Stinson Earns a Top 100 Score in Corporate Equality Index for the Third Year in a Row

01.21.2020

Stinson LLP was recognized today for a score of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign's 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the firm's workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, inclusive health care benefits and public engagement in the LGBTQ community. This is the third consecutive year for this top score.

"Creating and supporting a diverse and welcoming culture is a core Stinson value and it enables our attorneys, staff and especially our clients to feel welcome and to thrive," said Mark Hinderks, Stinson's managing partner. “We are devoted to being a true leader in the legal industry and broader community for LGBTQ equality."

Stinson’s LGBTQ initiatives include partnerships and financial support for the National LGBT Bar Association, Kansas City Lesbian Gay and Allied Lawyers (KC LEGAL), Minnesota Lavender Bar Association, Mid-America Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; a commitment to education through Continuing Legal Education LGBT legal seminars; dedicated recruitment of LGBTQ attorneys and staff and continued engagement through our LGBTQ Employee Resource Group.

A CEI Score of 100 is an important element of Stinson's strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives, which are led by Ann Jenrette-Thomas, chief diversity and inclusion officer.

"As an openly gay law firm executive, I take great pride in this recognition, knowing that it signals to LGBTQ individuals that Stinson is a place where you can thrive," Jenrette-Thomas said. "We constantly push ourselves to be a legal industry diversity and inclusion leader. We worked proactively to adopt gender transition guidelines, create a welcoming environment for our LGBTQ attorneys and staff through our LGBT ERG, support our attorneys, staff and their families with inclusive policies and benefits, and ensure equal employment opportunities for all.”

Stinson joins leading U.S. businesses in supporting the LGBTQ community who earned top marks this year from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The foundation serves as the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.

“The impact of the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe,” said HRC President Alphonso David.