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PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ACE Group today announced that its Office of General Counsel, North America, has been named a 2014 ACC Value Champion by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC). The ACE “Project Best in Class” initiative resulted in better legal outcomes achieved through cost-effective, ambitious insourcing and innovative staffing practices, delivered by a home-grown knowledge management and collaboration platform.

The ACC Value Champions initiative is a component of the ACC Value Challenge, which promotes reconnecting the cost and value of legal services. ACE was recognized as one of 11 corporate legal departments, along with five law firms and legal service providers that delivered substantial value to their client organizations by cutting spending, improving predictability and achieving better legal outcomes.

“We commend ACE for being a champion of change in the legal industry,” said Veta T. Richardson, President and CEO of ACC. “The company’s multi-faceted approach demonstrates how much can be accomplished when legal organizations approach team collaboration and client service with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.”

“We’re pleased to receive this award in recognition of ACE’s innovation in the area of inside counsel process improvement, and for providing best-in-class legal services to our organization,” said Kevin Rampe, ACE General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, North America.

In addition to implementing a new legal service model, attorneys at ACE turned to technology-based improvements to better connect its attorneys spread across 11 cities. The legal department built “The Link,” an intranet encompassing a digital reference library, department member profiles, a news center and training and mentoring resources. Volunteers from across the legal department contribute to the site and also are active in talent development activities, such as the department’s mentoring program. Additionally, staff skill and experience inventories accessible through “The Link” facilitate formation of agile teams for short-term projects.

In addition to cost effective measures, the legal department’s innovations have boosted staff professional development as lawyers focusing on high-value work become experts in insurance law and the company’s highly-regulated products. With deeply-rooted experience, the legal department’s value to the business, and ability to help meet strategic objectives, continues to grow.

ACC received 83 nominations from legal departments and law firms from December 2013 through February 7, 2014. The complete list of the 2014 ACC Value Champions can be viewed online at:www.acc.com/valuechampions.

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is a global bar association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other private-sector organizations through information, education, networking opportunities and advocacy initiatives. With more than 33,000 members employed by over 10,000 organizations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel.^® For more information, visit www.acc.com and follow ACC on Twitter http://twitter.com/ACCinhouse.

ACE Group is one of the world’s largest multiline property and casualty insurers. With operations in 54 countries, ACE provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident supplemental health insurance, reinsurance, and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. ACE Limited, the parent company of ACE Group, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACE) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information can be found at www.acegroup.com and follow ACE on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/ACE_GroupNA.

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