Ballard Spahr Lands Maximum Score on Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ Policies and Benefits

Ballard Spahr has scored 100, the highest possible rating, on the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the foremost national benchmarking tool for inclusive policies, practices, and benefits for LGBTQIA+ employees.

The CEI is formulated and issued by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a nonprofit organization that advocates for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people. The index framework focuses on four key pillars: nondiscrimination policies, equitable health care benefits, inclusive internal culture, and corporate social responsibility.

Lane Powell, which combined with Ballard Spahr effective January, 1, 2025, also scored 100 on the 2025 CEI, released today. Ballard Spahr and Lane Powell are among 765 U.S. businesses that earned the HRC’s Equality 100 Award this year as Leaders in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion, a record number of companies honored for scores of 100.

This year’s record CEI participation includes more than 1,400 businesses, with 98 percent—another record high—reporting they have nondiscrimination protections specific to gender identity. The results showcase the growth in LGBTQIA+ friendly workplace policies among companies.

“Our firm’s support for LGBTQIA+ individuals is steadfast, within the firm and in our communities more broadly,” Ballard Spahr Chair Peter V. Michaud said. “Personally and on behalf of the firm, we are grateful to the Human Rights Campaign for focusing attention on this issue.

“Congratulations and kudos, as well, to our new colleagues from Lane Powell for achieving the highest possible score on this year’s index. Now, we are working together as one firm to continue and advance our commitment to equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals and community.”

Ballard Spahr is a recognized leader in progressive policies, practices, culture, and benefits for LGBTQIA+ lawyers and staff. The firm’s business resource groups (BRGs) include Equality Ballard: LGBTQIA+ Colleagues and Allies. The group provides support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies within the firm, from professional mentoring and leadership training to business development coaching and networking.

Ballard Spahr’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department, led by Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Virginia G. Essandoh, works with the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and both internal and external stakeholders to design and implement the firm’s wide-ranging diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, programs, and strategic goals in order to embed the concepts into firm culture.

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