The firm received a score of 100%, the highest attainable score in this year’s index. Reed Smith, which also received a 100% score in 2020, is also the only law firm to receive a top score this year, a repeat of a distinction it previously accomplished, also in 2020.
The DEI is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that help achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”
The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates, developed the Disability Equality Index.
“As a disability-forward law firm, we are honored to once again be recognized as a place where persons with disabilities can be their whole selves and thrive professionally,” said Tamara Box, partner and Senior Management Team sponsor of the firm’s disability business inclusion group, LEADRS (Looking for the Excellence & Advancement of Persons with Disabilities at Reed Smith). “We commend the AAPD and Disability:IN for consistently raising the bar for excellence in disability inclusion and salute the businesses that participated in the program, and especially those who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the career prospects and opportunities for people with disabilities.”
The 2022 DEI measures six key metrics:
- Culture & Leadership;
- Enterprise-Wide Access;
- Employment Practices (Benefits, Recruitment, Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement, Accommodations);
- Community Engagement;
- Supplier Diversity; and
- Non-U.S. Operations (Non-Weighted)
Reed Smith is a disability-smart organization, and disability inclusion is an essential pillar of the firm’s diversity and inclusion program. LEADRS, alongside the firm’s Mental Health Task Force and Wellness Works program, supports and enhances the professional, personal, and career development of people with all types of disabilities – physical, mental, visible and non-visible, permanent and temporary – both at the firm and within the legal profession. Through its internal network, commitment to creating an accommodating workplace, and affiliations with organizations, law schools and clients whose values align with the firm’s, Reed Smith is determined to be the law firm of choice for persons with disabilities.
“Disability inclusion is a rapidly expanding aspect of corporate culture, and it’s gratifying to partner with 415 companies on the 2022 Disability Equality Index,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN. “These top-scoring companies not only excel in disability inclusion, many are also adopting emerging trends and pioneering measures that can move the disability agenda from accommodation to inclusion and ultimately, genuine belonging."
For more information on the 2022 Disability Equality Index, please visit disabilityequalityindex.org.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters.
For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
