WHAT Are "ACC VALUE CHAMPIONS?"

ACC Value Champions is a unique recognition program that will identify, celebrate and publicize successful law department initiatives and law firm/client collaborations to drive value in legal spending.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Joint applications (client/law firm) and law department specific applications will be accepted.

All in-house counsel are welcome to self-nominate or submit a joint nomination with their outside counsel. Membership in or sponsorship of ACC is not required.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE AN ACC MEMBER OR SPONSOR TO BE AN "ACC VALUE CHAMPION?"

No, you do not have to be a member or an ACC sponsor to be an ACC Value Champion.

HOW DID THIS PROGRAM COME ABOUT?

This initiative emanated from the success stories and collaborations we have been hearing about for the past several years. When the ACC Value Challenge began, the focus was on client/firm engagement, to find ways to reconnect the cost to the value of legal spending. Under the banner of "Meet. Talk. Act," in-house and outside counsel identified ways to improve efficiency and predictability. Three years later, as the ACC Value Challenge hits its stride, the program is focusing on "actions" and tangible results by way of:

• Metrics– Because "what gets measured gets done," we invite law department leaders to adopt aggressive targets to continue to reduce spending, improve predictability of spending, and achieve better legal outcomes.
  
  
• Celebrating ACC Value Champions – the leaders in law departments, and in the firms with which they work, who have implemented value initiatives to achieve outstanding results against these key metrics.

The program allows us to publicly recognize individuals in departments and law firms who are not only making a difference for their organizations through creativity and value-based legal management skills, but are also effecting change within the legal industry.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS?

Submissions are due March 15, 2012.

WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION do APPLICANTS HAVE TO PROVIDE?

The application is very straightforward. Nominees will define the scope and duration of the project being highlighted; provide metrics on spend, predictability and/or legal outcomes; and narrative on how the results were achieved. Emphasis should be on description of fee structures, as well as efficiency, staffing/training, relationship/collaboration and other management practices.

WHAT METRICS SHOULD BE PROVIDED?

The ACC Value Challenge invites law department and firm leaders to adopt stretch targets to reduce spending, achieve high predictability, and improve legal outcomes. Accordingly, nominees who wish to become ACC Value Champions should show how results have been measured in at least one of these categories.

Recognizing that metrics used in departments and firms vary, we simply ask that you clearly explain the measures used.

Examples include:

• Spending: Percentage reduction year over year in a defined category; percentage reduction vs. hourly billing for same matter, category, etc.
  
  
• Predictability: Percentage of matters closed within 5% of budget set forth at beginning or key stage of matter; percentage of matters that did not exceed (clearly documented) budget
  
  
• Outcomes: Percentage reduction of disputes, claims, etc. over defined period that corresponds to the value initiative; Percentage reduction of average cost of settlement attributable to the value initiative

What types of projects qualify?

Examples include:

• Applying a flat fee with a success bonus to a thorny matter, leading to a great result at a lower cost.
  
  
• Implementing a project management program that resulted in hitting budgets on every matter, throughout the year.
  
  
• Putting a portfolio of similar work into a retainer agreement and achieving great added-value consulting along with the desired predictability.
  
  
• Mapping out matter processes to pinpoint inefficiencies and redesigning workflow to eliminate unnecessary steps and costs.
  
  
• Installing an extranet to support a knowledge management program and/or improve knowledge sharing, resulting in reduced fees across the board.
  
  
• Successful firm/client collaboration to come up with ways to dramatically reduce claims and win more cases.
  
  
• Employing a combination of value practices to drive value through savings, predictability and improved legal outcomes.

WHO WILL REVIEW THE NOMINATIONS?

The Judging Panel comprises of ACC executives and ACC Value Challenge Steering Committee members.

Judges will conduct interviews with finalists to verify stories and elicit additional information as needed.

HOW WILL THE NOMINATIONS BE JUDGED?

We recognize that there are many ways to drive value and the significance of results are relative to the organization, the scope of a given project and its objectives. Judging will take into account results achieved and management practices employed, taking special notice of innovation, strong internal or firm/client collaboration and replicability of the value practices employed.

CAN LEGAL INDUSTRY SERVICE PROVIDERS PARTICIPATE?

We encourage nominees to be as descriptive as possible and if legal service providers are helping them to save money, use management tools, be more efficient, etc., those providers should be identified on the application.

Summary descriptions of the ACC Value Champions will be provided in materials announcing the winners, and if third-party legal service providers supported the achievements, they too will be recognized.

WHEN WILL THE ACC VALUE CHAMPIONS BE ANNOUNCED?

The "Champions" will be announced in the spring of 2012.

HOW MANY CHAMPIONS WILL THERE BE?

There is no finite number. We encourage — and will accept — all nominations that demonstrate making a difference for organizations using value-focused legal management skills and will select a compelling array of Champions.

WHY SHOULD IN-HOUSE COUNSEL/LAW FIRMS SUBMIT APPLICATIONS? WHAT do THEY GET?

ACC Value Champions will receive public recognition for their innovation and success, as well as an engraved crystal trophy; media exposure; profiling in ACC's member publication, ACC Docket; and the opportunity to present their value initiatives as part of an ACC educational program.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ACC VALUE CHAMPION?

It means that you are effectively managing corporate and/or firm resources to achieve strong value for your clients. While innovative practices can be particularly effective and noteworthy, so too can solid, comprehensive management of staff, processes, knowledge and relationships. To be a champion is not necessarily to be unique. Indeed, one can be part of an "army" that becomes a champion through individual and collective actions.

However, the ACC Value Champion designation is not an endorsement of any law department or firm; it is intended to recognize successful value practices. It is not a comprehensive or definitive statement on the subject but serves as a resource for people to consider when implementing initiatives advocated as part of the ACC Value Challenge.

WHOM CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

You may contact Catherine J. Moynihan, ACC's Director of Project Development, at 202.293.4103 x398 or accvaluechampions@acc.com.