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Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Association of Corporate Counsel Unveils New AI Toolkit to Empower In-House Lawyers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Washington DC, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries and reshape the practice of law, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) today announced the launch of its 'Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for In-house Lawyers.' Developed in collaboration with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, the comprehensive resource is designed specifically for in-house legal departments navigating the fast-evolving world of AI technologies. The ACC AI Toolkit provides in-house counsel with the practical guidance, information, and frameworks needed to help their organizations implement AI responsibly, strategically, and in compliance with an increasingly complex regulatory environment. This toolkit is part of ACC's global initiative to support in-house lawyers' success in harnessing the power of AI, a commitment that includes the June launch of the ACC AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel, a robust platform providing education, training, resources, governance frameworks, and practical use cases aimed at empowering in-house counsel to add value through AI. 'Our members are leading legal innovation and are increasingly being called upon to lead business strategy, risk management, and technology evolution,' said Veta T. Richardson, ACC President and Chief Executive Officer. Richardson added, 'As AI continues to transform the way companies operate, in-house counsel are uniquely positioned to guide their organizations through this shift—ensuring legal, ethical, and strategic alignment with corporate objectives. The ACC AI Toolkit is a best in class, comprehensive resource that we're proud to unveil.' Toolkit highlights include: 'In-house legal teams are on the front lines of managing the risks and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence,' said Joel Bush, Partner at Kilpatrick. 'This AI Toolkit is designed to help in-house lawyers ask the right questions, spot issues early on, guide cross-functional teams, and implement strategies around governance, regulatory compliance, IP ownership, confidentiality, and more. Assembling the Toolkit required extensive collaboration across many practice specialties, including privacy, cybersecurity, governance, ethics, intellectual property, and contracting, and I am immensely grateful for my colleagues at Kilpatrick—and the in-house ACC members—who shared their expertise and insights to create this timely resource. Kilpatrick has a long history on the cutting edge of law and technology and we're proud to continue that tradition by partnering with ACC to create this strategic tool for in-house lawyers to advise their businesses with clarity and confidence.' To explore the ACC AI Toolkit, Click Here. ### About ACC: The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the premier global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy. For more than 40 years, ACC has set the standard for in-house counsel and raised awareness regarding the value of the chief legal officer in the C-suite and boardroom. With more than 48,000 members employed by over 10,000 organizations spanning 100+ nations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel® remains the foundation for ACC's market leadership. For more information, visit and follow ACC on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Amy Hawkes Repke Association of Corporate Counsel 2026961555 [email protected]
Associated Press
12-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ACC Announces 2025 Value Champions: Recognizing International Law Departments for Excellence in Efficiency and Cost Savings
Washington, D.C., March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) today announced its 2025 ACC Value Champions, recognizing eight corporate law departments with five external partners for their transformative approach to increasing their legal departments' efficiencies and cost savings. Value Champions found innovative ways to help their legal departments and organizations by utilizing data, streamlined processes, cutting-edge technologies, and new operating models. In the face of evolving global regulations and increasing pressures on law departments to do more with fewer resources, these Champions have implemented creative solutions to cut costs, improve predictability, and deliver better outcomes for their business. 'For well over a decade, the ACC Value Champion awards have recognized pioneers from diverse industries who developed unique strategies to implement legal innovation in today's global business landscape,' said Veta T. Richardson, President & CEO of ACC. 'Legal departments must continually think outside the box and quickly adapt to ever-changing internal and external priorities. The 2025 ACC Value Champions are a remarkable group of law departments and partners that demonstrated how optimizing resources, improving workflows, and building strong relationships lead to transformative legal solutions that deliver excellent results and greater value.' The 2025 ACC Value Champions are below and be sure to learn more about each law department's accomplishments here. Brookfield Properties (Canada) & Reed Smith LLP (USA) FedEx (USA) & Elevate (USA) Ferring Pharmaceuticals & Factor Law (Switzerland) PepsiCo, Inc. (USA) Purolator (Canada) & DocJuris (USA) Rocket Software (USA) UBS (Switzerland), UnitedLex (USA), & Legal Decoder (USA) Workday Inc. (USA) Since 2012, the ACC Value Champions program has highlighted corporate law departments that innovate to optimize legal service delivery for corporations. Selected by a panel of past honorees and expert legal operations professionals, this year's global champions hail from various sectors, including real estate, food and beverage, technology, logistics and transportation, and include some repeat champions. The 2025 ACC Value Champions will be recognized during ACC Legal Ops Con, on April 9 in Chicago, Illinois. The event brings together legal operations professionals to showcase the latest in legal innovation, technology, and processes. Members of the media are welcome to attend Legal Ops Con with a complimentary press pass. To schedule an interview with an ACC Value Champion, please contact: Dan Weber, Senior Director of Communications and PR, [email protected]. ### About the ACC Value Challenge: The ACC Value Challenge, launched in 2012, has provided resources and training for in-house counsel, legal operations professionals, and law firm lawyers to help affect change within the legal industry. By re-aligning relationships and promoting value-based fee arrangements and other management tactics, such as project management, process improvement, efficient use of technology and knowledge management tools, the market for the delivery of legal services benefits from the same insights and wisdom upon which every other service industry relies to provide world-class value to their clients. For more information, visit
