Our achievements in the area of diversity and inclusion have been nationally recognized.
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A-List: In 2017, The American Lawyer named Kirkland to the A-List, a ranking of the country's 20 most well-rounded law firms measured by their success in five core areas: financial performance, pro bono, diversity, associate satisfaction, and the percentage of women in the equity partnership. Kirkland was also named to the A-List in 2013–2016.
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50 Best Law Firms for Women: In 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Working Mother included Kirkland on its list of the 50 Best Law Firms for Women. The list honors U.S. law firms for their excellence in creating flexibility and professional development programs designed to retain women and to advance them into the leadership pipeline.
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100 Percent Score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index (CEI): 100 Percent Score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index (CEI): Kirkland received a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign 2018 Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. This is the tenth year in a row Kirkland received this honor.
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HRC Award for Workplace Equality Innovation: In 2009, Kirkland was given the first-ever "Award for Workplace Equality Innovation" by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest advocacy group for LGBT Americans.
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LCLD Top Performer: In 2017, for the fourth year, Kirkland was named a Top Performer by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). The designation recognizes LCLD member organizations that go “above and beyond to participate in LCLD and support its mission of creating a more inclusive legal profession.”
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Top Illinois Law Firm for LGBTQ Inclusiveness and Equality: In 2017, Equality Illinois recognized Kirkland as one of the top Illinois law firms for LGBT inclusiveness and equality. This is the eighth year in a row that Equality Illinois has honored Kirkland for providing a safe and fair work environment for LGBT employees and for engaging with the LGBT community.
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Top Ten Family Friendly Firm: Yale Law Women named Kirkland to its 2015 Top 10 Family Friendly Firms list. The annual list examines family-friendliness indicators such as part-time and flex-time options, caregiver leave policies and childcare availability, and indicators of gender equality in partnership promotions and composition of leadership committees. Kirkland was selected for category honors in Family Leave: Highest Number of Weeks Offered for Both Primary and Secondary Caregiver Leave; Family Leave: Equal Access to Parental Leave, Regardless of Gender or Primary/Secondary Caregiver Status; and Family Leave: Highest Percentage of Men Partners and Associates Taking Caregiver Leave. Kirkland was previously honored as a Top 10 Family Friendly Firm in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2014.
On a regular basis, the Firm publishes Diversity Digest, a Firmwide newsletter highlighting updates on Kirkland's diversity initiatives and commitments, upcoming diversity programs and sponsorships, and individual and institutional achievements related to diversity.