Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical facts, the statements in this quarterly report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are merely our current predictions of future events. These statements are inherently uncertain, and actual events could differ materially from our predictions. Important factors that could cause actual events to vary from our predictions include those discussed below under the heading "Risk Factors". We assume no obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments. We urge readers to review carefully the risk factors described in this quarterly report and in the other documents that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. You can read these documents at www.sec.gov.

Our principal internet address is www.crai.com. Our website provides a link to a third-party website through which our annual, quarterly, and current reports, and amendments to those reports, are available free of charge. We believe these reports are made available as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them electronically with, or furnish them to, the SEC. We do not maintain or provide any information directly to the third-party website, nor do we check the accuracy of this website.

Our website also includes information about our corporate governance practices. The Investor Relations page of our website provides a link to a web page where you can obtain a copy of our code of ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates in these condensed consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable allowances, revenue recognition on fixed price contracts, depreciation of property and equipment, share-based compensation, valuation of acquired intangible assets, impairment of long lived assets, including goodwill, accrued and deferred income taxes, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, accrued bonuses, accrued exit costs, and other accrued expenses. These items are monitored and analyzed by management for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from our estimates if our assumptions based on past experience or our other assumptions do not turn out to be substantially accurate.

A summary of the accounting policies that we believe are most critical to understanding and evaluating our financial results is set forth below. This summary should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Item 1 of this quarterly report, as well as in our most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable Allowances. We derive substantially all of our revenues from the performance of professional services. The contracts that we enter into and operate under specify whether the engagement will be billed on a time-and-materials or fixed-price basis. These engagements generally last three to six months, although some of our engagements can be much longer in duration. Each contract must be approved by one of our vice presidents.

We recognize substantially all of our revenues under written service contracts with our clients where the fee is fixed or determinable, as the services are provided, and only in those situations where collection from the client is reasonably assured and sufficient contractual documentation has been obtained. In certain cases we provide services to our clients without sufficient contractual documentation, or fees are tied to performance-based criteria, which require us to defer revenue in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In these cases, where we invoice clients, these amounts are fully reserved until all criteria for recognizing revenue are met.

Most of our revenue is derived from time-and-materials service contracts. Revenues from time-and-materials service contracts are recognized as the services are provided based upon hours worked and contractually agreed-upon hourly rates, as well as a computer services fee based upon hours worked.

Revenues from the majority of our fixed-price engagements are recognized on a proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred, substantially all of which are labor-related, to the total estimated project costs. Project costs are based on the direct salary of the consultants on the engagement plus all direct expenses incurred to complete the engagement that are not reimbursed by the client. The proportional performance method is used since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made, based on historical experience and terms set forth in the contract, and are indicative of the level of benefit provided to our clients. Our fixed-price contracts generally include a termination provision that reduces the agreement to a time-and-materials contract in the event of termination of the contract. Our management maintains contact with project managers to discuss the status of the projects and, for fixed-price engagements, management is updated on the budgeted costs and resources required to complete the project. These budgets are then used to calculate revenue recognition and to estimate the anticipated income or loss on the project. In the past, we have occasionally been required to commit unanticipated additional resources to complete projects, which have resulted in lower than anticipated income or losses on those contracts. We may experience similar situations in the future. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts are made during the period in which such losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. To date, such losses have not been significant.

Revenues also include reimbursable expenses, which include travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants, and other reimbursable expenses. These reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands):

                                      Sixteen                          Forty
                                    Weeks Ended                     Weeks Ended
                            September 4,     August 29,     September 4,     August 29,
                                2009            2008            2009            2008
   Reimbursable expenses    $      13,461    $    13,475    $      32,204    $    38,228

Our normal payment terms are 30 days from the invoice date. For the sixteen weeks ended September 4, 2009, and August 29, 2008 our average days sales outstanding, or DSOs, were 96 days and 100 days. We calculate DSOs by dividing the sum of our accounts receivable and unbilled services balance, net of deferred revenue, at the end of the quarter by average daily revenues. Average daily revenues are calculated by dividing quarter revenues by the number of days in a quarter. Our project managers and finance personnel monitor payments from our clients and assess any collection issues. We maintain accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses resulting from clients' failure to make required payments. We base our estimates on our historical collection experience, current trends, and credit policy. In determining these estimates, we examine historical write-offs of our receivables and review client accounts to identify any specific customer collection issues. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payment, additional allowances may be required. A failure to estimate accurately the accounts receivable allowances and ensure that payments are received on a timely basis could have a material adverse

effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. As of September 4, 2009, and November 29, 2008, $9.1 million and $10.7 million were provided for accounts receivable allowances, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation Expense. We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123R, "Share-Based Payments" ("SFAS 123R") in fiscal 2006 using the modified prospective application method and began accounting for our equity-based compensation using a fair value based recognition method. Under the fair value recognition requirements of SFAS 123R, share-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period of the award.

