(January 7, 2025) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRCF) 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This is the 16th consecutive year the firm has earned a perfect score and joins 765 major U.S. businesses who will be honored with HRCF’s Equality 100 Award as Leaders in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.
"We are truly honored to receive this designation from HRCF once again, which further affirms Littler’s unwavering commitment to cultivating an inclusive workplace for all of our employees,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, chief inclusion, equity & diversity officer, in a joint statement. “Our culture is firmly rooted in the principles of inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D) to ensure our employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have the opportunity to excel in their careers."
Littler's efforts in meeting all of the CEI’s criteria earned the firm a perfect score of 100 and the Equality 100 Award with the designation of being a Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. The CEI evaluates employers who offer essential protections to over 22 million U.S. workers, based on its four core pillars: non-discrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; and corporate social responsibility.
“The CEI is so much more than a score on paper. For decades businesses have relied on the CEI as a tool for transparency and leveling the playing field for all workers, making sure LGBTQ+ people and their families can share in fair, respectful and supportive workplaces and benefits,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, SHRM-CP, HRCF Senior Director of Workplace Equality. “As conversations evolve on corporate America’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that largely recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion. Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking. The work of the CEI is to help businesses to expand their consumer base and attract top, innovative talent by supporting the LGBTQ+ community.”
Littler provides numerous IE&D initiatives and programs, such as the firm’s Pride affinity group, which offers support, development and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ attorneys and their allies. Firm members also actively participate in and hold leadership roles within organizations like Out Leadership and the LGBTQ+ Bar Association, which are dedicated to enhancing opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition, Littler consistently sets the benchmark for industry-leading IE&D policies, practices and programs, which have been recognized by numerous prestigious organizations, including The American Lawyer, Law360 and Vault, among others. For a comprehensive list of the firm’s awards and recognitions, please visit Littler.com.
About Littler
With more than 1,800 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.