Association of Corporate Counsel Press Release
January 17, 2007
Washington, DC—ACC was heartened to see Deputy Defense Secretary Charles “Cully” Stimson apologize for his statement that he believes corporations should take action against large law firms engaged in providing pro bono legal representation to detainees at Guantanamo. Corporate legal departments strongly support pro bono legal services offered by their legal staff and the law firms they retain. It is not only a professional responsibility of the bar, but ensures meaningful access to our justice system for all.
ACC and its members support law firms that engage in pro bono work. In-house law departments increasingly are likely to make it a criterion of retention and evaluation of their law firms’ service. Corporate counsel reward firms for engaging in important public service projects, including pro bono projects that sometimes tackle unpopular issues or causes. We applaud the commitment of lawyers and law firms that are representing Guantanamo detainees and undertaking a wide range of other pro bono work. This work affirms the highest tradition of the legal profession.
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The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the in-house bar association, serving the professional needs of attorneys who practice in the legal departments of corporations and other private sector organizations worldwide. The association promotes the common interests of its members, contributes to their continuing education, seeks to improve understanding of the role of in-house attorneys, and encourages advancements in standards of corporate legal practice. Founded in 1982, ACC is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2007. The association has grown to 21,000 members in more than 60 countries, who represent more than 8,000 corporations. ACC has 47 chapters and 14 committees serving the membership. Its members represent all of the Fortune 100 companies. Internationally, its members represent 42 of the Global 50 and 74 of the Global 100 companies. For more information, go to www.acc.com.