Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, is pleased to announce the firm has earned the seventh consecutive “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” rating from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, for achieving a 100 percent Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s CEI is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and queer (LGBTQ) employees.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s CEI is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and queer (LGBTQ) employees. According to the organization, 767 businesses including 166 of the nation’s top 200 law firms, achieved the recognition, representing 13 million employees globally. The CEI rating criteria focuses on three key pillars: non-discrimination policies; equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families; and support for an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility.
Since 2002, the HRC Foundation has published the CEI report based mainly on its annual survey administered to major global employers. The report has become a roadmap for U.S. businesses navigating the evolving field of LGBTQ equality in the workplace.
The 100 percent CEI rating is among Akerman’s latest distinctions for its efforts to further advance an inclusive environment. The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity named the firm as one of its 2020 Top Performers for its continued commitment to building a more diverse organization and inclusive legal profession. Akerman ranked among the top 10 largest law firms in Law360’s 2020 Diversity Snapshot. Akerman has also been named among The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance’s Legal Honor Roll of Pro Bono Champions, which recognizes law firms for their pro bono legal assistance and diversity and inclusion partnerships supporting the LGBTQ Asian & South Asian community. Additionally, the firm has achieved Mansfield Rule Certification since its inaugural version in 2017. The initiative aims to increase the number of leadership roles held by underrepresented lawyers across the legal industry, encouraging law firms to consider at least 30 percent women, minority, and LGBTQ lawyers for all equity partner promotions, lateral partner searches, and leadership roles.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth. Akerman is known for its results in middle market M&A and complex disputes, and for helping clients achieve their most important business objectives in the financial services, real estate and other dynamic sectors across the United States and Latin America.