ACC Launches Executive Cybersecurity Risk Credential for In-House Counsel and Legal Professionals

Washington, D.C. - [September 18, 2025]- The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), the premiere global legal association representing in-house counsel, today announced the launch of its Executive Cybersecurity Risk Credential (ECRC) in partnership with CLASS-LLC, a professional services firm that specializes in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and workforce development.

Designed specifically for in-house counsel and legal professionals responsible for oversight or management of enterprise cybersecurity risk, the ECRC provides comprehensive training in board governance, risk culture, strategy, regulatory alignment, and operational risk execution.

Credential Highlights:

• The core curriculum covers governance fundamentals, oversight responsibilities, strategic risk management, performance measurement, corporate culture and behavior, and the legal issues stemming from cybersecurity and emerging threats, including AI.
• The curriculum includes twenty hours of instructor-led, in-person workshops plus online content via a learning management system (LMS), case studies, exams, and continuing support.
• Upon successfully completing the training and passing the proctored exam, participants earn the ACC ECRC credential and receive a certificate and digital badge for email signature lines, social media profiles, and professional use.

According to ACC's 2025 CLO Survey, more than half of chief legal officers reported feeling unprepared for data-related risks underscoring the urgency for legal leaders to deepen their cybersecurity acumen. The ACC ECRC aims to fill that gap and strengthen preparedness levels.

"As in-house counsel take on a more central role in cybersecurity, their leadership is vital to building business acumen, managing liability, and earning stakeholder trust," said Veta T. Richardson, ACC president and CEO. "The ECRC equips in-house counsel and legal professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategic mindset to manage crises, guide their organizations through cyber challenges, and report effectively to boards. We are proud to offer a credential that empowers in-house counsel to lead with confidence in this critical area."

"Strategic leadership and governance of enterprise cybersecurity risk is not only a technological concern but also a key business risk that requires appropriate attention and resources," explains Keyaan Williams, Founder and Managing Director, CLASS LLC. "It is imperative for legal executives to understand their organization's obligations for governance and management of cyber risk, which are two sides of the same coin. The ACC ECRC is a collaborative effort between ACC and CLASS-LLC to ensure qualified participants develop and execute strategic responses to a variety of cybersecurity risks facing modern organizations."

The first ECRC cohort convenes on December 8-10, 2025, in Atlanta, GA at The Buckhead Club. Enrollment is now open. For full program and registration details, visit https://www.acc.com/ecrc.

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About ACC:

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the premier global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations, and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy. With more than 48,000 members employed by over 12,000 organizations spanning 117 countries, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel® remains the foundation for ACC's market leadership. For more information, visit https://www.acc.com and follow ACC on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

About CLASS-LLC:

CLASS-LLC is a professional services firm that specializes in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and workforce development. CLASS-LLC applies decades of experience to develop solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of individual customers. For more information, visit https://www.class-llc.com.