Baker Donelson has joined Out Leadership, the oldest and largest global coalition of companies working to improve LGBTQ+ equality.

As an Out Leadership member firm, Baker Donelson will have access to a wide range of offerings, including Out Leadership's talent accelerator programs, leadership development events, and a program for LGBTQ+ leaders interested in board service that provides training, development and matching with opportunities.

Noah Kressler, chair of Baker Donelson's LGBTQ+ resource group BakerPride and a shareholder in the New Orleans office, said, "Out Leadership is doing tremendous work in LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality. Baker Donelson is exceptionally proud to be a part of this outstanding mission, and we are excited to be able to offer our attorneys and staff the many benefits of participating in Out Leadership's programs."

Baker Donelson strives to create an inclusive environment for all employees, welcoming people of all races, genders, ages, languages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, disabilities, sexual orientations and religious beliefs to assist clients in achieving their legal goals. As a Mansfield Rule Certified Plus 2020 firm, Baker Donelson affirmatively considers at least 30 percent women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys, and attorneys with disabilities in the candidate pools for recruitment, governance roles, equity partner promotions, and inclusion in formal pitch presentations to clients. Through BakerPride, a large and active employee resource group for LGBTQ+ attorneys and staff as well as straight allies in the Firm, Baker Donelson sponsors and supports numerous client development initiatives, LGBTQ+ community organizations and events in the Firm's footprint and provides a means for members to become involved in the Firm's efforts to promote LGBTQ+ equality.

About Out Leadership:

Out Leadership is the oldest and largest global LGBTQ+ business advisory that partners with the world's most influential companies to build business opportunities, cultivate talent, and drive LGBTQ+ equality forward. Out Leadership believes that LGBTQ+ inclusion positively impacts business results, and that including LGBTQ+ people at the most senior level of executive leadership builds business. They call this idea Return on Equality™.

Comprised of more than 80 global member organizations and dedicated to cross-industry collaboration, Out Leadership is a certified B Corporation. Out Leadership convenes CEOs, business leaders and allies at exclusive invitation-only events across four continents. Out Leadership also operates three talent initiatives: Quorum, which aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation on corporate boards; OutNEXT, the first global talent development program for emerging LGBTQ+ leaders; and OutWOMEN, connecting senior level LGBTQ+ women in business.