Score Acknowledges the Firm’s Commitment to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Employees  

SAN FRANCISCO/ September 2, 2008 -- Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the nation’s largest labor and employment law firm representing management, scored a 2009 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) rating of a perfect 100. The top rating, which was given to the firm by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation–the educational arm of the nation’s largest advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) Americans–denotes Littler as one of its Best Places to Work.  

The HRC Foundation, which this year rated a total of 583 businesses in its seventh annual CEI report, measures the extent to which employers protect and support GLBT employees in the workplace. Ratings are based on factors such as non-discrimination policies, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity training, and employer-provided benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees.  

“Littler is dedicated to diversity in the workplace and we are proud to have earned a top rating and to be designated one of the Best Places to Work by the HRC Foundation,” notes Marko Mrkonich, president and managing director at Littler. “We are continually striving to implement and execute programs that ensure Littler is a progressive, welcoming place to work and to create an environment that is inclusive for today’s diverse employee groups.”  

Littler’s perfect score was based on information submitted by the firm, as well as independent research conducted by the HRC Foundation. Some initiatives implemented this year that contributed to high marks include the formation of a GLBT affinity group, an inaugural event for the GLBT affinity group in San Francisco to be held this week, sponsorship of the Lavender Law Conference and the development of a groundbreaking firm video focused on inclusion of GLBT attorneys and staff members.  

"The 2009 Corporate Equality Index shows that corporate America understands that a diverse workforce is critical to remaining successful and competitive," said HRC Foundation President Joe Solmonese. "In the absence of a federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, it is up to employers to take the lead and implement policies that ensure all their employees are protected."  

About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Founded in 1980, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation advocates on behalf of GLBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about GLBT issues. As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of more than 725,000 members and supporters nationwide.  

About Littler Mendelson
With more than 700 attorneys and 45 offices in major metropolitan area nationwide, Littler Mendelson is the largest firm in the country exclusively devoted to representing management in employment, employee benefits, and labor law matters. The firm’s client base ranges from Fortune 500 companies to small-business owners.  Established in 1942, the firm has litigated, mediated and negotiated some of the most influential cases and labor contracts in the nation’s history. For more information, visit littler.com.