ACCL 101
According to abbreviationfinder, American College of Construction Lawyers is commonly known as ACCL. The American College of Construction Lawyers (ACCL) was established in 1994 to provide a forum for the development of a national network of construction lawyers. The college is dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of construction law and related areas. It provides education, networking, and support for its members with the goal of advancing the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and technical proficiency in the field.
The ACCL is composed of approximately 500 members from all over the United States and Canada. Membership is by invitation only, and is extended to those lawyers who have demonstrated a high level of skill, experience and commitment to the practice of construction law.
The ACCL hosts an annual meeting each spring in a different city across the United States or Canada. These meetings provide members with an opportunity to meet with other construction lawyers from across North America and discuss current topics in the field. The ACCL also sponsors a variety of educational programs throughout the year, including webinars, seminars, and conferences. Additionally, members have access to online resources such as discussion forums, white papers, newsletters, and blogs devoted to construction law topics. The college also provides mentoring opportunities for new members so that they can gain valuable insight into the practice of construction law from experienced practitioners.
Degrees and Programs
American College of Construction Lawyers (ACCL) is a professional association of lawyers who specialize in construction law. The organization was founded in 1993 and focuses on providing education, networking, and professional development for its members. ACCL offers degrees and certifications in construction law as well as courses in construction law topics. The organization also provides resources to members who are looking to expand their knowledge in the field. ACCL has three departments: Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Transactions & Project Delivery, and Professional Development & Ethics. Each department offers a variety of degrees, certifications, and seminars on different aspects of construction law. For example, the Litigation & Dispute Resolution department offers certificates in Construction Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Risk Management & Insurance, and Arbitration/Mediation; while the Transactions & Project Delivery department offers certificates in Design-Build Contracting and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Additionally, ACCL provides Professional Development & Ethics seminars that cover topics such as legal ethics for practicing attorneys as well as professional development opportunities for those interested in building their careers in construction law.
Rankings
The American College of Construction Lawyers (ACCL) is an organization that recognizes and honors the best construction lawyers in the United States. It provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, professional growth, and fellowship among its members. The ACCL also serves to preserve the highest standards of professional ethics, competence, and integrity in the practice of construction law.
Membership in the American College of Construction Lawyers is by invitation only and requires that each candidate demonstrate a high level of experience and expertise in construction law. Each candidate must have at least five years’ experience as a practicing lawyer in construction law and must have made significant contributions to the profession through writings, lectures, teaching or other activities. The ACCL also requires each candidate to be recommended by two existing members who can attest to their qualifications for membership. All candidates must pass a rigorous review process that includes background checks and a detailed evaluation by an admissions committee comprised of esteemed members from around the country.
Once accepted into membership, each member is assigned to one of four classes based on their years of practice: Senior Member (10+ years), Fellow (7-9 years), Associate Member (4-6 years), or Junior Member (1-3 years). Members are continually evaluated throughout their membership period for continued excellence in their practice as well as other criteria such as public service contributions or scholarly work related to construction law. Each year, members may be elevated from one class to another based on their performance during their current term.
The highest honor within the ACCL is election as a Regent which is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to preserving the highest standards within construction law and have made significant contributions to the profession over an extended period time. Regents are elected by unanimous vote from among existing Senior Members with at least 15 years’ experience as an active member in good standing with the ACCL.
Admissions Requirements
To become a Fellow, applicants must meet stringent qualifications in terms of professional experience, ethical conduct, and commitment to the advancement of construction law.
Fellows must have a minimum of fifteen years’ experience as a practicing lawyer in the field of construction law or related areas. They must also demonstrate outstanding legal ability and character throughout their career, with at least ten years’ experience as a leader in the field. Fellows must also have been involved with significant cases or transactions involving construction law, such as litigations, arbitrations and mediations. In addition, they must be recommended by two current Fellows who are familiar with their work and character.
Applicants are also required to submit an application package that includes a detailed resume or curriculum vitae; two written recommendations from current members; a statement outlining the applicant’s commitment to the advancement of construction law; three writing samples; and a $500 non-refundable application fee. The ACCL Board then reviews each application carefully before making its decision on Fellowship. Once accepted into the College, Fellows are expected to stay active by participating in educational programs, networking events and other activities sponsored by ACCL.
