Morris Nichols Adopts Policy to Address Discriminatory Tax Treatment of Same-Sex Couples

Wilmington, DE (October 16, 2012)  - Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP is pleased to announce that it will offer a tax gross-up to employees in a committed same-sex relationship effective October 5, 2012. Morris Nichols is the first major Delaware law firm to offer this benefit.

Under federal law, an employee in a committed same-sex relationship who enrolls a spouse or partner in the firm’s medical and dental plans must pay taxes that opposite sex married couples do not have to pay.  Morris Nichols’ new policy mitigates this differential treatment by covering the additional taxes that employees in a committed same-sex relationship must pay if a spouse or partner participates in the firm’s medical or dental programs. 

“We are proud to continue our legacy of leadership in the area of diversity, which is a core value of our firm,” said Rick Alexander, Chair of the firm’s Executive Committee. Morris Nichols’ Diversity Committee Chair Karen Jacobs Louden added, “We want to ensure that all of our employees are treated fairly and that we foster an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences can reach their full potential, and our tax gross-up policy is an example of that commitment.”