ACC STL Solidifies Global Leadership with Consecutive Award-Winning, Immersive Programming

St. Louis (March 13, 2026) – The Association of Corporate Counsel – St. Louis Chapter (ACC STL) has established a new gold standard for in-house professional development, securing consistent global recognition for its innovative and experience-based programming. Building on a streak of international accolades, the Chapter has successfully transitioned beyond traditional legal education to earn prestigious awards for programs that immerse members in unique cultural, business, and strategic environments.

A Legacy of Global Recognition

The Chapter’s commitment to excellence has been recognized annually at the ACC Global Annual Meetings, where it consistently competes and wins against mid-sized chapters worldwide.

• 2025 Innovative Programming Excellence: Most recently, the Chapter received global acclaim for its "Checkmate! How Chess Strategy Can Make You a Better Litigator" series. This innovative program, held in partnership with the World Chess Hall of Fame, utilized grandmaster-led instruction to apply ancient strategic wisdom to modern legal challenges.
• 2024 Best Diversity Initiative: Honored for the Diversity and Inclusion Summer Internship Program, which has placed under-represented law students in local corporate legal departments since 2011 to build a diverse pipeline for the future of the profession.
• 2023 Best Partnership Program: Recognized for its collaboration with Washington University’s Olin Business School. This partnership provided members with access to top-tier business curriculum focusing on leadership and strategic decision-making.
• 2023 Innovative Programming Effort: Awarded for the "Artful Observation with a Diversity Lens" program at the Saint Louis Art Museum. This session used visual art as a catalyst to enhance observational awareness and facilitate conversations about bias and empathy.
• 2022 Best Diversity Initiative: Celebrated for the "Diversity Bridges: Underground Railroad Tour". This experiential program provided a guided, historical exploration of the Underground Railroad, fostering deep conversation on racial and cultural issues.

Redefining the Member Experience

ACC STL distinguishes itself through "experience-based" programming—events designed to engage members intellectually and socially in settings outside the courtroom or boardroom.

"Our programming is consistently ranked as a top reason why members join the chapter," said Michael Zarrilli, 2026 Chapter Programming Chairperson, and Charter Communications Vice President -- Associate General Counsel. "We strive to offer unique experiences that allow members to learn about different cultures, appreciate our shared humanity, and connect with each other on a deeper level."

The Chapter’s success is further evidenced by its consistent designation as a Gold Chapter of Distinction for six consecutive years (2019–2024), the highest honor bestowed by the global ACC organization.

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 680 members who represent over 175 organizations. The 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 1995, 2012 and 2015,
• Chapter Challenge Award 2009,
• Legal Service of Eastern Missouri Richard B. Teitelman Distinguished Service Award for pro bono efforts 2014,
• Best Membership Strategy 2018,
• Gold Chapter of Distinction designation 2019-24,
• Best Diversity Initiative Award 2020, 2022 and 2024,
• Innovative Programming Effort Award 2023 and 2025
• Best Partnership Program Award 2023.

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