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The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the world's largest organization serving the professional and business interests of attorneys who practice in the legal departments of corporations, associations, nonprofits and other private-sector organizations around the globe.

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Chapter Recognition and Award Programs

ACC currently recognizes chapters by presenting two awards annually: 

ACC CHAPTER OF DISTINCTION PROGRAM

  • Based on standards, which have been identified as benchmarks of successful chapters.
  • Awarded based on answers submitted in annual Chapter Activity Report.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

  • Designed to showcase significant chapter activities in the areas of Innovative Programming, Best Membership Strategy Implemented, Best Partnership Program and Best Diversity Initiative, with the intention of sharing winning entries with other chapters as best practices.

    Submissions will be open June 4 - July 9, 2025. See below to learn more about the 2024 Chapter Achievement Award Winners!

2024 Chapter Achievement Award Winners

  • Best Diversity Initiative

    ACC St. Louis laced first-year law students from underrepresented backgrounds into top corporate legal departments. The program's cutting-edge approach introduced new mentorship, networking events, and immersive learning opportunities—ensuring the next generation of diverse legal talent is stronger than ever! 

     

    ACC Greater Philadelphia hosted a fast-paced, transformative event providing diverse interns with direct access to law firm leaders in 4-minute speed networking sessions, breaking down barriers and enhancing career opportunities. By prioritizing diversity and removing bias, ACC Greater Philadelphia is building a stronger, more inclusive legal community—and challenging you to do the same! 


  • Innovative Programming Effort

    ACC Louisiana raised the bar with its Annual Jazz Fest CLE, seamlessly blending professional development with Louisiana’s rich culture. Members enjoyed cutting-edge legal education on AI and COVID exemptions, along with VIP access to the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Exclusive perks like a charter bus, curated goodie bags, and a reserved festival spot made this year's event the best yet. 

     

    ACC San Diego's initiative, Building Cultures of Belonging, stands out for its multi-faceted approach, bringing together a series of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events with strong DEI initiatives. By partnering with diverse sponsors and the San Diego Diversity Fellowship, they ensure greater accessibility and foster an inclusive legal community. 

     

    ACC Southern California’s Professional Etiquette Program was a groundbreaking international two-part event. For the first time, the chapter brought together in-house counsel from across Europe, Asia, and South America for a global panel on corporate etiquette, making it a pioneering effort in focusing on cross-cultural professional development within the ACC community and beyond. 


     

  • Best Membership Strategy

    ACC Brasil has arrived in style! Launching with over 1,300 members and counting, this virtual chapter connects Brasil's vibrant legal community with global resources. Through a comprehensive strategic plan, a highly engaged leadership board (they refer to themselves as the G20), and FOMO-driven campaigns, ACC Brasil is setting the stage for excellence in their rapidly evolving legal community! 

     

    ACC Singapore focused on growth from the ground up, putting an emphasis on member feedback and amplifying the local ACC experience. With personalized outreach to corporate members and post-event follow-ups with non-members, they’ve built stronger relationships to ensure that every member feels valued, resulting in a 9% growth in membership over the past year. All of this on top of hosting some truly spectacular events.  


     

  • Best Partnership Program

    ACC Southwest Ohio in collaboration with University of Cincinnati College of Law, focused on guiding legal professionals on the path to becoming general counsel, featuring insights from an all-female panel of General Counsel and Chief Legal Officers emphasizing the power of leadership and career progression. The event’s continued success is facilitating ongoing connections and future engagements for law students and in-house professionals.     

     

    ACC Central Florida and ACC Tampa Bay’s Joint GC/CLO Symposium showcased a powerful collaboration setting a new standard for chapter partnerships. By merging their resources, they created a dynamic weekend that not only delivered valuable legal content but also fostered community through social and family friendly activities. 

         

    ACC New York City teamed up with Brooklyn Law School for ‘So You Want to Be an In-House Counsel, Now What?’ This program featured a tailored panel discussion aimed at both students and alumni interested in in-house careers, giving participants the opportunity to practice their elevator pitches, receive real-time feedback, and network with experienced in-house professionals. 


     

     

Outstanding Achievement Awards

The Outstanding Achievement Awards will consist of four categories – Innovative Programming Effort, Best Membership Strategy Implemented, Best Partnership Program, and Best Diversity Initiative. Entries will be judged based on membership size categories.

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING EFFORT

Innovative chapter programs will be evaluated on specific components of the program, including planning, goals, timeline, budget, communications, and promotional materials, challenges faced/addressed. Eligible programs will include educational, social, and award events.

BEST MEMBERSHIP STRATEGY IMPLEMENTED

Successful programs, projects, or initiatives that encourage and improve membership recruitment or renewal. Entries might include a short-term recruitment campaign or components of retention efforts. Examples of recruitment programs include creative tie-ins to ACC initiatives, samples supporting yearlong recruitment efforts by the chapter through member involvement, leadership support, or written materials promoting member benefits. Retention programs may include orientations, member involvement efforts, renewal time line or promotion of ACC core services and benefits.

BEST PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

Includes any partnership of the chapter with other allied bar associations, ACC Global Networks, educational institutions, and/or community organizations that result in positive impact to members, the in-house profession or the community. Partnership features are judged along with a written description of the planning and implementation of the project or program.

BEST DIVERSITY INITIATIVE

Awarded to a chapter that has strategically and successfully development an event or program for a minority segment of their membership or community. Segments can include, but are not limited to young professionals, women, and ethnicity, or diversity scholarships and training programs.

