Foley & Lardner has again achieved a 100 percent ranking on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2019 Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer workplace equality.
The firm’s top rating was based on several initiatives, including:
- Ensuring full spousal and partner health care coverage parity
- Affirming coverage for transition-related care and eliminating all “transgender exclusions” from plans
- Ensuring full LGBTQ inclusion in diverse supply chain programs
The 2019 CEI rated nearly 1000 businesses across the country including Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer’s top 200-revenue grossing law firms and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses. Businesses were evaluated on LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. Foley’s satisfaction of all CEI criteria resulted in a 100 percent ranking and designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality. For more information on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a copy of the full report, visit the Corporate Equality Index website.
“Foley is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion. We believe that such an environment not only strengthens our firm, but also benefits our clients, as we can provide a broader spectrum of perspective and experience. It’s not enough to hire attorneys and staff of different nationalities, races, genders and sexual orientations—everyone needs to feel like they are truly welcome, safe and free to be themselves in the workplace,” said Foley Chief Diversity & Inclusion Partner Eileen Ridley and co-lead of the firm’s LGBTQA Affinity Group.
Foley has formally demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusion by creating a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan in 2017, which is embedded throughout the firm and focuses on associate development, retention, leadership development and training. “As we implement our plan over the few years, we will continue to make strides towards inclusion and champion equal opportunity in the LGBTQ community,” Ridley added.
Jack Lord, a partner and co-lead of the firm’s LGBTQA Affinity Group, said: “Foley & Lardner and, in particular, the members of our engaged LGBTQA Affinity Group are proud to again receive the highest rating on HRC’s CEI. Our Affinity Group actively supports Diversity and Inclusion within the firm in many ways: Recruiting and retaining LGBTQ individuals, supporting LGBTQ individuals in receiving the best work and advancement opportunities available and providing pro bono efforts for LGBTQ individuals and groups. Our allies in the Affinity Group and throughout the firm also provide us with strong support – and acceptance. We thank the leadership of Foley & Lardner for creating an environment at the firm that makes it truly a best place to work for LGBTQ persons.”
Foley has been recognized by clients and the legal industry for its strong commitment to client service excellence and innovation. The firm is frequently honored for its commitment to providing a workplace where all attorneys and staff have the opportunity to grow and thrive.