(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was recognized as one of the top Illinois law firms that is setting the bar in the area of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality by Equality Illinois as a result of the 2012 Equality Illinois Law Firm Survey.

“At Katten, we’ve always aimed to ensure that inclusion of all groups is a priority and that we maintain a workplace environment that welcomes and values diversity,” said Vincent A. F. Sergi, Katten’s national managing partner.

Katten offers progressive health care and other work benefits that extend to same-sex partners, including tax gross-ups so that LGBT employees can cover their partners and children without adverse tax consequences.

The firm has a GLBT Coalition that promotes a diverse culture in the firm related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and helps foster an inclusive environment for LGBT attorneys and new recruits.

“Katten’s GLBT Coalition works to help LGBT attorneys inside and outside of the firm form lasting business relationships by sponsoring networking events and other large events in the community,” said Daniel Lange, Katten partner and co-chair of the GLBT Coalition. “The firm encourages an inclusive working environment and actively recruits qualified LGBT talent by partnering with organizations including LGBT groups at local law schools, the National LGBT Bar Association and the Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair.”

Katten has been proud to partner with the Joffrey Ballet and the Center on Halsted as the corporate sponsor of the Joffrey’s LGBT affinity nights. The firm also sponsors the Human Rights Campaign’s annual gala in Chicago and the Chicago United Bridge Awards Dinner.

Additionally, Katten’s Supplier Diversity Program actively promotes the use of businesses that are owned and operated by minorities, women, LGBT individuals, persons with disabilities and other diverse individuals.

“Katten understands that maintaining a diverse workplace requires consistent and ongoing efforts to attract and recruit diverse employees,” said Leslie Minier, Katten’s chief diversity officer. “The firm is committed to providing a progressive work environment that is inclusive of all groups. Diversity is important not only because it strengthens the firm overall, but also because our clients increasingly demand it.”

Katten is also strongly committed to pro bono service, and the firm’s attorneys have worked to represent clients who have been victimized due to their sexual orientation. For example, litigation partner Alyx Pattison was named the July 2012 Volunteer of the Month by Illinois Legal Aid Online based in part on her work with a Jordanian woman who risked persecution in her home country because of her sexual orientation and her efforts on behalf of transgender inmates in Wisconsin who were being denied care for medical conditions.

Katten will also be included in the Equality Illinois publication “Raising the Bar: Recognizing Best Practices in Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining LGBT Employees.” This publication highlights top firms, publicizes the survey findings, and includes best practices for firms seeking to increase their workplace diversity and inclusion.