Pepper Hamilton Receives 100 Percent Rating on 2017 Corporate Equality Index
Pepper Hamilton has achieved a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index for 2017. This is the fifth year the firm has received a perfect score and been designated as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.
The 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), which was released on December 5, is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, including nondiscrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community.
The 2017 report rated 1,043 businesses, with a record 517 receiving a perfect score. Among major U.S. law firms, 112 firms earned a 100 percent rating in the CEI, putting the legal industry ahead of all other business sectors in LGBT inclusion policies.
Thomas J. Cole, Jr., managing partner at Pepper Hamilton, said, "We are committed to an inclusive workplace at Pepper, where diverse lawyers and staff are valued and given opportunities for growth. We are proud that the Human Rights Campaign has recognized this commitment by awarding Pepper a top rating on the Corporate Equality Index and including the firm on its list of Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality."
Led by Pepper partner Nicholas M. Kouletsis, Pepper Pride, the firm's LGBT Affinity Group is open to all lawyers and staff and their allies within the firm. The group provides a forum and serves as an advisory body with respect to all matters of concern to the Pepper LGBT community, as well as a support and social network.
For more information on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, visit www.hrc.org/cei.
About The Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC
strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Content contributed by attorneys of Troutman Sanders LLP and Pepper Hamilton LLP prior to July 1, 2020, is included here, together with content contributed by attorneys of Troutman Pepper (the combined entity) after the merger date.