Program | Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)

The ACC Executive Leadership Institute for a one-of-a-kind event specifically tailored for rising in-house counsel leaders who demonstrate promise to become general counsel during their careers, as well as brand-new general counsel with 12 or fewer months serving in their first GC role.

This program provides a unique opportunity to engage in enriching discussions with and learn from seasoned experts who have successfully navigated the challenges of being a general counsel. These industry leaders will share their valuable insights, strategies, and best practices to help you overcome obstacles, achieve your career goals, and learn how to make impactful decisions that shape the future of your organization.

Over the past thirty years, the role of general counsel in corporations has evolved and expanded dramatically. Today's GC is called upon to lead the company in critical business situations and answer to the government and media in the midst of crises. The GC is often designated as a member of the senior management team while giving independent advice to the board of directors. A successful modern-day GC will possess a higher level of knowledge, soft skills, understanding of complex corporate dynamics and new communications competencies well beyond expertise in black letter law.

This custom-tailored program prepares the next generation of GCs and brand-new GCs to meet these requirements, taking their professional development to the next level.

The curriculum is organized by modules based on effective reporting, communication and cultivating successful working relationships with each key stakeholder:

1. The Board of Directors (and the Lead Non-Executive Director)

2. The Chief Executive Officer

3. The Chief Financial Officer

4. Public Communications and Crisis Management

5. Strategic Planning and Leadership of the Law Department

By the end of the program, participants will have acquired critical insights into the unique challenges of heading a large corporate legal department and develop the skills necessary to be an effective leader.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in ELI. ELI opened my eyes to the many responsibilities that a General Counsel must shoulder, and that exposure was invaluable."

Mary Gritzmacher - 2018 ELI Fellow

Corporate Vice President, General Counsel, & Secretary

CoorsTek, Inc.