Denotes America's Best Organizations for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Workers

MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 8, 2007) – Dorsey & Whitney policies and practices in support of workplace equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees make it one of 12 U.S. law firms designated “Best Places to Work,” according to a national GLBT civil rights organization.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation provides the designation to employers who score 100 percent on its “Corporate Equality Index,” a measure of policies and practices implemented to promote workplace fairness and equality for GLBT employees.

"This is our version of the 'Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval' showing that these 142 companies have a philosophy of inclusion and are committed to fairness and equality for all Americans," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

Dorsey achieved a perfect rating on 10 index measures, including: having a written non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation and sexual identity; providing diversity training; offering inclusive health insurance, bereavement, and family leave policies to employees with same-sex partners; providing health benefits to transgender employees; having GLBT employee groups; and engaging in respectful advertising to the GLBT community.

“We’re proud of this recognition, which reflects Dorsey’s 100 percent commitment to having a workplace in which people feel included and welcomed,” said Melissa Raphan, a Dorsey partner and co-chair of the firm’s global diversity initiative.

The diversity commitment is essential to recruiting top lawyers today, points out Dorsey associate attorney Eric Peterson, who serves on the firm’s recruiting committee and is an active member of the Dorsey GLBT group. In 2001, Peterson looked at law firms’ diversity commitments when evaluating job offers. “It was important to me to find a firm that offered the type of practice and clients I was interested in,” he said. “But the culture of the workplace was also a factor. I long ago decided to be ‘out’ at work, so it was important to find a firm that would be respectful and supportive. At Dorsey, I have that.”

A complete listing of the 2007 "Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality” is available at HRC.org