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Risk, Compliance, Data Privacy, and Regulatory Changes Named Top Concerns for Global Chief Legal Officers
New research from the Association of Corporate Counsel, in partnership with FTI Consulting, examines the evolution and impact of in-house legal departments on business operations. 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey Washington, D.C., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Legal department leaders worldwide are taking more strategic ownership across their organizations and expanding their influence outside the legal department, according to the 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey, released today by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), in partnership with FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN). The survey fielded by ACC is now in its 26th year and provides detailed analysis of the evolving role of the Chief Legal Officer ('CLO') position and year-over-year trends related to legal departments' involvement in helping organizations adapt to a demanding business environment. The report, featuring responses from 772 CLOs globally, highlights an increasing focus among CLOs on operational efficiency, technology adoption, and improving their team's impact on business objectives. As organizations grapple with data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance risks, CLOs are prioritizing talent development and future skills including business acumen, technological fluency, and industry-specific expertise. Key findings from the survey include: A significant majority of CLOs oversee multiple functions outside of legal. Seventy percent manage at least two additional areas such as risk, compliance, privacy, and ethics. Additionally, 58% are heavily involved in mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions, and 44% believe advising the CEO and shaping business strategy to be their greatest impacts on their organization. Many CLOs report increased volume, cost and complexity of disputes and investigations. Forty-four percent reported an uptick in litigation volume, 42% have seen a rise in internal investigations, and external investigations have increased for 24%. More than one-third said litigation is increasingly complex, while litigation costs have grown for 60%. Internal and external investigation costs have increased for nearly 30% of respondents, respectively. Regulatory investigations are a persistent concern among CLOs. More than 70% said their greatest regulatory concern is industry-specific enforcement, followed by labor and employment-related issues (37%) and third-party risk management enforcement (35%). Among larger companies, concerns centered around antitrust (41%) and AI regulatory enforcement (26%). Global regulatory change was also attributed as one of the primary drivers behind the expected increase in the use of outside counsel among 43% of CLOs surveyed. Internal resourcing is a significant challenge. When asked about the biggest barriers facing their legal departments, respondents identified understaffing as the primary challenge, and 30% plan to increase the number of lawyers they hire this year. Among the largest companies surveyed, that number jumped to 50%. Technology implementation continues to be a focal point for legal departments. Forty-four percent of CLOs plan to adopt new legal technology to improve efficiency in the next year. This percentage is higher among CLOs in Europe and those in larger companies, with the most frequently cited technology initiatives being contract management (62%), document management (32%), and workflow tools (26%). "The 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey offers valuable insights into the challenges CLOs are confronting worldwide," said Veta T. Richardson, ACC President & CEO. "CLOs are key strategic business partners, their responsibilities beyond legal roles are growing, and they are assuming greater leadership across organizations. This is happening amid numerous internal and external challenges, such as a complex regulatory landscape, geopolitical instability, and mounting budget pressures. Through it all, CLOs continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and critical thinking to help their organizations successfully navigate an ever-changing business environment." 'Over the past two years, legal departments have become much more sophisticated and targeted in their approach to technology,' said Sophie Ross, Global CEO of FTI Technology. 'By understanding the importance of and investing in a combination of technology, expertise and process improvement, CLOs are seizing the opportunity to make an impact in their organizations during a time of immense change and rising risks. This survey's findings underscore many of the trends we've seen among our clients, wherein legal department leaders are taking meaningful action to mitigate digital risks, improve legal department efficiency, and solve challenges stemming from the increasing volume, cost and complexity of investigations.' The survey analyzed data from 772 CLOs across 20 industries and 48 countries. The global survey can be found here. Supplemental reports comparing regional-specific data to the global results are available for Europe and Australia. For complimentary press access only to the reports, please contact Dan Weber ( or Ashley Allman ( ACC will host a live webinar to discuss the 2025 ACC CLO Survey results on February 12 at 12 p.m. EST. Please contact Dan Weber to register. ### About ACCThe Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the premier global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy. For more than 40 years, ACC has set the standard for in-house counsel and raised awareness regarding the value of the chief legal officer in the C-suite and boardroom. With more than 48,000 members employed by over 12,000 organizations and spanning 117 nations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel® remains the foundation for ACC's market leadership. For more information, visit and follow ACC on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. About FTI ConsultingFTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 8,300 employees located in 34 countries and territories, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $3.49 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2023. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting's services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. More information can be found at Attachment 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey CONTACT: Dan Weber Association of Corporate Counsel 2026961557 in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
