Williams Mullen Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index

Williams Mullen is proud to announce that the firm received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), which has been described by the organization as the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.

Williams Mullen joins the ranks of 545 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year and the designation as a recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. 

The firm is one of three Richmond-headquartered businesses to receive a score of 100,  joining Altria Group, Inc. and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. 

“Williams Mullen is pleased to receive a sixth consecutive top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index,” said Woody Fowler, president and CEO of Williams Mullen. “A diverse and inclusive workplace makes us better at what we do – serving our clients and our communities.”

“Our strong result reflects the collaboration of our D&I team and firm leadership working together to ensure our activities, policies and benefits consider our LGBTQ+ employees,” said Robby Lawson, partner, chair of Williams Mullen’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and member of the firm’s LGBTQ+ affinity group.

The results of this year’s CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad. The first year of the CEI included 319 participants, and the 2023-2024 CEI now includes 1,384 participants. Further demonstrating the tremendous trajectory of the CEI, a record-breaking 1,340 businesses have non-discrimination protections specific to gender identity.

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.

For more information on the 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.