LEGAL
We hear often about gender pay disparity, appropriate training for today's in-house leaders, and the necessity of pro-bono work. But just what is being done about it? The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is working on just that with its new arm, the ACC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As an organization that represents more than 37,000 corporate counsel from many industries in 90 countries, the ACC is in the unique position to address these issues and needs of in-house counsel. Corporate Counsel Connect spoke with the Foundation's Director, Jennifer Chen, on the plans for this important addition to ACC.
The ACC Foundation will concentrate on serving the needs of the in-house bar through the dissemination of research and surveys, leadership and professional development opportunities and support of diversity and pro-bono initiatives. The Foundation will take advantage of ACC's reach and "partner with corporations, law firms, legal service providers and bar associations to assist with these goals," according to Jennifer.
"The primary focus will center on advancing the collective interests of the in-house bar, particularly in the areas of benchmarking, surveys and research," explains Jennifer. In addition, the Foundation is also planning on independent studies on the state of the in-house profession, focusing on international topics and audiences – ideal given that ACC's international membership is growing at a quick and steady rate. While the valuable research will be shared with ACC members, the surveys and studies will also serve to "better inform ACC regarding legal, business and management trends impacting the current and future needs of in-house counsel," Jennifer says.
The timing is right for this type of focus on research. States Jennifer, "The past few years have seen an unprecedented wave of change and uncertainty in the corporate legal market. And the general counsel role has changed to stay in step with increased regulation and globalization." While ACC has always supported its membership through in-depth research and information about the changing industry, the Foundation gives the association the opportunity to invest even more and explore additional topics. The Foundation will publish special break out reports that will elaborate into findings regarding certain demographic groups or geographic regions. "For example," shares Jennifer, "ACC raised the issue of gender pay disparities in our recent Chief Legal Officer 2015 Survey. The Foundation will be able to host webcasts and special break out reports addressing the issue."
According to Jennifer, the Foundation will release at least four comprehensive surveys in the coming year. Previously, ACC published a global report on the state of work-life balance among in-house lawyers. The report included insight from 2,004 corporate lawyers in 43 countries. According to Jennifer the Foundation can delve much deeper, and "will now be able to publish region-specific break out reports about work-life balance needs and best practices." She explained that topics were chosen in response to member interest and industry trends.
As the Foundation gets its own "foundation" this year, there are a few other activities that are planned. Several webinars are on the schedule, covering topics spanning leadership, professional development and diversity in the legal profession. "These topics in particular are in line with the Foundation's mission and service goals," states Jennifer.
On the heels of a successful event at the 2014 ACC Annual Meeting in New Orleans, the Foundation also plans to host the 2nd Annual Corporate Counsel Classic charity golf tournament and networking reception in conjunction with the 2015 ACC Annual Meeting in October in Boston. Shares Jennifer, "The event is designed to offer strategic networking opportunities to both in-house and outside counsel while also encouraging participation from diverse attorneys." Multiple additional networking events are planned as well. The ACC Foundation will rely on donors to support the projects planned.
Jennifer joins the Foundation after many years of partnering with ACC as the former Vice President of External Relations with the Minority Corporate Counsel Association. She brings passion and a unique view of corporate counsel. "I was very excited that diversity is an aspect of the mission and a focus for the Foundation," states Jennifer. "I hope to continue to advance the relationships ACC has with other diverse bars and identify opportunities to collaborate on new initiatives."
Concludes Jennifer, "When I learned of this opportunity it seemed like the perfect fit. It's been a wonderful experience to join ACC and help lead the way for the Foundation."
For more information about the ACC Foundation or to make a donation to support this important mission, visit www.acc.com/foundation.
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