ACC and Olin Business School Deliver Cutting-Edge Legal Education Prog

ST. LOUIS (April 29, 2025) – The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) St. Louis Chapter continues to empower its members with cutting-edge business insights through its strategic alliance with Washington University's esteemed Olin Business School. In their latest collaboration, the two powerhouse institutions delivered an engaging 3-hour Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program on April 11 at the University's Knight Center.

Building on their globally recognized partnership, this program equipped in-house counsel with essential skills in strategic thinking and talent development – areas increasingly vital for today's corporate attorneys who often serve as key advisors and decision-makers within their organizations.

Geoffrey Grammer, 2025 Professional Development Chairperson for the ACC St. Louis Chapter and Corporate Counsel at Ameren Corporation, along with his committee spearheaded the program's development. He emphasized the crucial role of business acumen for chapter members, stating, "Our in-house counsel are not just legal experts; they are strategic partners to executives and business leaders. Engaging, interactive programs like this one, focusing on leadership development, strategic planning, and effective communication, provide invaluable tools for their success."

Attendees delved into two dynamic sessions led by distinguished Olin Business School professors:

• "What is Business Strategy?": This session peeled back the layers of strategic thinking, offering practical frameworks to avoid common pitfalls such as being bogged down by immediate concerns or clinging to outdated assumptions. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how to develop and implement effective business strategies.
• "Goal-Focused Development": Challenging the reactive approach to talent development, this session presented an intentional methodology. Attendees explored how to assess development needs, set clear goals, plan targeted activities, and, crucially, empower employees to take ownership of their professional growth.

"Today's corporate attorneys are often at the forefront of high-stakes, high-opportunity decisions," added Grammer. "This ongoing partnership with the Olin Business School not only cultivates stronger in-house counsel but also strengthens the broader business community in St. Louis."

The ACC St. Louis Chapter's commitment to providing exceptional value to its members through innovative partnerships was recognized globally in 2023, when Grammer was also the Chapter’s Professional Development Chairperson.

The Chapter received the global 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award for "Best Partnership Program" from the international Association of Corporate Counsel at its annual meeting, celebrating their initial collaboration with Washington University Olin Business School for the program "Using Leadership and Decision-Making to Overcome Current Business and Legal Challenges" held on April 14, 2023.

This ongoing alliance underscores the Chapter's proactive approach to equipping its members with the diverse skill sets necessary to excel in today's dynamic corporate landscape.

About the St. Louis Chapter:

The Association of Corporate Counsel - St. Louis Chapter, the premier bar association for in-house counsel, was founded in 1987. The Chapter has more than 650 members who represent over 175 organizations. The St. Louis Chapter’s commitment to its members and community has earned it an impressive list of accolades as a leader in the global network of chapters:

• Chapter of the Year 2012 and 2015,
• Best Membership Strategy Award 2018,
• Gold Chapter of Distinction designation in 2019-24,
• Best Diversity Initiative Award 2020, 2022 and 2024,
• Innovative Programming Effort Award 2023, and
• Best Partnership Program Award 2023.

To learn more, please visit, https://www.acc.com/chapters/stlouis/.

About Washington University Olin Business School:

Washington University's Olin Business School is a globally recognized institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs, influential research, and commitment to developing future business leaders.

Contact:

Ann Marie Mayuga, AMM Communications

314.485.9499

annmarie@ammcommunications.com