More than ever before, corporate boards and their lawyers are squarely in the spot light. Transparency, independence, and informed decision-making are among important governance program features that many believe will help keep companies on track. Companies such as Alcan Inc, Avnet Inc, Bell Canada Enterprises, Cargill Incorporated, ChevronTexaco, Intel Corporation, Lyondell Chemical Company, and Praxair, Inc. share information on board structure and function, board-level practices related to broader governance initiatives, and describe the role of in-house lawyers in helping to develop these programs.