Baker Donelson has achieved a notable milestone by obtaining a perfect score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This prestigious index evaluates corporate practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality, asserting Baker Donelson’s status among 765 U.S. businesses to earn the Equality 100 Award for excellence in inclusivity. With 1,449 companies rated, this year’s CEI marks the highest participation since its inception in 2002.
Noah Kressler, chair of BakerPride, Baker Donelson’s LGBTQ resource group, expressed pride in the firm’s 100 rating, emphasizing the importance of an equitable environment for recruiting top talent. Providing such a supportive atmosphere not only empowers LGBTQ+ employees but also enhances the firm’s ability to deliver exceptional results to clients.
Timothy M. Lupinacci, the Firm’s chair and CEO, echoed Kressler’s sentiments, underscoring Baker Donelson’s commitment to fostering equality for all employees. The recognition from the HRCF highlights their dedication to creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ attorneys and staff.
RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, HRCF Senior Director of the Workplace Equality Program, remarked on the significance of the CEI as a tool to promote equitable workplaces. The growth in CEI participation underscores the business community’s expanding recognition of the value of diversity and inclusion, which is vital for attracting innovative talent and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals.
The 2025 CEI results reflect the ongoing efforts of U.S. companies in championing LGBTQ+ friendly policies both domestically and internationally. With a record 98% of participants offering nondiscrimination protections based on gender identity, the survey illustrates the progress made since the CEI’s beginning in 2002, where only 319 companies participated.
The CEI evaluates companies based on four key pillars: nondiscrimination policies, equitable benefits, inclusive culture, and corporate social responsibility. Baker Donelson’s inclusive environment embraces individuals irrespective of race, gender, or sexual orientation, facilitating legal guidance for diverse clients.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the HRC’s educational arm, works to advance equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. Through its programs, it tackles inequities and promotes understanding while emphasizing transgender and racial justice. Their efforts impact millions, driving inclusive policies and shaping the future of work through partnerships and advocacy.
Baker Donelson earned a 100 score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index, joining 765 businesses recognized for outstanding LGBTQ+ workplace inclusivity. Notable leaders from Baker Donelson expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the importance of equitable environments for recruitment and client success. As participation in the CEI grows, it underscores corporate America’s commitment to diversity and equality in the workplace.
Baker Donelson’s achievement of a perfect 100 score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index reflects its unwavering dedication to fostering workplace equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. This recognition highlights the importance of creating supportive environments that can attract and retain top talent across diverse backgrounds. As more companies participate in the CEI, the business landscape increasingly embodies values of inclusion, respect, and social responsibility for all.
The Corporate Equality Index (CEI), established by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, serves as a key benchmarking tool that assesses U.S. businesses on their commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. As societal views on diversity continue to evolve, the CEI aims to highlight and promote corporate policies that ensure fair and respectful treatment of LGBTQ+ employees. The trends revealed by the CEI indicate the growing commitment among U.S. companies to create inclusivity in the workplace.
Original Source: www.bakerdonelson.com
