---
title: National Law Journal Quotes Mark Konkel on Wal-Mart’s Decision to Compensate Employees Affected by the Denial of Benefits for Same-Sex Partners
date: 2017-05-19T00:00:00-04:00
author: Import Bot
canonical_url: "https://www.kelleydrye.com/news/national-law-journal-quotes-mark-konkel-on-wal-marts-decision-to-compensate-employees-affected-by-the-denial-of-benefits-for-same-sex-partners"
section: News
---
# *National Law Journal* Quotes Mark Konkel on Wal-Mart’s Decision to Compensate Employees Affected by the Denial of Benefits for Same-Sex Partners

 May 19, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partner [Mark Konkel](/Our-People/Mark-A-Konkel) was quoted in the *National Law Journal* article ​“Wal-Mart Settlement in First LGBT Workers’ Class Action Reflects Larger Shift,” discussing Wal-Mart’s $7.5 million agreement to compensate employees who were refused benefits for same-sex partners during the three years before Wal-Mart changed its policy.   
Mark notes that companies often follow public sentiment, even without the federal protections. ​“They are implementing policies, regardless of federal law, to avoid discrimination,” said Mark. ​“The zeitgeist is way out ahead of the probable enforcement climate. For major companies, their employment policies go way beyond minimal compliance.”  
To read full article, [click here](https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/Jq6VB8ioqAJmUx). Access may require subscription.

 

 

 - Share this entry 
    - 
    - 
    - 
    -
- [  View entry pdf ](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.kelleydrye.com/content/uploads/pdf-snapshots/national-law-journal-quotes-mark-konkel-on-wal-marts-decision-to-compensate-employees-affected-by-the-denial-of-benefits-for-same-sex-partners-20230901120754.pdf)
 
 

### Related Services

- [Employment Litigation](https://www.kelleydrye.com/practices/employment-litigation)
- [Labor and Employment Counseling and Compliance](https://www.kelleydrye.com/practices/labor-and-employment-counseling-and-compliance)
- [Privacy and Information Security](https://www.kelleydrye.com/practices/privacy-and-information-security)
- [Employment and Employee Benefits](https://www.kelleydrye.com/practices/employment-and-employee-benefits)
 
 

  In the News

 [   ![](https://d3iuizmsm2hayf.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/Listing-Images/Grymes_Thompson_Christie_L.webp?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1125&s=8cdff8f3f62f20742ddf756217720753)  ![](https://d3iuizmsm2hayf.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/Listing-rectangles/In_the_News_Listing.svg) 

  ](https://www.kelleydrye.com/news/christie-thompson-featured-on-abas-trust-and-trade-podcast) 

 July 20, 2026

 [  ](https://www.kelleydrye.com/news/christie-thompson-featured-on-abas-trust-and-trade-podcast) 

 

 

 

 In the News

 [   ![](https://d3iuizmsm2hayf.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/Listing-Images/Mon_Gonzalo_listing.webp?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1125&s=e5cf250ea9912bedfdad33a60aa6fb97)  ![](https://d3iuizmsm2hayf.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/Listing-rectangles/In_the_News_Listing.svg) 

  ](https://www.kelleydrye.com/news/gonzalo-mon-quoted-in-politico-on-click-to-cancel-rules) 

 July 17, 2026

 [  ](https://www.kelleydrye.com/news/gonzalo-mon-quoted-in-politico-on-click-to-cancel-rules)