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US law firms most gay-friendly employers

user iconLawyers Weekly 21 September 2009 NewLaw

A US survey has shown that law firms are the most gay-friendly employers. Of the 127 US law firms rated by the Human rights Campaign Foundation's (HRCF) Corporate Equality Index, 88 law firms…

A US survey has shown that law firms are the most gay-friendly employers.

Of the 127 US law firms rated by the Human rights Campaign Foundation's (HRCF) Corporate Equality Index, 88 law firms got perfect ratings of 100 per cent.

The HRCF conducts the annual survey of leading businesses, including law firms, to benchmark important employer benefits and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees and their families.

In 2006, the first year that law firms were invited to participate in the survey, only 12 achieved a 100 per cent rating.

All but three of the firms in the top ranking bracket are on The American Lawyer's list of highest-grossing law firms, including market leaders Latham & Watkins LLP, DLA Piper and Clifford Chance US LLP.

However, one of the few firms included in the survey with a strong Australian presence, Baker & McKenzie, lagged behind with a score of 95. This was an improvement from its score of 75 last year.

Criteria in the survey include non-discrimination policy, diversity training and benefits, transgender and domestic partner-inclusive insurance coverage and access to a LGBT employee resource group or diversity council.

The Corporate Equality Index 2010 rated a total of 590 private employers in various industries. The full report is available at www.hrc.org/cei

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