Ballard Spahr Scores 100% on LGBTQ+ Corporate Equality Index - For Fifth Year in a Row

Ballard Spahr LLP issued the following announcement on Jan. 27.

For the fifth consecutive year, Ballard Spahr has achieved a 100 percent rating in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s premier benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices on LGBTQ+ workplace equality.

Ballard Spahr’s perfect rating in the 2022 edition of the index recognizes the firm’s benefits and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees and their families. By satisfying all of the CEI criteria, Ballard Spahr earned the designation of a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.”

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

• Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
• Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families;
• Support of an inclusive culture; and,
• Corporate social responsibility.

The Human Rights Campaign works to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the HRC, America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

Ballard Spahr’s diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment is informed by research, self-examination, and the evolving needs of lawyers, staff, and clients. The firm’s action plan includes dozens of initiatives across recruitment, retention, professional development, promotion, and firm leadership. The firm’s business resource groups include Equality Ballard: LGBTQIA+ Colleagues and Allies, which provides opportunities for business development and pro bono outreach to the LGBTQIA+ community while maintaining a supportive internal environment.

“Ballard Spahr is committed to increasing equity and inclusion because they create a diverse and well-rounded law firm that unlocks the potential of diverse talent and deliver superior results for clients,” said Virginia G. Essandoh, the firm’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. “We’re proud to be recognized for our commitment to equity and equality for LGBTQIA+ members of the Ballard community and the community at large.”

Original source can be found here.