ST. LOUIS - Missouriar -- The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) – St. Louis Chapter has been honored with the 2025 Best Innovative Programming Award from the ACC global association for its 2024 chess program. The award recognizes the chapter's commitment to creative and engaging legal education for its members.

The program, titled "Checkmate!: How Chess Strategy Can Make You a Better Litigator," was a partnership with the World Chess Hall of Fame, located in St. Louis, MO. The initiative was a four-part series; the first three sessions provided members with exclusive chess lessons taught by the Grand Master in Residence at the Chess Hall of Fame. The series of classes culminated in a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) event called "Defending the King in a Black and White World," and explored how polarization influences jury verdicts. That evening featured a live blitz match by the Woman Grandmaster in residence, networking, and a bespoke chessboard cake.

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According to Jennifer Denny, ACC Litigation Practice Area Network Chair and organizer of the program, the goal of the program was to help lawyers "develop a sharper eye for detail, improve their strategic decision-making skills, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for their cases.". Beyond the lessons, attendees also had the chance to play chess with nationally ranked players and explore the exhibits at the World Chess Hall of Fame.

The St. Louis Chapter has a history of receiving accolades from the ACC global network. This is the second time the Chapter has received the award for innovative programming, having previously won the Innovative Programming Effort Award in 2023.

Earlier this year, the Chapter was recognized for the seventh consecutive year with The Gold Chapter of Distinction Award that recognizes excellence in chapter governance, operations, membership engagement, programming and community involvement. The St. Louis Chapter earned the award through its impactful activities, including innovative educational events and strategic partnerships.

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About the Association of Corporate Counsel – 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 2018-25,
• 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-networks/chapters/st-louis.