28-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Risk, Compliance, Data Privacy, and Regulatory Changes Named Top Concerns for Global Chief Legal Officers
Washington, D.C., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Legal department leaders worldwide are taking more strategic ownership across their organizations and expanding their influence outside the legal department, according to the 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey, released today by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), in partnership with FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN). The survey fielded by ACC is now in its 26th year and provides detailed analysis of the evolving role of the Chief Legal Officer ('CLO') position and year-over-year trends related to legal departments' involvement in helping organizations adapt to a demanding business environment. The report, featuring responses from 772 CLOs globally, highlights an increasing focus among CLOs on operational efficiency, technology adoption, and improving their team's impact on business objectives. As organizations grapple with data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance risks, CLOs are prioritizing talent development and future skills including business acumen, technological fluency, and industry-specific expertise. Key findings from the survey include: A significant majority of CLOs oversee multiple functions outside of legal. Seventy percent manage at least two additional areas such as risk, compliance, privacy, and ethics. Additionally, 58% are heavily involved in mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions, and 44% believe advising the CEO and shaping business strategy to be their greatest impacts on their organization. Many CLOs report increased volume, cost and complexity of disputes and investigations. Forty-four percent reported an uptick in litigation volume, 42% have seen a rise in internal investigations, and external investigations have increased for 24%. More than one-third said litigation is increasingly complex, while litigation costs have grown for 60%. Internal and external investigation costs have increased for nearly 30% of respondents, respectively. Regulatory investigations are a persistent concern among CLOs. More than 70% said their greatest regulatory concern is industry-specific enforcement, followed by labor and employment-related issues (37%) and third-party risk management enforcement (35%). Among larger companies, concerns centered around antitrust (41%) and AI regulatory enforcement (26%). Global regulatory change was also attributed as one of the primary drivers behind the expected increase in the use of outside counsel among 43% of CLOs surveyed. Internal resourcing is a significant challenge. When asked about the biggest barriers facing their legal departments, respondents identified understaffing as the primary challenge, and 30% plan to increase the number of lawyers they hire this year. Among the largest companies surveyed, that number jumped to 50%. Technology implementation continues to be a focal point for legal departments. Forty-four percent of CLOs plan to adopt new legal technology to improve efficiency in the next year. This percentage is higher among CLOs in Europe and those in larger companies, with the most frequently cited technology initiatives being contract management (62%), document management (32%), and workflow tools (26%). 'The 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey offers valuable insights into the challenges CLOs are confronting worldwide,' said Veta T. Richardson, ACC President & CEO. 'CLOs are key strategic business partners, their responsibilities beyond legal roles are growing, and they are assuming greater leadership across organizations. This is happening amid numerous internal and external challenges, such as a complex regulatory landscape, geopolitical instability, and mounting budget pressures. Through it all, CLOs continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and critical thinking to help their organizations successfully navigate an ever-changing business environment.' 'Over the past two years, legal departments have become much more sophisticated and targeted in their approach to technology,' said Sophie Ross, Global CEO of FTI Technology. 'By understanding the importance of and investing in a combination of technology, expertise and process improvement, CLOs are seizing the opportunity to make an impact in their organizations during a time of immense change and rising risks. This survey's findings underscore many of the trends we've seen among our clients, wherein legal department leaders are taking meaningful action to mitigate digital risks, improve legal department efficiency, and solve challenges stemming from the increasing volume, cost and complexity of investigations.' The survey analyzed data from 772 CLOs across 20 industries and 48 countries. The global survey can be found here. Supplemental reports comparing regional-specific data to the global results are available for Europe and Australia. For complimentary press access only to the reports, please contact Dan Weber ( [email protected]) or Ashley Allman ( [email protected]). ACC will host a live webinar to discuss the 2025 ACC CLO Survey results on February 12 at 12 p.m. EST. Please contact Dan Weber to register. About ACC The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the premier global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy. For more than 40 years, ACC has set the standard for in-house counsel and raised awareness regarding the value of the chief legal officer in the C-suite and boardroom. With more than 48,000 members employed by over 12,000 organizations and spanning 117 nations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel® remains the foundation for ACC's market leadership. For more information, visit and follow ACC on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 8,300 employees located in 34 countries and territories, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $3.49 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2023. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting's services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. More information can be found at
