(CHICAGO) For the fifth consecutive year, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was recognized as one of the top Illinois law firms for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) inclusiveness and equality, according to the results of the 2017 Equality Illinois Law Firm Survey. The survey highlights law firms leading the way in providing a welcoming and fair work environment for LGBT employees and engaging with the LGBT community.

"Katten has a long history of inclusive policies and benefits that engender confidence in the firm's commitment to workplace equality and I'd like to thank Equality Illinois for regularly recognizing Katten's leadership in this regard," said Katten Chairman Roger P. Furey.

Katten offers a range of progressive work benefits, including healthcare, leave and other assistance that extend to same-sex partners. On a pro bono basis, Katten represents LGBT individuals in matters related to asylum, hate crimes, estate planning for people living with AIDS/HIV, and employment and transgender discrimination.

"Our LGBT employees play a key role in the success and vitality of our firm, and therefore, it has always been a priority that we maintain a workplace environment that welcomes and values diversity," said Katten Chief Diversity Officer Leslie D. Minier.

Katten actively recruits qualified LGBT candidates and supports and participates in a variety of LGBT conferences and events across the country. Next month, in connection with the National LGBT Bar Association's annual Lavender Law Career Fair in San Francisco, the firm will offer a retreat for LGBT attorneys, summer associates and incoming first-year associates to offer employees an opportunity to build and enhance professional relationships, identify business development opportunities, recruit high-potential candidates, and achieve a sense of community and inclusion.

"Katten supports LGBT attorneys at every stage of their career from recruitment through partnership," said Peter D. Ballance, Katten partner and co-chair of the LGBT Coalition. "In doing so, the firm has managed to create a very comfortable, respectful and inclusive environment that supports the balance of client service with family life and community involvement."

The firm's LGBT Coalition helps foster an inclusive environment for attorneys and recruits who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender by providing educational and business opportunities for LGBT attorneys and supporting organizations that work toward equal rights for these employees and their families in the broader community.

Top firms will be honored on August 1, 2017 at the Equality Illinois Raising the Bar recognition breakfast in Chicago as well as in the publication Raising the Bar: Law Firms Leading the Way to LGBT Equality, which highlights the survey findings and includes best practices for firms seeking to increase their workplace diversity and equality.