Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) announced today that Adam Ciongoli, executive vice president and general counsel, has received the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2014 Corporate Counsel Award in the In-House Counsel category. This annual award is presented to the Philadelphia region’s top in‐house counsels who have demonstrated commitment to their companies and communities.

“In their daily work lives, corporate counsel are at ground zero for some of the most tumultuous business issues,” said Lyn Kremer, Publisher of the Philadelphia Business Journal. “We are pleased to honor the good work that these company stewards provide on a regular basis to protect and advance their company's goals.”

Over the past two and a half years, Ciongoli implemented systematic changes to Lincoln Financial’s Legal Department for better alignment with business goals and to reduce spending. Some of these changes included the implementation of an outside counsel management program, the reorganization of the department, including the creation of business-embedded teams, recruitment of top talent, and the implementation of state-of-the-art technology systems, to name a few.

Ciongoli’s leadership was also key to Lincoln Financial being named the fourth Most Innovative In-House Legal Team in North America by the Financial Times and making InsideCounsel Magazine’s 2014 InsideCounsel 10 (IC10) list, which identifies the 10 most innovative law departments in the U.S.

“Receiving these important honors and awards is a credit to our entire team in the legal department,” said Ciongoli. “The recognition highlights their hard work, and I could not be more proud to lead such a talented team of individuals that make important contributions each and every day.”

Both the Financial Times and the IC10 Award spotlight departments that identify new ways to adapt to some of the most pressing problems facing law departments. This includes cutting-edge strategies for managing legal vendors, increasing diversity, cutting costs, using technology and more.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower Americans to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $215 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2014. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter (@lincolnfingroup), LinkedIn and YouTube.

About InsideCounsel

InsideCounsel is the award-winning monthly magazine serving general counsel. With a BPA-audited circulation of 40,000, InsideCounsel provides the strategic tools GCs need to better manage their departments and business risk. InsideCounsel offers live and online events, custom publishing, a dynamic website, and eNewsletters. Visit InsideCounsel.com for more information.

About Financial Times

The Financial Times, one of the world’s leading business news organisations, is recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. Providing essential news, comment, data and analysis for the global business community, the FT has a combined paid print and digital circulation of over 700,000. Mobile is an increasingly important channel for the FT, driving almost half of total traffic and 20 per cent of digital subscriptions. FT education products now serve two thirds of the world’s top 50 business schools.