Lane Powell is proud to announce that it has received the Equality 100 Award for achieving a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This marks the seventh consecutive year that Lane Powell has received the Index’s top score, and been recognized as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. The CEI is the nation’s premier benchmarking survey for measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Lane Powell again joins the ranks of more than 500 leading U.S. businesses receiving top marks this year.
The program underwent significant adjustment in 2022 to address more recent and contemporary issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. This 2023 Index is the first iteration of the newly-refined program. The complete report can be viewed here.
Lane Powell President Barbara J. Duffy stated, “Continuing our participation and again attaining the top rating in the newly-revamped CEI is emblematic of the ongoing importance we place upon LGBTQ+ equality, and the consistency of our efforts to achieve it. Making Lane Powell a place that is inclusive for all is vital to our vision as a firm, and it is something we take an active and informed approach to.”
Kelly Jones, Lane Powell Director of Professional Development and Diversity, added, “The HRC CEI is the nation’s premier benchmarking survey for measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality, and Lane Powell’s ongoing commitment to these best practices underscores our goal of ensuring all employees can bring their full selves to work and actively live their truth at our firm.”
HRC Sr. Director of Workplace Equality, RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins noted, “For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion.”
The CEI evaluates companies and law firms on criteria within the following categories: workforce protections, spousal, domestic partner and family benefits, transgender inclusive benefits, internal training and best practices, engagement with the broader LGBTQ+ community, and LGBTQ+ corporate social responsibility.