Winston & Strawn Receives MCCA Innovator Award for Diversity-LGBT Initiatives

CHICAGO — Winston & Strawn LLP is honored to be the recipient today of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) 2011 Innovator Award for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Initiatives.

The MCCA's highly prestigious annual award is bestowed upon U.S. law firms, in-house legal departments, or bar associations that have led the way in innovative best practices to assist diverse attorneys. According to the organization, Winston & Strawn's non-discrimination, civil union and same-sex partner benefits, domestic partner, and childcare/family leave policies contributed to the win, as did Winston's pro bono, diversity program sponsorship, and recruitment efforts.

"Winston has long been committed to diversity and inclusion. We designed programs to foster greater inclusiveness for all and I'm pleased that it has been recognized by MCCA," said partner Amanda Groves, chair of the firm's Diversity Committee.

Nicole Dogwill, a member of the firm's Diversity Committee and head of the firm's LGBT Affinity Group, will accept the award on the firm's behalf at the Diversity Innovators Reception, held this evening in New York. The reception is just one of several events during the MCCA's annual Pathways to Diversity Conference and Gala Awards Dinner in which Winston will be actively involved. Partner Anna Segobia Masters is a featured speaker at MCCA's Educational Conference. In addition, Winston is a lead sponsor of the MCCA's Diversity Honors Gala, in which partner Christine Edwards served on the steering committee.

The MCCA also will present Employer of Choice awards to several Winston clients, including Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Altria, and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.