2. FINDINGS
   5. Positive Workplace Experiences

Not all of the information about the workplace experiences of gay and lesbian lawyers received by the Task Force was negative. Respondents to both the Lawyer Survey and the Employer Survey were expressly invited to inform the Task Force about “positive experiences and/or about exemplary workplace policies and practices” regarding the subject of the surveys of which they were aware. (Lawyer Survey, Question 33; Employer Survey, Question 15.) A number of respondents to the Lawyer Survey (mostly heterosexuals) did provide comments in response to this invitation and noted their belief that they worked in a non-discriminatory environment. For example:

I know our firm has openly gay or lesbian partners and associates. It has never, to my knowledge, had any adverse effect on their careers. Firm policy on this point is clear. App. C, Comment 1 (heterosexual respondent)

We have several openly gay and lesbian lawyers, including partners. One was, in fact, the associate-elected and policy committee-chosen ombudsman. App. C, Comment 89 (heterosexual respondent)

The only openly lesbian/gay person in my office is the best paid and brightest staff attorney (in my opinion). I work for the US Government. App. C, Comment 147 (heterosexual respondent)

I have been surprised, considering the political feelings of some of my partners, of the unqualified acceptance of the gay partners and associates we have had. App. C, Comment 158 (heterosexual respondent)

My firm has been able to attract first rate new lawyers by establishing itself as a comfortable environment for gays and lesbians. App. C, Comment 212 (heterosexual respondent)

The organization for which I have [worked] has a … Committee on lesbian and gay issues, has a full time in-house affirmative action office with wide authority and latitude to investigate complaints of discrimination of every sort and on a policy level has actively supported legislative measures related to lesbian and gay rights, has joined with gay and lesbian groups in supporting/signing onto amicus curiae briefs in various state and federal law suits involving gays and lesbians.... App. C, Comment 228 (heterosexual respondent)

My firm is a great place for gay lawyers.... So far as I can tell, the only employment criteria used to evaluate me have been the quality of my work and the professional nature of my relationships with clients. App. C, Comment 259 (gay/lesbian respondent)

Except for my perception that I need to remain closeted when dealing with clients, I feel positive about my workplace. The partners in my firm have been very responsive whenever I have raised concerns regarding my sexual orientation.... [The firm] added sexual orientation to the firm's non-discrimination policy....Additionally, I have brought dates to social functions and do not hesitate to discuss my personal life with the majority of attorneys and staff members in my firm. Based on my experience, I have confidence in the partners that swift corrective action will occur if I feel any offense or discrimination based on my sexual orientation. Additionally, because of my experience, and the past reactions of other partners, I do not hesitate to bring problems to their attention. App. C, Comment 270 (gay/lesbian respondent)

     Some of the employer respondents likewise commented on the non-discriminatory policies of their workplaces. For example:

All employees treated equally. We have Strong Posted notices on discrimination and have never had a complaint. We do not inquire as to Sexual Preferences as they are irrelevant. App. D, Comment 6 (medium-sized law firm).

We are totally committed to non-discrimination on ALL levels. We have had gay-lesbians at firm and treated all spouses alike. App. D, Comment 16 (medium-sized law firm)