US firm McDermott Will & Emery remedies tax disadvantage for gay employees

McDermott, Will & Emery has announced a scheme aimed at reimbursing their gay employees for the tax liability incurred when a domestic partner is added to their health benefits plans. Though large law firms commonly offer health benefits for the partners of gay employees, these employees face a disadvantage because they are taxed on the value of their partners' medical, dental and vision benefits. McDermott Will & Emery’s scheme will mean that, from 2011, employees in same-sex domestic partnerships will receive a payment to compensate them for this disadvantage. "We think it is the right thing to do," said Peter Sacripanti, the New York-based co-chair for McDermott. "This is something we think is important." Other law firms that offer a gross up include Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, and Linklaters.

US firm McDermott Will & Emery remedies tax disadvantage for gay employees law.com Fri, Dec 10, 2010