What does it take to be an excellent lawyer who means business? How can you develop those skills and talents? On Wednesday, June 13, the panel for this year's General Counsel Forum luncheon will explain how to be that lawyer for your organization. Our panelists:  Jim Bramson (LivingSocial);  Angela Ciccolo (Special Olympics);  Karen Litsinger (Mirixa Corporation); Brian Miller (The AES Corporation); and Buddy Omohundro (Apex Systems Inc.).   For full details and registration, visit http://www.cvent.com/d/zcqq3c

WMACCA is excited to welcome Kathleen Nalty, Executive Director of the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, who will lead a ground-breaking workshop for our members on June 21.  This interactive event will focus on how inclusiveness transforms workplaces into fields for success. Ms. Nalty will focus on ten hidden barriers in  organizations, the role unconscious bias plays, the difference between inclusiveness and traditional diversity concepts, how to assess the inclusiveness/exclusiveness of your organization, and how to embed inclusiveness in your organization's culture.  Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from one of the leaders in the diversity field.  For further details and registration, please visit http://www.cvent.com/d/rcqqc7

Handling a financial event requires that the CFO consult and work closely with the general counsel to ensure the matter is handled properly with as little risk as possible. Many CFOs and GCs have close working relationships.  But a recent poll showed that a significant number collaborate only occasionally.  This week's news alert -- CFO Insights: Strengthening The Relationship With Inside Counsel, from Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, a 2012 Platinum Level sponsor of WMACCA -- explores "why better interaction between the finance organization and the office of general counsel may not only maximize value while minimizing risk, but also make each department more effective in the process."

Paraprofessionals are an essential part of our in-house team. In recognition of the vital role they play, WMACCA is again pleased to present an In-House Paralegal Institute on Tuesday, June 19.  The Institute's five sessions will cover contract drafting and contract management; legal writing; litigation document collection; and basics of intellectual property and trademarks.  For full details and registration, please visit http://www.cvent.com/d/2cq11z

• WMACCA is again proud to sponsor the Lawyers Have Heart race and fun run/walk, on Saturday, June 9, in support of the American Heart Association.  The event starts at the Washington Harbour at Georgetown at 7:30 a.m. In the morning, you can register on-site. A great race and a great cause.  More information at http://www.lawyershaveheartdc.org/LHH/RaceInfo/Race-Info_UCM_435490_Article.jsp
  

• Legal Services of Northern Virginia:  WMACCA and AOL will host a pro bono clinic for clients of LSNV on Friday, June 29th.  Volunteers will assist these clients with housing and consumer-law issues.  For those who haven't participated in an LSNV clinic before, training will be provided.  Full details and registration at http://www.cvent.com/d/ccqq5q.  We are most grateful to LSNV and the Fairfax Law Foundation for honoring WMACCA with a Pro Bono Award at the annual Northern Virginia Pro Bono Reception last night.

The 2012 Excellence in Corporate Practice Award recognizes the career achievements of senior in-house lawyers who epitomize excellence through representation of their clients, contributions to the legal profession and public service. Nominations must be received by June 28 to be considered. 

For the nominations criteria and additional information on these (and other) ACC awards, visit www.acc.com/aboutacc/awards.  Awards will be presented at ACC’s 2012 Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL (September 30-October 3).