We recognize share-based compensation expense using the straight-line attribution method under SFAS 123R. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based awards. Option valuation models require the input of assumptions, including the expected life of share-based awards, the expected stock price volatility, the risk-free interest rate, and the expected dividend yield. The expected volatility and expected life are based on our historical experience. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury interest rates whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. Expected dividend yield was not considered in the option pricing formula since we do not pay dividends and have no current plans to do so in the future. We update these assumptions if changes are warranted. The forfeiture rate used was based upon historical experience. As required by SFAS 123R, we will adjust the estimated forfeiture rate based upon our actual experience.

Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. We account for our acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting pursuant to SFAS 141, "Business Combinations". Goodwill represents the purchase price of acquired businesses in excess of the fair market value of net assets acquired. Intangible assets consist principally of non-competition agreements, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related estimated lives of the agreements (eight to ten years), as well as customer relationships, customer lists, trademarks, backlog, and developed technology, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful lives (two to fifteen years).

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS 142"), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are monitored annually for impairment, or more frequently, if there are indicators of impairment. Any impairment would be measured based upon the fair value of the related asset based on the provisions of SFAS 142. Under SFAS 142, in performing the first step of the goodwill impairment testing and measurement process, we compare our entity-wide estimated fair value to net book value to identify potential impairment. We estimate the entity-wide fair value utilizing our market capitalization, plus an appropriate control premium. We have utilized a control premium which considers appropriate industry, market and other pertinent factors, including indications of such premiums from data on recent acquisition transactions. If we determine through the impairment evaluation process that goodwill has been impaired, we would record the impairment charge in our consolidated statement of operations.

The goodwill amount for acquisitions is initially recorded based upon a preliminary estimated purchase price allocation and is subject to change. Any preliminary purchase price allocation is based upon our estimate of fair value, and is finalized as we receive other information relevant to the acquisition, such as exit costs related to lease obligations.

We assess the impairment of amortizable intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include the following:

º •
º a significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

º •
º a significant change in the manner of our use of the acquired asset or the strategy for our overall business;

º •
º a significant negative industry or economic trend; and

º •
º our entity-wide fair value relative to net book value.

If we were to determine that an impairment evaluation is required, we would review the expected future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the assets. If we determine that the carrying value of intangible assets may not be recoverable, we measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model.

There were no impairment losses related to goodwill or intangible assets during the forty weeks ended September 4, 2009.

Accounting for Income Taxes. We record income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Our financial statements contain certain deferred tax assets and liabilities that result from temporary differences between book and tax accounting, as well as net operating loss carryforwards. SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," requires the establishment of a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets. Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We evaluate the weight of all available evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The decision to record a valuation allowance requires varying degrees of judgment based upon the nature of the item giving rise to the deferred tax asset. As a result of operating losses incurred in certain of our foreign subsidiaries, and uncertainty as to the extent and timing of profitability in future periods, we recorded valuation allowances in certain of these foreign subsidiaries based on the facts and circumstances affecting each subsidiary. Furthermore, during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded a deferred tax asset for foreign tax credit carryforwards resulting from the election to credit foreign taxes on our fiscal 2008 tax return. This carryforward was substantially offset by a valuation allowance, since the future utilization of these credits is uncertain. Had we not recorded these allowances, we would have reported a lower effective tax rate than was recognized in our statements of operations in fiscal 2008 and during the first forty weeks of fiscal 2009. If the realization of deferred tax assets is considered more likely than not, an adjustment to the net deferred tax assets would increase net income in the period such determination was made. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable is based on significant estimates, and it is possible that changes in these estimates could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our effective tax rate may vary from period to period based on changes in estimated taxable income or loss, changes to the valuation allowance, changes to federal, state, or foreign tax laws, future expansion into areas with varying country, state, and local income tax rates, deductibility of certain costs, uncertain tax positions, and expenses by jurisdiction, and as a result of acquisitions.

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several different tax jurisdictions. We are periodically reviewed by domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews include questions

regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, we record estimated reserves for probable exposures. Based on our evaluation of current tax positions, we believe we have appropriately accrued for probable exposures.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2009, the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the "Codification") officially became the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, EITF, and related accounting literature. Going forward, only one level of authoritative GAAP will exist. All other accounting literature will be considered non-authoritative. The Codification reorganizes the thousands of GAAP pronouncements into roughly 90 accounting topics and displays them using a consistent structure. Also included in the Codification is relevant SEC guidance organized using the same topical structure in separate sections within the Codification. The Codification is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, which is our fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. This will have an impact to our financial statement disclosures since all future references to authoritative accounting literature will be references in accordance with the Codification.

