Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, has received a perfect, 100 percent score in the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The national benchmarking survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation measures the equality of corporate policies and practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lawyers and staff.
The 2017 CEI rated more than 1,000 U.S. businesses and only half received top marks as leaders in LGBT workplace equality. Among this select group, Akerman earned the "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality" distinction for the third consecutive year.
"At Akerman, we have fostered a culture of collaborative innovation that embraces diversity at every level. We value our unique differences and how these differences affect the way we see the world, solve problems and deliver the results our clients expect," said Andrew Smulian, Akerman Chairman and CEO. "This recognition by the Human Rights Campaign is confirmation that Akerman is building a law firm where men and women of all backgrounds advance the needs of clients in a forward thinking and inclusive environment."
"Through 15 editions of the annual Corporate Equality Index, major private sector employers have demonstrated over and over that inclusion is not just the right thing to do, it makes for a stronger, more successful business," said Deena Fidas, Director of HRC's Workplace Equality Program. "From centuries-old companies to those that have existed for just a few years, major employers have adopted LGBT-inclusive policies and benefits at rates that continue to outpace lawmakers and lead the way forward."
Launched in 2002, CEI has become a roadmap for U.S. businesses amid the evolution of LGBT workplace equality. To achieve a perfect score and the distinction of "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality," organizations must have fully inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, LGBT competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community.
Akerman is recognized by numerous publications as one of the nation's most diverse and inclusive law firms. Among other distinctions, Akerman is ranked no. 3 among the top U.S. law firms for Hispanic lawyers by Law360 and no. 19 among the best U.S. law firms for female partners by The American Lawyer.
Click here to learn more on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index.
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 650 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 24 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The American Lawyer (2016). Akerman also is ranked among the top 60 law firms for diversity in The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard (2016).