McDermott's Sustained Commitment to Workplace Equality and Inclusivity Recognized by Human Rights Campaign

CHICAGO, March 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- McDermott Will & Emery has earned a 100 percent rating for the 2019 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) and maintained its designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality. This is the thirteenth consecutive year the Firm received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's national benchmarking tool in recognition of its inclusive work environment and equality of opportunity for all employees.

"At McDermott, everyone is encouraged to be their most authentic selves," said Michael Weaver, partner-in-charge for LGBTQ Diversity & Inclusion. "We are devoted to an inclusive culture for all LGBTQ attorneys and staff, and we work to ensure that every member of our team is respected, supported and inspired to exceed. Diversity – in all forms – is an important part of what makes us such a great law firm."

McDermott recognizes that by attracting and retaining top talent from a wide range of backgrounds, the Firm can offer the most innovative solutions for clients' toughest problems. As early as 2002, it extended domestic partner benefits to same-sex partners prior to marriage equality. In 2012, McDermott became one of the first law firms to offer full health coverage for transgender lawyers and staff. In 2018, the Firm achieved Mansfield Certification one year after announcing participation in the Mansfield Rule pilot program hosted by Diversity Lab. As part of "Mansfield 2.0," it will prioritize consideration for LGBTQ lawyers and measure diversity as a factor for determining roles in client pitch meetings.

"The top-scoring companies on this year's CEI are not only establishing policies that affirm and include employees here in the United States, they are applying these policies to their global operations and impacting millions of people beyond our shores," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "Many of these companies have also become vocal advocates for equality in the public square, including the dozens that have signed on to amicus briefs in vital Supreme Court cases and the more than 170 that have joined HRC's Business Coalition for the Equality Act. Time and again, leading American businesses have shown that protecting their employees and customers from discrimination isn't just the right thing to do -- it's also good for business."

The 2019 CEI evaluates 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. This year's CEI criteria were updated to reflect changing legal protections and emerging best practices in LGBTQ rights. To receive a 100 percent rating, participants must offer parity between different- and same-sex spouses and have coverage available for domestic partners of enrollees; participants must also have removed transgender exclusions from all benefits plans.

The 2019 Corporate Equality Index report is available here.

About McDermott

McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. With 20 locations on three continents, our team works seamlessly across practices, industries and geographies to deliver highly effective—and often unexpected—solutions that propel success. More than 1,100 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.

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