ACC-WI adapts, leads in time of COVID-19.

Byline: Michaela Paukner, mpaukner@wislawjournal.com

Like many businesses, the Association of Corporate Counsel's Wisconsin chapter has had to adapt to the turmoil of 2020.

Above all, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the ACC-WI to go virtual. The organization went online to hold its annual conference and other events that usually happen in person, like happy hours and roundtable discussions.

"It's a change, but we're all changing together," said Danielle White, president of ACC-WI and senior legal counsel at Rockwell Automation. "There is some benefit to this in that we are able to have a greater impact on some of our membership. We're able to pull in people who aren't able to travel to the places where our in-person events are typically."

White was elected as the president of ACC-WI in June, "a great time to be president of any organization," she said with a laugh. Despite the difficulties presented by 2020, she's determined to uphold the chapter's mission to promote the professional and business interests of in-house counsel.

The organization supports members through information, instruction, networking and advocacy. White talked with the Wisconsin Law Journal about her long-time involvement in the ACC-WI and work with its supporting members.

Wisconsin Law Journal: How did you first get involved with ACC-Wisconsin?

White: I was first involved with the ACC a couple years into my in-house career. I started as an in-house attorney right after law school, which is quite rare. Rockwell participated in events, and I was tapped by a former board member and asked to join the board of the ACC of Wisconsin. And I did back in 2014 or 2015 and have been on the board ever since in increasing levels of responsibility.

WLJ: How has the organization benefited you?

White: The ACC, for me, has been a great way to network with other in-house counsel. I think that it's important for new in-house counsel in particular, but also as you start to get more seasoned in your career, you tend to stay focused on your particular area. The ACC is another great way to get back in touch with the rest of the legal community.

I also think that it's important for a lot of the practitioners who are the only attorney at their company because they have smaller budgets, limited resources and smaller staff that can assist them with the areas of concern. It's really important that they use their resources wisely, and the ACC is an excellent resource for templates, knowledge and...