Lane Powell is proud to announce that it received a score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s premier benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Lane Powell joins the ranks of more than 680 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.
Lane Powell President Barbara J. Duffy stated, "Implementing policies to create an inclusive workplace is a priority for us. Inclusivity allows us to develop diverse talent to ensure Lane Powell thrives as a skilled and trusted law firm." Melissa McGonigal Berry, Lane Powell Director of Professional Development and Diversity, added, "We’re proud to foster a culture that promotes respect and equality for all employees, and we’re honored to receive a perfect score on the CEI for the fourth year running."
“The impact of the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do — it is also the best business decision. In addition, many of these leaders are also advocating for the LGBTQ community and equality under the law in the public square. From supporting LGBTQ civil rights protections in the U.S. through HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act, to featuring transgender and non-binary people in an ad in Argentina, to advocating for marriage equality in Taiwan — businesses understand their LGBTQ employees and customers deserve to be seen, valued and respected not only at work, but in every aspect of daily life.”
The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories: non-discrimination policies; employment benefits; demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion; public commitment to LGBTQ equality; and responsible citizenship.