Goodwin was named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, receiving a perfect score of 100 on the organization’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index Report. The Corporate Equality Index is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Goodwin joins the ranks of 545 major US businesses that also earned top marks this year.
To earn a score of 100, employers must meet criteria falling under four central pillars: non-discrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; and corporate social responsibility.
“For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Senior Director of Workplace Equality.
Goodwin has expanded its commitment to creating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through efforts such as Pride@Goodwin, which focuses on recruiting, retaining, and advancing LGBTQ+ talent throughout all levels of the firm. Goodwin hosts an annual Pride retreat and sponsors several events throughout the year, such as the GLAD Spirit of Justice Award Dinner, The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair, and Lambda Legal. The firm also has a long history of partnering with GLAD to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more.