Seattle – Global law firm K&L Gates LLP has earned a top score of 100 points on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This marks the 12th consecutive time that K&L Gates has achieved a top score, as such also receiving the designation as a Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the organization for satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria.

The CEI rates companies and top law firms 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; and corporate social responsibility.

“We’re delighted to receive a perfect score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index for the 12th year in a row,” said Pallavi Wahi, K&L Gates’ co-managing partner, United States, and chairwoman of the firm’s diversity committee. “This recognition is a direct result of the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion among our people and as part of our culture.”

The firm sponsors and participates in a number of diversity-related programs. Internally, these include the firm’s establishment of a global policy recognizing diversity hours for its lawyers; a Conversation About Race speaker series focusing on the lingering effects of inequality and systemic racism in society; an equal justice pro bono effort to provide pro bono assistance in areas of particular need, such as voting rights, criminal justice reform, and the rights of indigenous peoples; and a Pathway to Success client development program with Ms. JD to aid the firm’s women and diverse associates in building their careers. Among external organizations the firm supports are Diversity Council Australia, Equality Campaign Australia, the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL), the National Bar Association, the National LGBT Bar Association, and the Stonewall (UK) Global Diversity Champions Program.

To read more about K&L Gates’ commitment and approach to diversity and inclusion, please visit the firm’s website. For more information on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.