Global law firm White & Case LLP has received a score of 90 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, a benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality in the US. The Firm is one of nearly 1,400 major businesses, including Fortune 500 companies and AmLaw 100 firms, ranked in this year's survey.
The Corporate Equality Index rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families
- Supporting an inclusive culture
- Corporate social responsibility
This year's survey shows that a record-breaking 1,340 businesses have non-discrimination protections specific to gender identity, up from just 17 in 2002. The index rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 20 million US workers and an additional 18 million outside of the country.
Binoy Dharia, partner and chair of the Firm's Global Diversity Committee, said: "We are incredibly pleased with our score for the 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, especially considering this year's more stringent criteria. This also marks the fifteenth year White & Case has participated in the survey, which showcases the longstanding efforts of the Firm to promote equality and inclusion for our LGBTQ+ colleagues across our global network. We look forward to continuing this effort and to making improvements wherever needed."
RaShawn "Shawnie" Hawkins, senior director of workplace equality at Human Rights Campaign, said: "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 Corporate Equality Index participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion."
