For 17 consecutive years, international law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP has received a 100% rating — a perfect score — on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). 

The CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Dorsey is among 545 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year. 

“We believe everyone should be able to bring their whole self to work,” said Dorsey Managing Partner Bill Stoeri. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as we continue to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and contribute.” 

This year’s recognition follows several important changes Dorsey made to policies and benefit offerings as part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion: 

  • Dorsey established and integrated Gender Expression & Transition Guidelines, aimed at assisting gender non-conforming and transgender members of the Firm in navigating workplace transitions. These guidelines also provide clear guidance for the colleagues, managers, and Human Resource partners of transitioning employees on their respective roles in the process.
  • Dorsey implemented a Pronoun Policy that encourages lawyers and business professionals to voluntarily share their pronouns. This includes incorporating pronouns in email signatures, Zoom profiles, and introductions, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.
  • Dorsey updated its Personal Appearance Policy to include language that clarifies that Dorsey’s appearance standards do not restrict clothing or appearance on the basis of gender and that Transgender and gender non-conforming lawyers and business professionals can comply with the Firm’s dress code by dressing in a work-appropriate manner that is consistent with their gender identity or gender expression.

The results of the 2023-2024 CEI showcase how 1,384 U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., and also how those CEI-rated companies with global operations are helping advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces abroad. Dorsey’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.

The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 20 million U.S. workers and an additional 18 million abroad. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.

The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.