Association of Corporate Counsel Rolls Out Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for In-House Lawyers
ACC Launches Comprehensive AI Toolkit to Empower In-House Legal Teams
In a move to support in-house lawyers navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) has launched an Artificial Intelligence Toolkit. Developed in collaboration with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, this resource is designed to help legal departments implement and oversee AI systems effectively.
Why This Toolkit Matters
AI is reshaping industries and transforming the legal profession. In-house lawyers are at the forefront of this change, tasked with guiding business strategy, managing risk, and overseeing technological adoption. The ACC AI Toolkit provides the practical guidance needed for in-house counsel to add value, maintain ethical standards, and align AI solutions with corporate goals and regulatory requirements.
Key Features of the Toolkit
The toolkit offers a wealth of actionable resources, including checklists, sample policies, and expert insights. It is structured to be user-friendly, equipping in-house counsel with strategies to tackle everyday AI challenges.
Checklists and Tools
- AI Basics for In-House Lawyers
- Tips to Be More AI Savvy and Boost Your Career
- Developing Governance and Compliance Strategies
- Integrating AI Governance Across the Business
- Incorporating AI into the Legal Team’s Work
- Meeting Ethical Obligations While Using Generative AI
- Protecting Intellectual Property When Using Generative AI
- Evaluating AI Features, Products, and Services
- Addressing AI Issues in Contracts with Third Parties
Additional Resources
Beyond checklists, the toolkit includes:
- A sample generative AI policy template
- Guidance for developing a corporate AI policy
- Tips for using AI in HR decisions
- A curated collection of ACC AI Insights and resources
Practical Guidance for In-House Counsel
The ACC emphasizes that adapting to AI is not optional—it’s crucial for both competence and competitiveness. In-house lawyers play a critical role in:
- Guiding business teams’ use of new AI capabilities
- Navigating regulatory and compliance requirements
- Integrating AI tools into legal workflows
- Avoiding ethical pitfalls and protecting organizational interests
- Meeting client and management expectations for legal services
Ongoing Support and Education
The toolkit is part of a broader ACC initiative to support in-house lawyers. This includes the upcoming ACC AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel, which will offer ongoing education, practical resources, and case studies to keep legal teams ahead of AI developments.
Conclusion
The ACC Artificial Intelligence Toolkit is a best-in-class resource for in-house lawyers navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI. By combining expert checklists, policy templates, and strategic insights, it empowers legal teams to guide their organizations safely, efficiently, and competitively through the AI era.
Purpose and Importance of the Toolkit
AI is transforming industries and altering the fundamental practice of law. In-house lawyers are positioned at the forefront of this transformation, increasingly tasked with leading business strategy, managing risk, and guiding technological evolution within their organizations. The ACC AI Toolkit recognizes this pivotal role and provides the practical guidance needed for in-house counsel to add value, maintain ethical standards, and ensure that AI solutions align with corporate objectives and regulatory demands.
ACC President and CEO Veta T. Richardson emphasized that as AI revolutionizes business operations, in-house lawyers are uniquely suited to guide organizations through this shift, ensuring legal, ethical, and strategic alignment. The toolkit reflects ACC’s commitment to supporting legal professionals as they adopt and leverage AI effectively.
Key Components and Features
The Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for In-House Lawyers contains a wealth of checklists, insights, and sample tools contributed by ACC community members and legal experts from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. It is structured to be practical and actionable, equipping in-house counsel with strategies and frameworks for dealing with everyday AI challenges within the business environment.
Checklists Included in the Toolkit:
- AI Basics for In-House Lawyers
- Tips to Be More AI Savvy and Boost Your Career
- Developing Governance and Compliance Strategies
- Integrating AI Governance Across the Business
- Incorporating AI into the Legal Team’s Work
- Meeting Ethical Obligations While Using Generative AI
- Protecting Intellectual Property When Using Generative AI
- Evaluating AI Features, Products, and Services
- Addressing AI Issues in Contracts with Third Parties
In addition, the toolkit provides:
- A sample use of generative AI policy template
- Tips for developing a corporate AI policy
- Guidance for using AI in HR decisions
- A curated collection of ACC AI Insights and resources
Practical Guidance for In-House Counsel
The ACC stresses that adapting to AI is not optional—competence and competitiveness depend on it. As AI adoption spreads across industries, in-house lawyers play a critical role in:
- Guiding business teams’ use of new AI capabilities
- Navigating regulatory and compliance requirements
- Integrating AI tools into their own legal workflows
- Avoiding ethical pitfalls and protecting organizational interests
- Anticipating client and management expectations regarding the efficiency and quality of legal services
The toolkit also prepares legal departments to evaluate and contract for AI products and services, implement governance structures, and manage intellectual property issues arising from generative AI applications.
Ongoing Support and Education
The toolkit launch is part of a broader ACC initiative, which includes the upcoming ACC AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel. This platform will provide ongoing education, practical resources, governance frameworks, and case studies to keep in-house lawyers ahead of AI developments.
Additionally, the ACC offers live events—such as the “Strategic AI Adoption for Corporate Counsel: Balancing Innovation with Oversight” keynote—for ongoing thought leadership and community engagement.
Conclusion
The ACC Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for In-House Lawyers is an essential resource for legal professionals navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI adoption. By providing practical guidance, actionable frameworks, and expert insights, the toolkit empowers in-house counsel to lead their organizations through the challenges and opportunities of AI implementation. As AI continues to reshape industries, the ACC remains committed to equipping legal teams with the tools and knowledge needed to maintain ethical standards, ensure compliance, and drive strategic business value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is included in the ACC AI Toolkit for In-House Lawyers?
The toolkit includes checklists, sample tools, and expert guidance on AI basics, governance strategies, ethical considerations, and integrating AI into legal workflows. It also provides templates for AI policies and resources for evaluating AI products and services.
Who is the ACC AI Toolkit designed for?
The toolkit is specifically designed for in-house lawyers and legal teams seeking to understand and effectively manage AI adoption within their organizations. It is also a valuable resource for legal departments looking to develop governance frameworks and compliance strategies.
How does the toolkit help with AI governance and compliance?
The toolkit offers practical guidance on developing governance strategies, integrating AI governance across the business, and addressing regulatory and compliance requirements. It includes checklists and templates to help legal teams implement effective AI governance practices.
What are the practical applications of the toolkit for in-house counsel?
The toolkit provides in-house counsel with strategies to guide business teams in using AI, navigate ethical and legal challenges, and integrate AI tools into legal workflows. It also offers resources for evaluating AI products, addressing intellectual property issues, and managing contracts with third-party vendors.
Where can I find additional resources on AI for in-house lawyers?
The ACC offers a curated collection of AI Insights, live events, and the upcoming ACC AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel. These resources provide ongoing education, case studies, and practical tools to help legal professionals stay ahead of AI developments.
How can I stay updated on AI developments and best practices?
Through the ACC AI Center of Excellence and regular updates to the toolkit, in-house lawyers can access the latest resources, case studies, and expert insights on AI adoption and governance. Additionally, ACC hosts live events and webinars on AI-related topics.
