Chapter Information

ACC Chicago continuously develops and offers numerous top quality MCLE programs throughout the year that are tailored to the needs of in-house counsel. These programs are offered at no cost to our members, and are presented in-person preceded or followed by networking time and sometimes virtually.  Many include breakfast, lunch or dinner.  ACC Chicago is an Illinois accredited MCLE provider. Therefore, members are able to easily satisfy their IL MCLE requirements while at the same time enjoying stimulating programs, fine dining and professional networking, all free of charge. This is a tremendous value, particularly considering the nominal cost of joining ACC as well as the comparatively very high cost of obtaining similar benefits from other organizations. Current events page.  See past educational program materials/handout here.

The program features a full day of MCLE programming, along with breakfast, lunch, and a reception, as well as numerous networking opportunities for members and sponsors.  Attendees typically may earn 7 hours of Illinois MCLE credit including some may be qualified as Professional Responsibility.  The fee to attend is discounted for ACC members and is less than the price of the food provided making this a wonderful opportunity to not only earn credits but to hear from a variety of our valued sponsors and network with colleagues. The Summit is usually held in September.  Watch this link for programming news.

ACC Chicago hosts many complimentary social and networking events for our members throughout the year. These events appeal to members with a variety of interests from various Chicagoland geographic areas.  They are not only enjoyed by our members, but also provide invaluable professional networking opportunities. Current events page.

StreetLaw is a non-profit organization founded in 1972. Its mission includes educating high school students about the law and careers in the law. In cooperation with StreetLaw, participating ACC Chicago members serve as instructors at class room sessions and at a spring conference day seminar with students from the Chicago Public School System and School District U-46. Without exception, students and members have found this program to be extremely enjoyable and rewarding. More information.

The Internship Program is a 10-week summer internship or Rising 2L's in an in-house law department as well as an intensive mentoring program.  Law students are assigned to work in the legal department of a Chicago area company, where they do a variety of work, including legal research and memo writing, attend meetings, and generally experience what in-house attorneys do on a day-to-day basis.  The mentoring portion of the program includes several evening group programs (attended by all interns, mentors and other in-house lawyers) as well as one-on-one mentoring.  Each intern is assigned two mentors - a lawyer within their host legal department and a lawyer from ACC Chicago.   Diversity Summer Internship Program Link.

Each year our Chapter hosts a unique social event celebrating our profession and professionals. Highlights are the Thurgood Marshall Award of Excellence given to a deserving Chicagoland recipient and the awarding of a member as Member of the Year.  Recently we have paired this event with a three-hour Professional Responsibility MCLE afternoon for In-House Counsel which flows right into the Celebration Social Event. Past event attendees have also enjoyed Salvage One, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Field Museum and the Old Chicago Post Office as venues and once we held a Carnival. Former keynote speakers have included the Honorable Madeleine Albright, Ben Stein, Bill Bradley, James Carville with Mary Matalin, Malcolm Gladwell, Juan Williams, Cokie Roberts, Walter Isaacson, Dan Rather, Magic Johnson and Valerie Jarrett. The Celebration is free to members! Watch for news.

ACC Chicago supports efforts by, and provides resources to, its members for a variety of pro bono efforts.  If you are a member and would like to get more involved, or if you are a non-member in-house counsel who is interested in membership or learning more about the benefits of membership, please contact our Chapter Executive Administrator for more information.

The Chapter partners with our sponsors to provide community outreach/service events to our members.  These events provide  members with unique opportunities to give back to the community and to meet and work with colleagues in a different way.