BASIC CRITERIA

  • Entries must have been produced and substantially completed in the award year (April 2024 - May 2025).
  • Chapter entries must be submitted by the Chapter Leadership, Administrator, or by a designee of the aforementioned.
  • Chapters may submit multiple entries in each award category if entry represents entirely separate and distinct initiatives. Otherwise only one entry will be accepted.
  • Entries must be received by 11:59p.m. ET on the stated deadline. No exception to the deadline date will be made.
  • Chapter programs, products, and services that have previously been awarded are ineligible.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Submissions will open on Wednesday, June 4 and close no later than Wednesday, July 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET. ACC Chapter staff will screen all entries to verify eligibility and compliance with submission requirements. Any entry that does not meet the basic submission requirements will be disqualified.

Each entry must include the following:

  • One complete Online Entry Form, including a description of the entry. Entries are disqualified if any information on the form is missing.
  • Specific category criteria as outlined in the annual Call for Entries.

2023 WINNING SUBMISSIONS

  • Best Diversity Initiative

    ACC Singapore hosted the "Girls Empowered - Be Your Best: Negotiation Skills" workshop, empowering young women with knowledge about key employment rights, negotiation skills, and much more. This chapter's dedication to gender equality and self-advocacy shines through this transformative initiative. They've not only empowered young women but also advanced diversity and inclusion within their community. This workshop isn't just about learning—it’s about shaping the future. 

    ACC Greater Philadelphia’s 2nd Annual Diversity Summit was a game-changer, pushing boundaries and driving diversity, equity and inclusion. The objectives were crystal clear: Celebrate diversity, foster DIEB, create a safe space for vital conversations, equip members with practical tools, and build meaningful connections. The speakers were a diverse tapestry, tackling essential topics like DEI's role in ESG strategies and dissecting the difference between diversity and tokenism. No recordings, no holding back. Attendees actively shared experiences and action plans for advancing DEI in their workplaces.  

    DIVERSITY

     

    ACC Singapore
    Mid-Size Chapter
    Winning Submission

     

    ACC Greater Phiiadelphia
    Large Chapter
    Winning Submission

     

  • Best Partnership Program

    ACC Kentucky, together with the Center for Non-Profit Excellence, harnessed the power of in-house attorneys to serve the community. By matching ACC members with nonprofits in need, they turned education, connection, and collaboration into a force for good. This partnership educated in-house attorneys and nonprofit leaders on critical issues, setting the stage for meaningful pro bono engagements. This event was the embodiment of collaboration for a greater purpose. 

    ACC St. Louis in partnership with Washington University Olin School of Business, conducted a half-day program on leadership and decision-making. This partnership brought cutting edge business insights to ACC members, enhancing their roles as in-house counsel. They carefully selected courses that resonate with legal professionals, empowering them to lead teams and make high-stakes decisions under pressure. This program exemplifies the power of collaboration and ACC St. Louis’ dedication to professional growth. 

    ACC New York City developed an immersive 6-hour event for diverse law students from Fordham Law School at CHANEL's Corporate Headquarters in NYC. They were successful in highlighting CHANEL's in-house counsel role as trusted advisors and introducing students to the world of fashion law. Law students also had intimate conversations with in-house counsel, business partners, and ACC NYC board members, fostering meaningful connections. Acting as the pilot for ACC NYC’s "A Day in the Life" series, we can’t wait to see what this chapter does next. 

    PARTNERSHIP

     

    ACC Kentucky
    Small Chapter 
    Winning Submission

    ACC St. Louis
    Mid-Sized Chapter
    Winning Submission

    ACC New York City
    Large Chapter
    Winning Submission

     

     

     

  • Innovative Programming Effort

    ACC Central Florida’s Cooking Up Something Spooktacular event, pushed the boundaries of traditional educational programming. They turned a CLE session into a game show extravaganza with Halloween Feud! This spooktacular event unfolded at Publix Aprons Cooking School, where members teamed up for a "Chopped" style cooking challenge. From the game show-style CLE to the scavenger hunt and buffet dinner, it was a feast for both mind and palate. This event was the ultimate recipe for success! 

    ACC St. Louis took a creative step by hosting an event at the St. Louis Art Museum. Dr. Cathleen Fleck, Ph.D., of St. Louis University, guided them through the museum, using art as a conversation tool to enhance diversity awareness. This event expanded the horizons of diversity programming, emphasizing attentiveness, empathy, equity, and inclusion. A surprisingly long waitlist led to a follow-up session a few months later. ACC St. Louis’ "Artful Observation" proves that innovative programming knows no bounds.  

    ACC New Jersey’s aim was to reshape how lawyers view retirement, encouraging them to plan holistically, and to make the transition a seamless part of their career. They brought members together to share real retirement stories, successes, and challenges in an open discussion. The heartfelt stories from panelists were eye-openers, offering valuable insights into retirement's emotional rollercoaster. This program developed a series that continuously plants seeds of awareness, ensuring members don't just step into retirement but stride into it with confidence and purpose.  

    PROGRAMMING

     

    ACC Central Florida
    Small Chapter
    Winning Submission

    ACC St. Louis
    Mid-Size Chapter
    Winning Submission

    ACC New Jersey 
    Large Chapter
    Winning Submission

  • Best Membership Strategy

    ACC Singapore unleashed a membership strategy like no other this year. Their approach was a masterclass in creativity and commitment to member recruitment and renewal. From Swiss law discussions to sunset boat cruises and "Random Coffee" initiatives, these events forged unforgettable connections. The results speak volumes—with a remarkable 11% growth (that’s over 50 new members), and 268 Random Coffees served. The ACC Singapore Chapter's Membership Strategy is a wild success. 

    MEMBERSHIP 

     

    ACC Singapore
    Mid-Size Chapter
    Winning Submission


     

  • Watch the 2023 Awards Video


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