Looking for a Family Lawyer? You should ask “What is the AAML?”

In June of 2023, I had the honor of being elected a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (“AAML”).  The AAML was established in 1962 and is the first nationwide professional association founded exclusively for family law attorneys.  There are almost 1,500 Fellows nationwide and only 54 in Pennsylvania.  The AAML website refers to the Academy as, “[a]n elected professional membership association of the most trusted leaders in family law in the United States.”  Additionally, the AAML touts itself as the leader in family law continuing education, publication, networking and training.

To get into the Academy, I first had to complete the most arduous application process I have ever seen.  I listed all of the hearings and trials I handled in the previous five years, highlighting noteworthy cases I have handled in my career. I also listed all of the articles, publications and continuing legal education presentations I have written or presented.  After that, I obtained several letters of recommendation from colleagues I have been opposite in complex cases, as well as letters from Hearing Officers and Judges before whom I have appeared.  These individuals are asked to assess my preparedness, knowledge of the law, acumen and ethics. After that, I had to take a written test, two actually; one national test prepared and administered by the national Academy and one administered by the Pennsylvania Chapter.  And if that was not enough vetting, I then needed to be voted into the Academy by the other members of the Pennsylvania Chapter.  To say all of this takes time and effort is an understatement.

Yes, it was worth it.  I have achieved a higher degree of recognition among my colleagues and the bench, and I believe I can pass this skillset and recognition on to my clients.

If you are a prospective client, I urge you to consider a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers as counsel for your family law case.  If you are not in my geographic area, I urge you to look on the “Find a Lawyer” feature on the Academy website, aaml.org.  I am often asked if I know a family law attorney in an area where I neither live nor practice.  In those situations, I go on the website and find a few names.  If that person is listed on the AAML website, he or she must be good.  They would not be there if they were not.

Finally, if you are a family law attorney in the middle or second half of your career, and interested in “upping your game,” I urge you to consider applying for an AAML membership.  It is a lot of work, but it is tremendously valuable.