Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced that it received a perfect, 100 percent rating on the 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that measures the equality of corporate policies and practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lawyers and staff. Of the nearly 1,000 U.S. businesses that participated in the survey, roughly one-third were recognized as leaders in LGBT workplace equality. Joining this select group, Akerman earned a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality" distinction, making it one of the top law firms for workplace equality and inclusion in the United States.
"We are extremely honored and proud to be distinguished as one of the nation's top law firms for workplace equality," said Andrew Smulian, Akerman Chairman and CEO. "Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries are born from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment enriched by our people, our clients, and the communities in which we practice."
Launched in 2002, the CEI has become a roadmap for U.S. businesses in the evolving field of LGBT workplace equality. To achieve a perfect score and the distinction of "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality," companies are required to have fully inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate organizational LGBT competency, evidence their commitment to equality publicly and exercise responsible citizenship.
This year, Akerman also advanced its ranking among the top 50 U.S. law firms for diversity for a second consecutive year, rising 10 spots to number 40 on The American Lawyer's annual Diversity Scorecard and ranking no. 6 in the United States for Hispanic lawyers. The collective recognition Akerman has received is a testament to the firm's ongoing hiring and professional development practices for a diverse group of men and women.
Click here for more information on the 2015 Corporate Equality Index.
About the Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
About Akerman LLP
Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 600 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 20 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The National Law Journal NLJ 350 (2014). Akerman also is ranked among the top 50 law firms for diversity in The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard (2014).