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, "Subsequent Events" ("SFAS 165"). SFAS 165 establishes general accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. This statement also outlines the circumstances under which an entity would need to record transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in the financial statements. These new disclosures will identify the date through which the entity has evaluated subsequent events. We adopted SFAS 165 in the fiscal quarter ended September 4, 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of operations and financial condition. We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through the date we filed this Form 10-Q with the SEC.

In May 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position Accounting Principles Board Opinion 14-1, "Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)" ("FSP No. APB 14-1"), which changes the accounting treatment for convertible debt instruments that allow for either mandatory or optional cash settlements. FSP No. APB 14-1 will require us to recognize non-cash interest expense on our convertible senior subordinated debentures based on the market rate for similar debt instruments without the conversion feature. FSP No. APB 14-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, which is our fiscal 2010, and must be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the impact that FSP No. APB 14-1 will have on our consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141R"). SFAS 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to record all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective acquisition-date fair values, changes the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies, changes the recognition and measurement of contingent consideration, and requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred. SFAS 141R also requires additional disclosure of information surrounding a business combination, such that users of the entity's financial statements can fully understand the nature and financial impact of the business combination. SFAS 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, which is our fiscal 2010. An entity may not apply SFAS 141R before that date. We will adopt the provisions of SFAS 141R in fiscal 2010. For business combinations completed on or subsequent to the adoption date, the application of this statement could have a significant impact on our consolidated statement of operations and financial condition, the magnitude of which will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the transactions.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an Amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as "minority interests") in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary, to ensure consistency with the requirements of SFAS 141R. SFAS 160 states that noncontrolling interests should be classified as a separate component of equity, and establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which is our fiscal 2010. Early adoption is prohibited and the provisions will be applied prospectively except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. We do not expect SFAS 160 to have a material impact on our consolidated statement of operations and financial condition.

Business Acquisition

On June 9, 2009, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Marakon Associates, a leading strategy consulting firm known for pioneering value-based management. Under the terms of the transaction, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Marakon Associates, including intellectual property, accounts receivable, and all client projects currently underway. As a result of this acquisition, we added 48 employee consultants, who are based in the London, Chicago, and New York offices. The acquisition was not material.

Revised Financial Statements

During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we discovered errors related to our accounting for acquisition-related earnout payments that were made in connection with the acquisition of a business in fiscal 2006. An error occurred as a result of a $5 million earnout payment made by us to the seller of the business we acquired which was subsequently re-distributed by the seller to certain continuing employees of the acquired business. This payment was initially accounted for as additional purchase price and included in goodwill. In the third quarter of 2009, we determined that the $5 million had not been distributed by the seller in accordance with its initial ownership percentage interests and that this amount should be re-characterized as compensation expense and should be charged to income over the period the earnout payment was earned pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement. The $5 million earnout payment was earned over the two-year period beginning in May 2006 or the eight consecutive quarters beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. The $5 million was paid to the seller in July 2007, as agreed to in the purchase agreement with the seller, however, the retention of the $5 million by the seller was based on the financial performance of the acquired business over the two-year period beginning in May 2006. Accordingly, the $5 million should have been charged to compensation expense over that two-year period on a level basis. Furthermore, in May 2009, a payment of $10.3 million was placed in escrow as a progress payment related to a possible future earnout amount that the seller of the acquired business referenced above could earn. The $10.3 million progress payment was calculated and paid pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement with the seller into an escrow account. This amount was not earned by the seller, as the performance targets that need to be achieved are not expected to be met, and we expect the entire $10.3 million placed in escrow to be returned to us.

We assessed the materiality of these errors in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements," and determined that the errors were immaterial to the previously reported amounts contained in its periodic reports and we will correct the errors through subsequent periodic filings. The immaterial corrections have no effect on fiscal 2009 or the sixteen weeks ended August 29, 2008 results of operations, cash, or cash flows from operations. For purposes of the forty week period ended August 29, 2008, we have adjusted our costs of services and provision for income

taxes to reflect the adjusted amounts. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussions related to the revision of the immaterial prior period errors.

Results of Operations-For the Sixteen and Forty Weeks Ended September 4, 2009, Compared to the Sixteen and Forty Weeks Ended August 29, 2008

The following table provides operating information as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:

                                                 Sixteen                                    Forty
                                               Weeks Ended                               Weeks Ended
                                  September 4, 2009     August 29, 2008     September 4, 2009     August 29, 2008
Revenues                                       100.0 %             100.0 %               100.0 %             100.0 %
Costs of services                               66.1                66.2                  66.0                67.1

Gross profit                                    33.9                33.8                  34.0                32.9
Selling, general and
administrative expenses                         24.4                22.4                  25.3                24.2
Depreciation and amortization                    2.7                 2.2                   2.7                 3.3
. . .