Demonstrating the firm’s continuing commitment to diversity, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP earned a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) sixth annual “Corporate Equality Index.” The HRC, which is the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) rights organization, uses the Corporate Equality Index as a tool to rate American businesses on how they treat GLBT employees, consumers and investors. Kramer Levin is one of only four New York City law firms and one of 27 law firms nationwide to receive the HRC’s 100 percent perfect rating.
“We take great pride in this top score,” said Paul Pearlman, Kramer Levin’s managing partner. “Kramer Levin has always believed in the value of diversity in the workplace and that discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, has no place in our firm.”
In addition to providing generous benefits to its employees without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity, Kramer Levin has played a leading role in pro bono GLBT rights litigation for over a decade. The firm served as co-counsel with Lambda Legal in Hernandez v. Robles, which sought equal marriage rights for same-sex couples under New York law, and is currently litigating several cases involving respect in New York for marriages of same-sex couples entered into in other jurisdictions. Kramer Levin also submitted amicus briefs in Boy Scouts v. Dale and Lawrence v. Texas, two landmark GLBT cases before the United States Supreme Court; litigated the case that established second parent adoption rights under Delaware law; and obtained asylum for GLBT people fleeing persecution in their homelands and seeking refuge in the United States.
“I am proud to be part of a firm that recognizes the importance of equitable policies in the workplace and remains dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment,” said openly gay litigation partner Norman C. Simon. “Kramer Levin’s extensive GLBT work speaks volumes about the firm’s true commitment to equality.”
The 2007 HRC Corporate Equality Index ratings were based on several questions that assess whether companies have a written non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation; support transgender employees with written non-discrimination policies and benefits; offer inclusive health insurance, bereavement and family leave policies to employees with same-sex partners; offer diversity training; have GLBT employee groups; engage in appropriate and respectful advertising to the GLBT community; contribute to GLBT community organizations; and decline to engage in any activities that would undermine the goal of equal rights for GLBT people.