Shook Shines for LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality 13 Years in a Row

Shook is proud to be noted among “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” and honored to receive a 100% ranking in the Corporate Equality Index for 2021 by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). HRC is the largest nonprofit in the nation dedicated to advancing LGBTQ rights in the United States. This advocacy organization is “leading the fight for LGBTQ rights” through the goal of “every LGBTQ person is free to live their life openly, with their equal rights ensured.” The ranking was based on the following criteria: 

• Workforce Protections
• Inclusive Benefits
• Supporting an Inclusive Culture & Corporate Social Responsibility

These criteria focus on workplace culture for employees who identify as LGBTQ in allowing them equal access to medical benefits for themselves and their partner as well as creating a safe working environment to embrace gender identity and expression. Diversity & Inclusion is key at Shook for upholding the firm vision statement of creating “a diverse environment where everyone is respected, feels appreciated and experiences fulfillment and enjoyment through meaningful contributions.” Shook is a proud member of the HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act.  

“LGBTQ attorneys and professional staff are valued team members at Shook, across all our practice groups and support staff in our 16 cities,” stated Shook Chair Madeleine McDonough. “We welcome the recognition from the HRC for 13 consecutive years and hope to inspire other firms to make a similar commitment. It improves the client experience to have true diversity within the teams that represent them every day.”

Shook Partner John Lewis, Jr. leads the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts as chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives. Shook is committed to advancing all persons and creating an environment where inclusion is not about asking people to fit in, it’s about creating a space where everyone belongs. In 2020, Shook was also recognized by Working Mother magazine for inclusion in its list of “50 Best Law Firms for Women.”