Fish & Richardson Earns High Marks in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index

Fish & Richardson has scored 95 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.

“We are proud to score highly in this year’s Corporate Equality Index,” said Director of Diversity & Inclusion Whitney Smallwood. “Fish’s ranking as a premier IP law firm is a reflection of the diversity of our people and their vast backgrounds, perspectives, and talents. We recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where firm members can thrive and where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.”

“For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Sr Director of Workplace Equality.

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: non-discrimination policies across business entities, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, supporting an inclusive culture, and corporate social responsibility. The 2023-2024 CEI results showcase how U.S.-based companies promote LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad. Each year, the Human Rights Campaign works with top corporations, law firms, and leaders, helping them break new ground in workplace equality.

“It is wonderful to see Fish’s dedication to advancing diversity in the workplace recognized by the Human Rights Campaign,” said Jeremy Saks, principal and chair of RainbowFish, Fish’s affinity group for LGBTQ+ firm members. “I am proud to work for an organization that fully supports and champions the rights of our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies.”

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are a top priority for Fish. The firm promotes a creative and inclusive culture that values the diversity of people, experiences, perspectives, talents, and capabilities. Deeply embedded within Fish’s culture are a host of affinity and allyship groups as well as educational programs. In addition to RainbowFish, Fish has an Allyship affinity group that strives to remove barriers that impede diverse employees from contributing their talents to the community.