(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was named a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and received a perfect score of 100 percent as part of its 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) report. The rating and report is based on an evaluation of the firm's policies and practices regarding LGBT employees.
"Katten has a history of commitment to ensuring that our policies and practices are inclusive and help promote a diverse culture within the firm," said Vincent A.F. Sergi, Katten Chairman.
Over the past decade, the HRC's CEI report has offered an in-depth analysis and rating of the policies, practices and benefits regarding LGBT employees at some of the largest employers in the nation. A total of 971 businesses were rated in the 2015 CEI report with regard to several criteria, including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community.
Katten offers progressive work benefits including healthcare, leave and other assistance that extend to same-sex partners—including tax gross-ups for those in states without marriage equality so that LGBT employees in those states can cover same-gender partners and their children without adverse tax impact.
The firm's LGBT Coalition helps promote a diverse culture in the firm related to sexual orientation and gender identity; assists with identifying innovative programs and initiatives the firm can take part in; and helps foster an inclusive environment for LGBT attorneys and new recruits.
"Katten provides support to its LGBT attorneys through its policies and practices, but also through employee training, diversity awareness initiatives, and sponsorship of networking and other significant community events," said Daniel Lange, Katten partner and co-chair of the LGBT Coalition. "The firm also actively recruits qualified LGBT candidates."
Katten has been proud to sponsor the Human Rights Campaign's annual Chicago gala, Lambda Legal's 2014 Bon Foster event and the Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair.
Additionally, Katten has represented, on a pro bono basis, LGBT individuals who have been victimized because of their sexual orientation as well as other underserved diverse populations throughout the country. 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.
