NEW YORK, September 7, 2011 – International law firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy today announced the expansion of its benefits program to offset the unequal tax burden imposed on U.S. employees who elect health benefits for their same-sex domestic partners or spouses. Unlike employees with opposite-sex spouses, employees who elect health benefits for same-sex spouses and domestic partners must pay benefit premiums with after-tax dollars. Further, the value of Milbank's contribution to these benefits is considered additional imputed income to the employee. In keeping with Milbank’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment, Milbank will offer a gross-up payment to offset the additional tax burdens imposed on these employees.
Milbank was the first major law firm to offer health benefits to same-sex partners and today is at the forefront of law firms and corporations offering tax equalization. Milbank has received a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for LGBT Workplace Equality and is ranked number 13 in the American Lawyer 2011 Diversity Scorecard.