Cara Yates Crotty

Cara guides employers through complex workplace compliance issues, with particular focus on federal contractor obligations, pay equity, and DEI-related compliance in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Cara co-chairs Constangy’s practice groups relating to EEO/Contractor Compliance, Reporting & Analytics, and DEI Compliance. She advises employers on proactive strategies to help avoid litigation and has defended employers in matters involving nearly every aspect of the employment relationship. Cara also counsels federal contractors on affirmative action compliance under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act, including preparation of AAPs, completion of EEO-1 and VETS-4212 reports, and other required state reporting. She routinely represents clients during compliance evaluations and supports organizations in navigating pay equity reviews through privileged analyses of compensation practices.

Cara has deep knowledge of disparate impact principles, DEI compliance obligations, and the implications of federal contractor requirements, including the now-rescinded Executive Order 11246. She is a frequent speaker on these topics and provides customized training for employers ranging from small businesses to large corporations.

Honors & Recognition

• Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America^® for Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2015-2022, 2024-2026)
• Chambers USA Guide^® (2016-2025)

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent^® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence   

About Me

Cara’s interest in employment law was sparked by her father’s work with the FBI, where he helped develop hiring standards aimed at increasing diversity—work closely aligned with her current affirmative action practice. One of her most memorable cases involved the rarely-litigated Employee Polygraph Protection Act, leading to a successful challenge before the Fourth Circuit that reshaped regulatory interpretation. If she weren’t practicing law, Cara jokes she’d be a lottery winner.

Education

University of South Carolina

• J.D., 1994
• South Carolina Law Review; Order of Wig & Robe; AmJur Award, Constitutional Law II

University of Virginia

• B.A., Psychology, Minor in Sociology, 1991
• Psychology Honor Society; Sigma Kappa Sorority

News

Events

Legal Analysis

Constangy Streaming

Civic

• Pawmetto Lifeline, Board of Trustees (2021-present)

Professional

• National Industry Liaison Group, General Counsel (2016-2024)
  • Board of Directors (2006-2014)
• South Carolina Diversity Council, Board of Directors (2007-2009)
• South Carolina Industry Liaison Group, Board of Directors (2003-2009)
• Leadership Columbia, Graduate (2002)