New York, NY – November 16, 2017 – National law firm Lowenstein Sandler is proud to announce that it has received a perfect score on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The national benchmarking report, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, is based on a survey of corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality. Lowenstein Sandler also received a perfect score in last year's report.

"Acknowledgements like this are extremely meaningful, as they provide external validation of the hard work we devote to LGBTQ workplace equality and its importance for our firm," said Gary M. Wingens, Lowenstein Sandler's Chairman and Managing Partner. "Receiving a 100 percent score on this survey for the past two years demonstrates the success of our efforts and our commitment to our employees."

Lowenstein Sandler was one of 160 law firms surveyed as part of the 16th edition of the report, and the firm's perfect score reflected many of its accomplishments from the past year, including:

  • Pro bono efforts with the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) to represent transgender people in their petitions to change their legal name, as well as an amicus brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, arguing that the public accommodations laws demand compliance by commercial businesses despite any objections to serving same-sex couples.
  • Continued internal firm training programs on transgender issues for all employees
  • Equal benefits for same sex/opposite sex spouses and domestic partners
  • A benefit of $5,000 toward adoption costs for all employee couples
  • Pride Month events, including the creation of first night kits for LGBTQ runaways in shelters
  • LGBTQ Law School dinners at New Jersey and California universities
  • The observance of Spirit Day across the firm on October 19 in support of anti-bullying efforts


"Our pro bono work with the LGBTQ community, along with our community service initiatives and tailored training, distinguish Lowenstein Sandler as a firm -- and have led to our continued top marks from CEI," said Donatella Verrico, the firm's Chief Human Resources Officer. "In these deeply polarized times, Lowenstein Sandler is determined to be a force for good, by educating our employees on LGBTQ issues and providing them with opportunities to assist the community and foster lasting inclusivity."

About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Lowenstein Sandler
Lowenstein Sandler is a national law firm with approximately 300 lawyers based in New York, Palo Alto, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.