Nation's top law firms establish gold standard for LGBT workplace inclusion

The nation's top law firms continue to set the standard for LGBT workplace inclusion, according to a report issued this week by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. This year, participation in the Corporate Equality Index (CEI) increased to 149 law firms, representing a majority of the American Lawyer publication's list of the nation's 200 top-grossing firms. The CEI, begun in 2002, began rating law firms in 2006. A record 366 businesses nationwide earned 100-point scores in the 2015 CEI, including 89 law firms - the industry with the highest number of perfect scores. An additional 36 law firms scored 90 points. "Since we began surveying the AmLaw 200 six years ago, the legal field soon eclipsed other industries as having the most top-rated employers on their midst," said Deena Fidas, director of the HRC Foundation's Workplace Equality Program. "Today, it is inspiring to see so many law firm websites, and their booths at career fairs, proudly display the HRC Foundation emblem stating they are a 'Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.'" The CEI rates law firms on 40 specific practices and policies. To earn a perfect score, firms must have fully-inclusive non-discrimination policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate LGBT competency and responsible citizenship, and provide verifiable evidence of their public commitment to equality. The purpose of the CEI, which this year had 781 companies actively participating, is also to encourage small- and medium-sized companies, as well as state and municipal governments, to increase workplace acceptance by extending similar inclusive benefits and protections to LGBT employees. The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories: 1. Non-discrimination policies 2. Employment benefits 3. Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBT diversity and inclusion 4. Public commitment to LGBT equality 5. Responsible citizenship Published: Thu, Nov 20, 2014