(December 1, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, earned the top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the 15th consecutive year. The firm joins the ranks of 545 major U.S. businesses who also earned top marks in this year’s benchmarking survey and report, which measures corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
“Receiving the top score on the Corporate Equality Index for 15 successive years truly shows Littler’s long-standing dedication to inclusion, equity and diversity, and we are extremely honored,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “Fostering an inclusive culture is a fundamental part of who we are as a firm, and we remain committed to providing a place that allows our employees to bring their whole and authentic selves to work every day.”
Littler’s efforts in satisfying all the CEI’s criteria earned a score of 100 and the designation as a recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. The CEI evaluates employers providing crucial protections to over 20 million U.S. workers and an additional 18 million outside of the U.S. in the following areas: non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, supporting an inclusive culture, and corporate social responsibility.
“For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Sr Director of Workplace Equality. “Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking, and collaborating on ways for businesses to support the LGBTQ+ community at a time when we face unprecedented legislative attacks, heightened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and physical violence. The CEI is an ever-evolving tool – a blueprint that companies can use to show up more effectively in supporting their LGBTQ+ employees and their families.”
Littler offers a number of inclusion, equity and diversity programs, including the firm’s Pride affinity group who supports professional growth and a platform for networking for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies. Additionally, members of the firm hold leadership roles within Out Leadership, the LGBTQ+ Bar Association, and other organizations that focus on advancing opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community.
Littler continues to set the industry standard for its inclusive and equitable policies, practices and programs, which have been recognized by organizations such as The American Lawyer, Law360 and Vault, among others. A full list of the firm’s accolades can be found on Littler.com.
About Littler
With more than 1,800 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.