(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) after receiving a 100 percent rating in its 2014 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) report. The rating is based on policies in the workplace and benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
“We are honored to be included in this list which reflects our strong commitment to ensuring that our policies and benefits work for everyone,” said Vincent A.F. Sergi, Katten’s Chairman. "It is a great thing to see that we are joined each year by more and more businesses that see the importance of workplace equality.”
The HRC’s annual CEI report 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 934 businesses were rated as part of the 2014 CEI, including the entire Fortune 500. 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.
“Given the recent strides America has made regarding equality, I am particularly proud that Katten has for years been a leader and an emblem of diversity and workplace inclusion,” said Joshua Wayser, managing partner of Katten’s Los Angeles offices and co-chair of the firm’s LGBT Coalition. “There can be no better evidence of the firm’s commitment to this than the fact that we have consistently outpaced other companies in establishing programs and policies that demonstrate fairness to our wonderfully broad spectrum of employees.”
The firm formed its LGBT Coalition in 2008 to help the firm foster an inclusive environment for attorneys and other recruits who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender. The Coalition guides the development of educational and business opportunities for LGBT attorneys and supporting organizations that work toward equal rights for LGBT individuals and families in the broader community.
“Katten has always taken a dedicated approach to supporting an inclusive work environment and the firm’s policies and benefits echo that commitment,” said Daniel Lange, Katten partner and co-chair of the LGBT Coalition. “From sponsoring events to recruitment of LGBT talent, the firm has consistently encouraged a diverse work environment.”
Katten is a sponsor of Lavender Law, the annual legal conference of the National LGBT Bar Association, as well as the Human Rights Campaign’s annual gala in Chicago and the 2014 Equality Illinois Gala.
Katten also has implemented a Supplier Diversity Program which actively promotes the use of businesses that are owned and operated by minorities, women, LGBT individuals, persons with disabilities and other diverse individuals.
