In order to provide the best possible service to our clients, we must hire, train, and retain the most talented attorneys. Part of this commitment includes fostering an environment in which all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) attorneys have the greatest opportunities to thrive. In 2007, Kirkland formed a LGBT Subcommittee of the Firmwide Diversity Committee to specifically address the needs and concerns of LGBT attorneys and staff.
Recognition
In 2009, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest advocacy group for LGBT Americans — gave Kirkland the first-ever "Award for Workplace Equality Innovation." The award honors businesses for a specific program that makes a positive difference to LGBT employees. Kirkland was recognized for its "ALLSA" Initiative, a program that formalizes the Firm's outreach to LGBT, racial/ethnic minority, and women law students by matching Kirkland attorneys with diverse student organizations across the country. Please click here to view a video presented at the 2009 HRC Awards Gala about Kirkland's innovative ALLSA program.
Kirkland also received a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index and Best Places to Work Survey in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Corporate Equality Index is a tool used by the HRC to rate companies on their treatment of LGBT employees, consumers, and clients.
LGBT-Related Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for domestic partners and their children
- Medical plans that encompass procedures specific to transgender employees
- Generous parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child
Support for LGBT-Related Organizations
The Firm supports organizations concerned with workplace equality and the rights of LGBT persons, including:
- AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
- American Civil Liberties Union — LGBT and AIDS Rights Project
- Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom
- Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
- Equality Illinois
- GAYLAW (LGBT Attorneys of Washington)
- Howard Brown Health Center
- Lambda Legal
- National Center for Lesbian Rights
- National LGBT Bar Association (Lavender Law)
- Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
- The Williams Institute
Representative Pro Bono Matters
- Kirkland is representing a gay student and his sister in an action in federal district court against the Indian River Central School District. The suit involves allegations of discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and sex, and challenges the school district's refusal to recognize a gay-straight student alliance as an official student group. Click here to see Lambda's press release on the case.
- Kirkland collaborated with The Williams Institute on a 50-state survey of laws regarding discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Kirkland represented a Colombian man in obtaining asylum after he fled to the United States to escape the persecution he suffered on the basis of his sexual orientation.
- Kirkland represented a client seeking coverage under his union health plan for gender reassignment surgery.
Selected LGBT Events Sponsored by Kirkland
ACLU LGBT and AIDS Project's Attorney Reception
In June 2008, Kirkland New York hosted the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) LGBT Project's 10th Annual Summer Attorney Reception. Nearly 500 members of the New York legal community, including partners, associates, and summer associates from dozens of firms, gathered to learn more about the Project's work and to network with others interested in LGBT rights.
Forum Conveniens
Kirkland is a major sponsor of Lambda Legal's annual "Forum Conveniens" event held in Chicago. The event brings together local attorneys for a happy hour at which Lambda attorneys speak about the importance of large law firms partnering with non-profit organizations to do pro bono work. Chicago's largest law firms attend Forum Conveniens and the event always draws a diverse crowd of hundreds of attorneys and summer associates concerned with LGBT issues.
Lavender Law
Kirkland is a sponsor of the National LGBT Bar Association's Annual Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair. Each year, numerous Kirkland attorneys attend the conference and meet with candidates for summer associate positions at the career fair. Kirkland has also provided funding to law student organizations to help their members attend the conference.
Please don't hesitate to contact LGBT Subcommittee Co-Chairs Elizabeth Deeley and Edward Sadtler if you would like more information.
