McDermott Named Among the Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality
NEW YORK (January 8, 2007) — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released its annual list of the "Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality," naming McDermott Will & Emery among the 142 companies that achieved this honor. This recognition is given to companies who earn a 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, which measures policies and practices implemented to promote fairness and equality in the workplace for LGBT employees.
In early 2006, McDermott formalized its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Diversity Committee. Led by New York partner Lisa Linsky, the LGBT Diversity Committee's goal is to develop Firm-wide policies, programs and initiatives to maintain a supportive environment for all of our employees regardless of transgender or sexual orientation, gender identity or lifestyle choice.
"This is our version of the 'Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval' showing that these 142 companies have a philosophy of inclusion and are committed to fairness and equality for all Americans," said Joe Solmonese, HRC president. "Whether the seal is placed on recruiting materials used to attract new employees or prominently displayed at the entrance of a company’s store, this seal will act as a welcome mat for equality."
The 2006 HRC Corporate Equality Index rated companies on a scale of 0 to 100 percent on several factors, including whether they have a written non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation; support transgender employees with written non-discrimination policies and benefits; offer inclusive health insurance, bereavement and family leave policies to employees with same-sex partners; offer diversity training; have LGBT employee groups; engage in appropriate and respectful advertising to the LGBT community; contribute to LGBT community organizations; and decline to engage in any activities that would undermine the goal of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. A copy of the report and all ratings can be found at http://www.hrc.org/cei/.
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization with members throughout the country. For more information visit: http://www.hrc.org/.
McDermott Will & Emery’s commitment to diversity arises from this clear, simple and indisputable principle: diversity is necessary for us to achieve excellence in all aspects of providing services to our clients. The Firm has three diversity committees: the Racial & Ethnic Diversity Committee, the Gender Diversity Committee and the LGBT Diversity Committee, all of whose chairs report directly to the Firm’s management on recommendations for diversity-related policies, procedures and initiatives that they believe need to be pursued. These initiatives can range from hiring, retention and promotion to ensuring that diversity remains a key component in all major Firm-wide strategic decisions.
