Lane Powell is proud to announce that for the fifth consecutive year, it has received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is the nation’s premier benchmarking survey for measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Lane Powell joins the ranks of more than 760 leading U.S. businesses that also received top marks this year.
Lane Powell President Barbara J. Duffy stated, “Cultivating inclusivity continues to be a priority for Lane Powell, and it requires real, tangible efforts. Being recognized again in the CEI’s top ranks reflects the importance we place in making sure that everyone at our firm can thrive.” Melissa McGonigal Berry, Lane Powell Director of Professional Development and Diversity, added, “Recognizing that this is a challenging time, Lane Powell has redoubled its efforts to foster a work environment where every individual is valued and feels like they belong. We have woven these guiding principles and initiatives supporting intentional inclusion into our new three-year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.”
“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. “This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—but the best business decision.”
The CEI evaluates companies and law firms on criteria within the following categories: workforce protections, spousal and domestic partner benefits, transgender inclusive benefits, internal training and best practices, engagement with the broader LGBTQ community and LGBTQ corporate social responsibility.