Chambers Names Robins Kaplan LLP Most Inclusive Law Firm for LGBT Lawyers at Inaugural Diversity Awards Ceremony

MINNEAPOLIS, MN—June 20, 2016—Robins Kaplan LLP^® was named the nation’s most inclusive law firm for LGBT lawyers at the first-ever Chambers Diversity Awards USA held June 16 in New York City.

The firm’s latest innovation, an internal Guidebook for Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace, promotes a culture of openness and understanding around transgender issues at the firm and contains a set of guidelines designed to empower firm personnel with tools to promote greater inclusion. Associate Lisa Beane, chair of the firm’s LGBT Resource Group and a lead drafter of the guidebook, was named a national finalist in Chambers Future Leader – LGBT Equality category.

The firm has also advocated for LGBT rights in its pro bono program, including in its representation of Jakob Rumble, a transgender man who allegedly faced discrimination during an emergency hospital visit. In Rumble v. Fairview Health Services and Emergency Physicians Group P.A., attorneys from Robins Kaplan and Gender Justice secured a groundbreaking ruling that the Affordable Care Act’s ban on sex discrimination can include discrimination on the basis of transgender status.

“Robins Kaplan is deeply committed to promoting an inclusive climate for LGBT members of the profession, and the population at large,” said Kellie Lerner, co-chair of the Diversity Committee at Robins Kaplan. “We are honored to have received such a prestigious award and are proud to call ourselves an ally of the LGBT community.”

Since 2009, the firm has scored 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. The firm also began hosting annual Pride Month celebrations at every one of its six offices across the country in 2009. This year, Pride Month celebrations promoted awareness of issues affecting LGBT homeless youth and raised funds for organizations serving that population in each local community where the firm has an office.

Chambers Diversity Awards provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of lawyers from non-traditional backgrounds and shine a spotlight on the firms and individuals affecting positive change in the profession. According to Chambers, “Winning a Chambers Diversity Award sets a remarkably high precedent, and marks an internationally recognized achievement of excellence in furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.”

The Chambers ceremony included several awards for companies and in-house legal departments. A complete list of winners can be found on Chambers website.