ACC: Unveils First ACC In-House Legal Impact Certificate Program

• The Association of Corporate Counsel launched its inaugural In-house Legal Impact Certificate Program to enhance business acumen among corporate lawyers.
• The two-day virtual program featured 10 modules on topics like AI, crisis management, and cross-border privilege, led by experienced in-house faculty.
• A key focus was improving in-house counsel's role as business partners, addressing enterprise risk, and managing compliance, reflecting a 2026 survey where 68% of CLOs prioritized business acumen.
• Participants who completed the program received an ACC In-house Legal Impact Certificate and a shareable digital badge.
• The program is designed for in-house lawyers with 1-4 years of experience or those transitioning into corporate legal roles, with the next session scheduled for November.

The program was specifically designed to equip in-house counsel with the practical skills and strategic insight necessary to thrive in an environment where they are increasingly expected to act as business partners, trusted advisors, risk managers, and leaders.

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) recently inaugurated its first-ever ACC In-house Legal Impact Certificate Program, a significant new offering aimed at bolstering the business acumen of in-house lawyers globally. This two-day virtual event, which took place from August 11-13, brought together a diverse cohort of corporate counsel from various jurisdictions, providing a focused opportunity for in-house legal professional development.

The program was structured around 10 live virtual learning modules, led by an esteemed faculty comprising in-house legal leaders. These modules delved into critical contemporary issues facing corporate legal departments, including contract negotiation in international contexts, the legal implications of artificial intelligence, best practices for internal investigations, effective crisis management strategies, and complexities surrounding cross-border privilege considerations.

Expert faculty members, such as Adriana Dulic, chief compliance officer at Epoch Payment Solutions; Daniel Lenhoff, director of AI law, cybersecurity, and data privacy at KBR; Brennan Torregrossa, SVP and general counsel for US commercial at GSK; and Spiwe L. Jefferson, division general counsel for electrification services at ABB, shared their insights. Beyond formal instruction, attendees also engaged in dedicated peer networking discussions, fostering an environment for exchanging experiences and collaborative problem-solving among participants.

A central objective of the ACC In-house Legal Impact Certificate Program is to equip in-house counsel with actionable strategies that enhance their role as integral business partners within their organizations. The curriculum specifically focuses on developing skills to effectively tackle enterprise risk, manage complex compliance issues, improve communication with internal stakeholders, and ultimately boost overall business impact. This emphasis on broader business understanding aligns with a critical need identified within the profession; the 2026 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey revealed that 68 percent of chief legal officers consider business acumen to be the leading skill they desire their in-house legal teams to possess.

Jason L. Brown, ACC’s president and chief executive officer, underscored the program's relevance, stating that the legal profession is evolving rapidly, requiring in-house lawyers to transcend traditional legal advice. He highlighted that today's corporate counsel are expected to function as trusted advisors, risk managers, negotiators, crisis counselors, and leaders. The program was specifically designed to equip in-house counsel with the practical skills and strategic insight necessary to thrive in an environment where they are increasingly expected to act as business partners, trusted advisors, risk managers, and leaders. This comprehensive approach to corporate counsel business acumen training is vital for navigating the complexities of modern corporate environments.

The ACC In-house Legal Impact Certificate Program is tailored for a specific segment of the legal community, welcoming lawyers with approximately one to four years of experience working in-house, regardless of their jurisdiction. Furthermore, the program extends its invitation to legal professionals who are transitioning into an in-house role from other legal positions, recognizing the unique challenges and skill requirements of corporate legal departments. This inclusive eligibility ensures that the program supports a broad range of professionals seeking to enhance their in-house counsel skills program participation.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded the official ACC In-house Legal Impact Certificate, along with a shareable digital badge, signifying their achievement and enhanced capabilities. This recognition provides a tangible credential for those investing in their professional growth. The Association of Corporate Counsel has already announced plans for the next iteration of this valuable ACC in-house legal training initiative, scheduled to take place in November, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the continuous learning journey of legal professionals. As Brown reiterated, ACC is dedicated to providing opportunities that help practitioners within in-house departments grow, adapt, and thrive throughout their careers.

In-house counsel, especially those with 1-4 years' experience or transitioning to corporate roles, should note this program as a key professional development opportunity to enhance business acumen, risk management, and strategic communication skills, which are increasingly vital for success in modern legal departments. Compliance officers may also find value in the program's focus on enterprise risk and compliance management.

Source: Original reporting via Canadian Legal Newswire