LGBT Taskforce

The firm established a firmwide LGBT Task Force to advance diversity issues affecting our lesbian and gay attorneys. The task force is chaired by Blaine Templeman (New York) and includes Richard DeNatale (San Francisco), Brian McDonald (San Francisco), Jaime Santos (New York), Katie Wood (Washington, D.C.) and Michael Wrenn (Seattle). The LGBT Task Force works closely with office diversity committees, office hiring committees and HELGA (Heller Ehrman Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Alliance).  

Current Goals and Achievements

100% Ranking on the  Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index; Honored by the HRC as one of the Best Places to Work: This year Heller Ehrman was recognized for its efforts and culture of inclusion by the Human Rights Campaign. View the press release about this award.

Firm Management and Structure: In 2004 the Policy Committee voted to reconfirm LGBT diversity as a priority of the firm and to approve steps to re-emphasize our commitment in all offices. In addition to the LGBT Task Force, the office diversity committees are charged with LGBT issues as well as ethnic diversity issues. Each committee has at least one liaison for LGBT issues.

Recruiting: We are making a major effort to reach out to LGBT candidates in the hiring process. For example, we sponsor and recruit at the annual Lavender Law Conference.

Networking: We are supporting activities at the office level to increase visibility and provide networking opportunities for our LGBT attorneys and staff.

HELGA

Heller Ehrman Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Alliance (HELGA), a firm wide affinity group, was formed in 1992. HELGA has more than 100 members and includes both attorneys and professional support staff, and addresses issues such as diversity, domestic partner benefits, sexual harassment and homophobia. The group also leads Heller Ehrman's participation in a variety of events, including the annual Pride Parade/Festival (in various cities), World AIDS Day and various other community outreach projects and charities.