Tampa, Fla. – Carlton Fields is pleased to announce that for the third consecutive year, the firm received a perfect score – 100 percent rating – on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2012 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The firm also received a perfect score on new criteria instituted by HRC – offering comprehensive healthcare coverage to transgender workers. HRC’s annual report published December 8 and is available at www.hrc.org/cei.

In addition to this ranking, Carlton Fields has ranked as the number one law firm in the country for the past three years for “Overall Diversity,” “Women,” and “Minorities” in a survey conducted by the career intelligence company, Vault. Like the firm’s ranking with Vault, the 2012 CEI ranking further confirms Carlton Fields’ commitment to an all-inclusive workplace.

CEI rates companies on 40 specific policies and practices. This year, 190 corporations received a 100 percent score. To achieve a perfect score and the distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality,” companies must have fully-inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate organizational LGBT competency, evidence their commitment to equality publicly and exercise responsible citizenship.

About HRC: HRC is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.