LGBT Lawyers

King & Spalding is committed to having the brightest and most diverse lawyers it can find, including members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. We work hard to foster and maintain an environment where our lawyers can provide the highest level of legal service while being true to themselves in the process. The firm's non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Further, domestic partner benefits are offered for same-sex couples.

Recognitions

• Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index Rating of 95 out of 100 (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011).

Facts and Figures

King & Spalding encourages and supports its partners, counsel, and associates taking leadership roles in organizations serving the LGBT community:

• Partner Sam Griffin has served as co-chair of Georgia’s Multi-Bar Leadership Council, and is a member of the board of directors for the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia, the statewide group for LGBT legal professionals.
  
  
• Brian M. Basinger, associate, is president of Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia. Stonewall Bar Association is a Georgia-based organization for legal professionals who support the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Mr. Basinger also served on the board of directors of Georgia Equality, Inc. in 2010.
  
  
• Laura Westfall was named a Rising Star in New York Super Lawyers-Metro. The list is published by a unit of Thomson Reuters.
  
  
• The firm’s LGBT Affinity Group provides opportunities for partners, attorneys, and counsel throughout the firm to interact and collaborate on diversity efforts.

Recruiting

King & Spalding actively recruits LGBT law students and seeks opportunities to partner with LGBT student organizations to help their members successfully navigate the process of moving from law student to lawyer. The firm annually attends Lavender Law, the National LGBT Bar Association’s conference and career fair. Recently, an LGBT Summer Associate received the King & Spalding Diversity Fellowship, which provides $10,000 in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and leadership to candidates from a diverse background.

Community

King & Spalding also provides ongoing support for various LGBT-related community organizations. Among others, the firm has engaged with:

• PFLAG / HATCH Youth Scholarship Foundation
  
  
• Out & Proud Corporate Counsel Reception
  
  
• Empire State Pride Agenda
  
  
• AIDS Walk Atlanta
  
  
• Georgia Equality’s Annual “Evening for Equality” Awards
  
  
• Lambda Legal’s annual civil rights celebration in Atlanta
  
  
• Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia’s annual awards dinner
  
  
• “Out on Film” Festival in Atlanta