit DEI efforts, the DOJ recently launched the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which utilizes the FCA to investigate and pursue claims against recipients of federal funds (including federal contractors) that their DEI practices violate federal civil rights laws. The focus of these investigations will likely be: Discriminatory preferences/goals: DEI programs that assign benefits or burdens based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Use of proxies to mask discrimination: Practices using criteria like "cultural competence" or "lived experience" as proxies for protected characteristics in hiring or promotion decisions. Segregation in the workplace: Limiting membership in affinity groups or separating employees by protected characteristics during training. Discriminatory training programs: DEI training that promotes stereotypes, excludes individuals based on protected characteristics, or creates a hostile environment. Failure to protect against antisemitism: Institutions accepting federal funds that do not adequately address antisemitism or other civil rights violations. Organizations found to be in violation of the FCA can face significant penalties, including treble damages (three times the amount of damages incurred by the government), civil penalties for each false claim, and reputational harm. As a result, all federal contractors and grant recipients should be on high alert for any communication from DOJ and should immediately notify internal counsel if any such communication is received. Please contact your FortneyScott attorney or email us at info@fortneyscott.com for additional information on how to be prepared and to respond to these DOJ investigations and other best practices recommendations.

DOL Update in Trump 2.0

August 18, 2025

As the Trump Administration reshapes the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), employers and federal contractors face significant shifts in agency leadership, budget priorities, enforcement programs, and regulatory strategies. Join FortneyScott attorneys for an in-depth webinar covering what these changes may mean for your organization. Key Topics to be Covered Include: New Leadership: Review of confirmed and pending DOL appointees, including Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling. Compliance & Self-Audit Programs: Expansion of opinion letter guidance and voluntary audit initiatives across W&H, VETS, OSHA, EBSA, MSHA, and OLMS. Aggressive Deregulatory Agenda: Efforts to revoke EO 11246 regulations, registered apprenticeship affirmative action requirements, and legacy EBSA guidance. Regulatory Revisions & Enforcement: Reforms to Section 503, VEVRAA, tip-credit rules, and child labor standards — including new penalty frameworks. Status of Biden-Era Rules: Updates on independent contractor, overtime, minimum wage, and PLA-related regulations. Proposed FY2026 Budget: 35% overall reduction, including workforce downsizing and potential elimination of OFCCP, Job Corp, and the Women’s Bureau. Strategic Considerations: How the return of the PAID program and potential OFCCP self-audit options may affect employer risk exposure.

Jacqueline R. Scott