Akerman

Akerman received a score of 95 on the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a political stakeholder group. The company recruits employees based on sexual identity issues. The company discriminates against vendors that do not promote divisive sex and gender policies, indicating it prioritizes sexual issues over merit (1)(2). However, the firm has not publicly canceled customers, suppliers, or vendors based on political views or religious beliefs (3).

Akerman’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company will not donate to non-religious charities unless they embrace controversial sexual identity policies (1)(2). The firm does not appear to discriminate against religious organizations based on views or beliefs (3).

Akerman’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company provides gender transition guidelines for its employees and a specific benefits guide with a comprehensive explanation of transgender services funded by the company (1)(2). The firm does not publish a nondiscrimination policy (3).

Akerman’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company agrees to allow a controversial stakeholder group focused on sexual identity issues to dictate marketing or advertising strategy. By doing so, the company risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2).  The firm has a Racial Justice Initiative (ARJI) that “involves significant pro bono participation, education, community outreach, activism, and financial support” (3). The firm was ranked among the top 10 law firms in Law360’s Diversity Snapshot in 2022 and earned the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Top Performer Honor (4)(5).

Akerman’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company covers transgender related costs for its employees and their children, including paid short-term leave, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, chest surgeries, genital surgeries, medical visits and lab monitoring, travel and lodging. Additionally, the company has pledged philanthropic support of at least one organization or event that promotes sex and gender ideology. By allowing a political stakeholder group to dictate operations, the company increases health care costs and risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). The firm partners with several racial justice organizations and supports them financially (3). The firm is a sponsor of the American Bar Association’s Judicial Intern Opportunity Program “to provide intern opportunities to students who are members of racial, ethnic, LGBT, and other groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession” (4). The firm signed Orlando Economic Partnership’s DEI pledge, committing themselves to fight systemic racism, prioritize the success of diverse people in its workplace, and ensure DEI “is a strategic imperative with demonstrated commitment and actions” (5). Otherwise, there are no publicly known cases of the firm using corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies (6).

Akerman’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company publicly advocated for controversial sex and gender ideology through local, state or federal legislation or initiatives. By allowing a political stakeholder group to dictate operations, the company risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). The firm is a part of the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance, committed to work on initiatives that fight “systemic racism” (3)(4). The firm has not used its PAC donations or lobbying for ideological purposes (5)(6)(7).