August 1, 2011 (Baltimore, MD/Washington, D.C.) — The National Bar Association (NBA), the nation’s oldest and largest global organization for African-American attorneys, judges, educators and law students, will present the “NBA Pinnacle Award” on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 during its 86th Annual Convention in Baltimore.  This is the first year for the award, which recognizes the highest level of achievements made by leading in-house counsel and legal executives.  In addition to corporate recipients Kraft Legal Department and the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession, this year’s inaugural individual recipients for the 2011 “NBA Pinnacle Award” include:

• Roderick A. Palmore, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Compliance and Risk Management Officer and Secretary for General Mills
• Veta T. Richardson, President and CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel

“Rick and Veta are excellent examples of corporate counsel who have demonstrated excellence in their legal careers and inspire change through their leadership and vision,” states NBA President Demetrius D. Shelton.  Shelton adds, “Both have developed unique initiatives that have impacted the highest levels of corporate America and their successes embody the spirit of this award.”

NBA Pinnacle Awards Chair, ACC Board Member, and Corporate Vice President and General Counsel for Golden State Foods Corp. John E. Page, one of the founders of this award, says, “This year, we wanted to recognize extraordinary individuals whom exemplify the highest ideals and accomplishments, not only as top legal executives, but also as individuals.”  Page adds, “Rick and Veta have been leaders within the legal community and exceptional advocates for pressing issues on behalf of in-house counsel.  Their commitment to the legal profession is demonstrated not only through the leadership and guidance they offer others, but also through community involvement.”

“NBA Pinnacle Award” Details for Tuesday, August 2:

WHAT: The NBA presents its inaugural “Pinnacle Award Luncheon: Honoring Corporate Counsel Achievement.”  The 2011 “NBA Pinnacle Award” recognizes and awards excellence in corporate America and distinguished corporate counsel, including the highest achievements and accomplishments of corporate counsel in endeavors ranging from improving the legal profession, pro bono, career accomplishments, diversity, and matters of governance.  The award will be presented annually, in conjunction with the Corporate Leadership Forum, a dialogue on current issues facing Chief Legal Officers and General Counsel.

WHEN:  Tuesday, August 2, 2011 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Holiday Ballroom 123 of the Hilton Baltimore Hotel, 401 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201

About NBA: Founded in 1925, the National Bar Association (NBA) is the nation's oldest and largest association of African American lawyers and judges.  Representing a professional network of over 20,000 lawyers, judges, educators and law students in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Africa, the NBA promotes efforts that will improve the economic condition of all American citizens, regardless of race, sex or creed. For more information, visit www.nationalbar.net.

About ACC: 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 and other private-sector organizations around the globe.  ACC promotes the common interests of its members, provides resources to help save time, money and effort, contributes to their continuing education and provides a voice on issues of global importance. With more than 28,000 members in more than 75 countries, employed by over 10,000 organizations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel.^®  For more information, visit www.acc.com. 

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