For the twelfth year in a row, Chapman and Cutler LLP received a perfect, 100% score on the 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), earning the firm a place among the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.
The report, released by the Human Rights Campaign today, ranked Chapman among the 767 companies, including 233 of the Fortune 500 and 135 of the nation’s top 200 law firms, with 100 percent scores, breaking last year’s record. The 2021 CEI rated a total of 166 law firms in the report, which evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, supporting an inclusive culture, and public engagement with and commitment to the LGBTQ community. In all categories, Chapman received the highest rating possible.
“Diversity and inclusion are priorities at Chapman,” said William Libit, Chapman’s Chief Operating Partner, member of the firm’s internal LGBTQ Attorneys Business Resource Group, and recent Crain's Chicago Business Notable LGBTQ Executives honoree. “I am proud of the work our attorneys and professional staff do to support the LGBTQ community through pro bono initiatives, community engagement, and client collaboration and education activities. In addition, Chapman remains committed to financially supporting the work of the firm, our attorneys, and the organizations that advance diversity, human rights, and equality. We are honored to join a significant number of our clients and the other corporate honorees in being recognized as leaders in LGBTQ equality.”
Chapman has long been committed to providing a fair and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ individuals. In 1998, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Equality Illinois gave Chapman a special commendation for providing insurance benefits for domestic partners and encouraging broader participation in civic and pro bono activities. Chapman attorneys participate in programs with Lambda Legal, a national non-profit organization committed to achieving full recognition of civil rights for LGBTQ people. Additionally, Chapman’s internal LGBTQ Attorneys Business Resource Group collaborates with client diversity and employee resource groups, assists in shaping firm policies and programs, and helps implement the firm’s strategic diversity initiatives, which are focused on recruiting and retaining diverse attorneys and staff. Chapman’s significant efforts include mentoring and sponsorship programs, recruiting/pipeline initiatives, and a supplier diversity program.
