Message from the President
Axel Viaene

Welcome to the website of ACC Europe!  Recently, the Board of ACC Europe undertook an interesting exercise.  We each had to write down why we joined the Board.  Much to our surprise (not really, actually), our answers were virtually identical.  We found that we were all motivated by a strong desire to connect with people, acquire knowledge, pass this knowledge on, feel part of a group and, last but not least, have fun in the process.  Although I cannot speak for our entire membership I am fairly confident this is top of mind for all current and prospective members of ACC Europe.

Connect with People — To acquire knowledge and pass it on

Through my past twelve years in-house, I came to realize that the practice of law is not an exact science.  Some even dare call it an art.  Every day we face the challenge of providing effective legal counsel to a business that is operating in an increasingly competitive market place.  The current economic climate has presented us all with a fresh set of challenges.  Very few of us are able to craft solutions from scratch.  We require the input from people who faced the same problems before us or are facing these right now.  And guess what, the people who were or are in the same boat are more than happy to share their solutions with the rest of us.  Our past President, James Bellerjeau, indicated in last year’s message that we are linked by altruism, a desire to help each other.  We must leverage this desire now more than ever.

Feel Part of a Group

All of us have to deal with situations in our careers when we feel like we are walking alone.  A problem arises, your in-house client wants a quick (always) solution and you have no clue where to look.  ACC Europe, through its many tools, lends you a helping hand during such challenging moments in your career.  As a member of ACC, you are part of a network of 25,000 in-house legal professionals.  You can read their recommendations in the ACC Docket, Cross-Border Quarterly and Newsstand.  In addition, we have an on-line database which is a treasure trove of sample forms and policies.  We also provide infoPAKS, MemberToMember access, seminars and an Inhouse Jobline.

Have Fun

Our business clients not only appreciate our cost-effective and accurate legal advice.  They are also looking for a level-headed member of their management team who adds a balanced perspective to the commercial discussion.  We tend to underestimate the importance of cultivating a sense of humor.  Humor, provided it is well measured and culturally appropriate, can take the edge off and help you offer that balanced perspective to your clients.  Humor will also help you manage stress and empower you to be a high performing legal advisor and manager.

Country Representatives

I would also like to use this forum to thank our hard working team of Country Representatives for what they do for ACC Europe.  Our local teams epitomize what ACC is all about.  I encourage you all, existing and prospective members, to reach out to your Country Representatives, and to the Board, with your questions and suggestions.  We all have a story to tell about our in-house journey and everyone is interested to hear it.

Annual Meeting:  Vienna, May 30-June 1, 2010

We are of course continuing our tradition of organizing an Annual Meeting.  During this forum you will be able to connect, feel part of a broader community and have fun.  Mark your calendars for our Annual Meeting in Vienna on May 30 through June 1, 2010.  We will be talking about strategic risk management, a topic that is near and dear to all our hearts.

It goes without saying that the past year has been tough for all of us.   As is customary in the cycles of life and business, recovery will follow.  According to some, it has already commenced.  This crisis provides us, in-house counsel, with the unique opportunity to show our value add to the businesses we support.  As in the years before, ACC Europe will be there to help you embrace this opportunity.

The very best to all of you,

Axel Viaene
President
ACC Europe