(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was named one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) after receiving a 100 percent rating in their 2013 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) report. The rating is based on policies in the workplace and benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
“This is wonderful recognition in an area where we've been a leader for many years,” said Vincent A. F. Sergi, Katten’s national managing partner. “It is gratifying to know that there is a growing number of companies that see the need for and benefit of fairness, and recognize that talent and accomplishment have no gender.”
The HRC’s CEI report, released every fall over the past decade, offers an in-depth analysis and rating of the policies and practices regarding LGBT employees at some of the largest employers in the nation. A total of 889 businesses were rated in the 2013 CEI, including all of the Fortune 500 companies. The CEI rankings are based on several criteria, including equal employment opportunity policies, employee benefits, employee training, public engagement and responsible citizenship.
Katten offers progressive health care benefits and workplace policies that extend to same-sex partners, including tax gross-ups, a program that allows LGBT employees to cover their partners and children without adverse tax consequences.
The firm also has a GLBT Coalition that promotes a diverse culture within the firm related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and helps foster an inclusive environment for LGBT attorneys and new recruits.
“Katten encourages a diverse and inclusive working environment and has implemented strong policies to support the firm’s LGBT employees,” said Daniel Lange, Katten partner and co-chair of the Katten’s GLBT Coalition. “The firm actively recruits quality LGBT talent, and consistently sponsors networking and philanthropic events to support the LGBT community both inside and outside of the firm.”
Katten partners with the Joffrey Ballet and the Center on Halsted as the corporate sponsor of the Joffrey’s LGBT affinity nights. Additionally, the firm sponsors the Human Rights Campaign’s annual gala in Chicago and the Chicago United Bridge Awards Dinner.
Katten’s Supplier Diversity Program actively promotes the use of businesses that are owned and operated by minorities, women, LGBT individuals, persons with disabilities and other diverse individuals.
