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January 21, 2020 / Press Release

Porter Wright ranked in Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ employees

Porter Wright is pleased to share it received a score of 90% on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The index was released today and is a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies for LGBTQ+ employees. The results of this year’s CEI showcase how 1,059 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but helping advance the cause of LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces abroad.

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
  • Responsible citizenship

“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.”

Porter Wright has made major strides in LGBTQ+ protections. In 2019, it joined the Human Rights Campaign Business Coalition for Equality in support of the Equality Act. Porter Wright has worked to expand its supplier diversity program to include certified LGBTQ-owned businesses. Porter Wright also joined the Mansfield Rule 3.0 Pilot Program, a year-long program which works to increase the number of lawyers of color, lawyers with disabilities and LGBTQ+ lawyers for significant leadership positions and promotions.

The firm offers an employee resource group to its attorneys and staff who identify as LGBTQ+ or allies. The Equality Alliance focuses on outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, internal practices, policies and procedures, professional development, business development, and recruiting and retention among Porter Wright LGBTQ+ attorneys and staff.

“It’s important to our firm to have these policies and staff resources,” said Debe Turnbull, co-chair of the Equality Alliance. “We want to bring people together who are committed to this effort to ensure they feel comfortable and supported.”

The entire report from the Human Rights Campaign may be found at http://www.hrc.org/cei.