AAML Virginia Chapter Announces Winners of Writing Competition and Virginia State Bar Association Family Law Service Award

The Virginia Chapter of the AAML cosponsors a writing competition with the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section. The first place winner this year was Michael Wahl. He is a 3L at Regent University School of Law. Michael received his undergraduate degree from Wisconsin Lutheran College and will be clerking for Judge Robert Coleman of the Prince William County Circuit Court this coming year after graduation. Michael’s entry was titled, “Cutting the Frayed Knot: Reducing the Separation-Without-Cohabitation Period for No-Fault Divorces with Mutual Consent in Virginia” and will be published in the summer issue of the Virginia Family Law Quarterly. He also received  $1,000.00.

The second place winner was Allison Altman from Liberty University School of Law, and the third place winner was Alyssa Schiefer from Regent University School of Law. Their articles will also be published in subsequent issues of the Virginia Family Law Quarterly. Next year will be the fifth year of the writing competition.

Michael is pictured with AAML Virginia Chapter President Julie Cillo,  and then with AAML Virginia Chapter Treasurer Allison Anders.

In addition, Rich Garriott received the Virginia State Bar Family Law Service Award. He was nominated jointly by several AAML Fellows, including Julie Cillo, Allison Anders, Andy  Richmond, Pat Maurer, Cassie Chin, Dan Gray, Pete Buchbauer and Susan Butler. The Family Law Service Award is given to an individual who has consistently given freely of time, talent and energies to provide valuable services in advancing family, domestic relations or juvenile law in Virginia, whether such services are rendered to the Virginia legal community or directly to the citizens of Virginia.

Rich is pictured with his parents, Dick and Grace Garriott, AAML Virginia Chapter President Julie Cillo, and his wife, Lisa.