The 2026 Chief Legal Officer Survey from ACC and FTI Consulting examines how artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainty and resource constraints are redefining executive leadership
Washington, DC, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), the premiere global organization representing the professional and business interests of in-house counsel, in collaboration with global business advisory firm FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN), today released its 2026 Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Survey.
Now in its 27th year, the annual survey provides detailed analysis of the evolving CLO role and year-over-year trends in how legal departments are helping organizations adapt to an increasingly demanding business environment.
"This year’s CLO Survey confirms what we’re hearing from legal leaders around the world: the role of the chief legal officer is expanding faster than the resources available to support it,” said Jason L. Brown, president and CEO of ACC. "CLOs are being asked to lead AI adoption, manage geopolitical risk and drive strategic value - often simultaneously and with constrained budgets. The findings reflect a clear shift toward the CLO as a central architect of enterprise resilience.”
The findings are based on a global survey of 1,049 CLOs across 43 countries, offering a comprehensive view of how legal leaders are navigating geopolitical volatility and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. As organizations face heightened complexity and uncertainty, the CLO has emerged as a central architect of enterprise resilience, balancing strategic growth with increasingly sophisticated risk management responsibilities.
The full 2026 CLO Survey is available here. Supplemental reports comparing regional data to global findings are also available for Europe, Canada, and Australia.
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. For more than 40 years, ACC has set the standard for in-house counsel and raised awareness regarding the value of the chief legal officer in the C-suite and boardroom. With nearly 50,000 members employed by over 12,000 organizations spanning 100+ nations, 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 www.acc.com and follow ACC on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 32 countries and territories as of September 30, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.