Manatt Earns Top Marks in 2010 Corporate Equality Index

Firm scores 100 in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Eighth Annual Survey.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, earned the top rating of 100 percent in the 2010 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.  Manatt joins the ranks of 305 other major U.S. businesses that get top marks for their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees and consumers.

With more than 800 employees in eight offices across the country, this is Manatt’s third consecutive appearance on the list and its second year receiving a perfect score.

“At Manatt, diversity is an essential part of the way we do business,” said William T. Quicksilver, the firm’s chief executive officer and managing partner.  “A progressive workplace that ensures all voices and points of view are valued and respected is integral to our success.  We are honored by the Human Rights Campaign’s recognition.” 

HRC Foundation President Joe Solmonese said that the 2010 Corporate Equality Index “shows that, even in the most challenging economy, leading employers are forging ahead of federal and state law to recruit and retain a diverse workforce — regardless of employees’ sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.” 

“While Congress considers a federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression,” Solmonese said, businesses like Manatt “set an example for all U.S. employers, including the federal government.”

Jack S. Yeh, firmwide Diversity chair, noted that “Manatt’s inclusive culture is the product of deliberate focus and design.  Supporting our LGBT colleagues is an important part of that effort.  We are proud of our perfect score on the HRC's Corporate Equality Index (for a second year) and are honored by the recognition.” 

In total, the CEI rated 590 employers, evaluating LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination policies, transgender health benefits, and domestic partner benefits.  Manatt’s efforts in ensuring LGBT equality in each of the survey’s main criterion earned it the prestigious 100 percent ranking. 

For more information on the 2010 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, click here.