July 7, 2023 – Davis Wright Tremaine LLP has signed the Human Rights Campaign's "Count Us In" Pledge – part of the LGBTQ+ advocacy organization's first national state of emergency declaration since its founding 40 years ago. The pledge comes amid a sustained political campaign against the LGBTQ+ community in state capitols across the country, with HRC counting 1,700+ harmful bills being introduced since 2015.
"Now, more than ever," the pledge reads, "we must stand up as public allies – visibly supporting the LGBTQ+ community without exception, embracing the full spectrum of diverse identities, and defending against any efforts to discriminate – particularly transgender and non-binary community members who are being targeted."
Davis Wright is proud to be among Count Us In's 150+ signatories, which include large corporations and employers as well as a slate of small and midsize businesses.
"This is indeed an emergency," said Yusuf Zakir, Davis Wright's chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. "We are witnessing an onslaught against the LGBTQ+ community across the country. We've long supported LGBTQ+ rights – and we will keep doing so."
In signing the pledge, Davis Wright further commits to publicly stand with the LGBTQ+ community as allies. For 10 consecutive years, the firm has been recognized by HRC as one of the "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality." The firm's DEI efforts include an active LGBTQ+ affinity group and staff employee resource group, providing platforms for employees to build community and connect. Our colleagues dedicate hundreds of hours to support LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations with pro bono and social impact efforts. The firm also has expanded access to gender transition and other healthcare services crucial to its transgender and non-binary employees.
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is an AmLaw 100 firm with more than 600 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. For more information about the firm's inclusion efforts, visit www.dwt.com/dei.