Missouri firms rank high on workplace equality index

A dozen law firms either headquartered in Missouri or with a footprint in the state received top marks for their commitment to fostering LGBTQ equality in the workplace.

On Jan. 21, the Human Rights Campaign issued its annual Corporate Equality Index for 2020.

The index, which began in 2002, rates companies on their non-discrimination policies, employee benefits, public commitment to LGBTQ equality and supporting an inclusive culture. Companies with a 100 percent score also receive the designation of Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

Seven Missouri-based law firms received a 100 percent score: Armstrong Teasdale; Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner; Husch Blackwell; Polsinelli; Shook, Hardy & Bacon; Stinson; and Thompson Coburn.

Five firms based in other states but with offices in Missouri also received a 100 percent score. They include Arent Fox, of Washington, D.C.; Dentons, of Washington, D.C.; Kutak Rock, of Omaha, Nebraska; Littler Mendelson, of San Francisco; and Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart of Greenville, South Carolina.

One Kansas City-based firm, Lathrop GPM, received a 95 percent score. The New York City-based Hughes, Hubbard & Reed, which has a Kansas City office, received a 90 percent score.