Committees

AAML relies on volunteers across all activities to populate its many  committees. The Academy’s goal is to engage and involve as many Fellows as possible. AAML Committees exist to accomplish specific projects and tasks, all aligned to the strategic objectives of AAML. Every Fellow has the opportunity each July to be considered for up to three committees. Enthusiasm, new ideas, and great insights are always welcome!

Full Committee List

 This task force will look at the future of family law practice from a practice management perspective; how to attract and maintain clients; effective website development; keeping up with new technology; manage and train associates and staff remotely; and maintaining firm culture and develop practice intensive programs.

This committee is appointed by the President and consists of the President-Elect of
the AAML, its First Vice President, the current AAML CLE Chair and the incoming CLE Chair, plus delegates from the ABA Family Law Section, including its CLE Chairs. The Committee’s purpose is to keep the two organizations abreast of plans and issues that each of them are focusing on, as well as providing coordination and cooperation between them.

 This committee is to provide coordination and cooperation between the AAML and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), speak at joint programs at AAML and ACTEC conferences, and develop relationships between AAML and ACTEC Fellows on the state level.

 The AAML/AFCC Joint Conference Committee is a special committee responsible for working with the AFCC to create and produce the Joint AAML/AFCC National Conference on custody and child related issues. Tasks include selecting topics and programs, scheduling the program, selecting speakers, and following through to ensure that the program and materials are of the highest caliber and submitted on time. 

 This Joint Conference Committee appointed by the President is a special committee responsible for creating and producing the Joint AAML/BVR Conference on tax, finance, and valuation issues. Tasks include selecting topics and programs, selecting speakers and following through to ensure that the program materials are of the highest caliber and submitted on time.

 The AAML/NBTA is a Closed Liaison Committee work to maintain the reciprocity of the tests offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) and AAML certification in Family Law Trial Advocacy through the NBTA for Academy Fellows. The ABA approved the AAML Exam as substantially equivalent to the NBTA Exam.

This standing Committee addresses and studies Academy admissions process, standards and related issues making recommendations to the Executive Committee and to oversee the operations of the admissions process from applicant inquiry to acceptance as a Fellow.

The Amicus Committee reviews requests for AAML to participate in the amicus process under the guidance of the Amicus Policies of the AAML and offers its recommendation as to AAML amicus participation to the Academy President or the Presidents of Academy Chapters.

 The Arbitration Committee is a limited committee. The committee is responsible for producing basic and advanced arbitration training programs in response to membership demand. In addition, the Committee provides updates to Fellows on various arbitration topics including confidentiality, conflict of interest, practice techniques, etc. and serves as a resource for addressing issues relevant to Fellows providing arbitration services as a form of consensual dispute resolution. Membership on the Arbitration Committee should be limited to Fellows who have completed the course. 

 The Bookstore Committee  assists with the creation, review, management and sales of all print and electronic publications produced by the AAML.

Chaired by the AAML Treasurer,  Budget and Finance Committee is a standing committee. Its focus is to addresses budgetary issues and makes recommendations to the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors regarding the budget and finances, including the dues structure. This committee oversees the submission and adherence by committees to their budgets.

 The By-Laws& Policy Committee is a standing committee. The committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors for changes and improvements in the Academy’s By-Laws. The committee reviews and approves the by-laws of chapters. Members include the First Vice President, the President-Elect and Counsel, as well as one of the five Vice Presidents. The committee provides written descriptions of the policies that govern the operations and work of the Academy and makes proposals to the Executive Committee and Board of Governors for revisions of existing as well as new policies.

 The Chapter Leaders Committee is a standing committee. The committee plans presentations for the Annual and Spring Meetings of the Academy to inspire the chapter leaders to improve each chapter’s ability to draw new Fellows, inspire their current members, and to generate new ideas. An atmosphere is created where chapter leaders can learn from each other and get new ideas. The committee serves as a conduit between the Chapters and National to facilitate the goals of both and the provide assistance where needed and/or required. It coordinates with other Chairs of committees to address issues and needs which arise across the AAML. The committee provides updates and information to the Chapters to ensure they are aware of current and future matters which are important to the AAML.

The Collaborative Law Committee is a standing committee. The committee seeks to raise awareness and use of Collaborative Practice as a means to assist families in resolving their disputes in a respectful, amicable and constructive manner, focusing on the needs of the children in particular. Membership in this committee is not limited, though training in mediation or collaborative practice is recommended.

The purpose of the Initiative is to study the process and dynamic of interpersonal and group communications, with the goal of identifying and providing tools for improving the communications skills of Fellows for the use and benefit of Fellows and other stakeholders within the AAML; to empower Fellows to further deploy and utilize those tools in interactions with clients, opposing counsel and the Courts, and in the Fellows’ larger local communities.

The CLE Committee is an open committee that primarily functions to conduct Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminars at the Chicago and Spring meetings. Typically, the CLE Chair appoints one person from the committee to act as the Program Chair for each day of the seminars, or to manage other appointed program Chairs. The committee members assist in formulating the subject matters to be covered in each of the two primary meetings or as an adjunct to the main meetings.

The purpose of this Committee is to develop resolutions to meaningfully involve the Academy in the National dialogue on this subject, including providing a common set of policies and procedures directed at providing a uniform, effective response.

The Health and Wellness Committee educates family law lawyers as to how to identify and assist with mental health issues in the profession.

The Hennenhoefer Council, is tasked with ensuring there is synergy among AAML committee.  It ensures each committee works in concert with the other committees in order to achieve its goals.

The History Committee is charged with the responsibility of attempting to preserve the records and history of the Academy from its inception in 1962. The committee is open to anyone who can contribute knowledge or information relative to the Academy’s founding and the milestones of its early years.

The Institute for Family Law Associates Committee is a standing committee. The committee plans and presents a four (4) day comprehensive training program which is specifically designed for associates of AAML Fellows. Each June, Fellows from throughout the country teach and mentor the family law practice skills of associate attorneys on a variety of topics, including client and file management; understanding read 1040’s and financial statements; divorce tax issues; evidentiary issues; basics of business valuation in divorce; and other practice hot tips. Appointment to the committee is made by the current AAML President after consultation with the Chair.

 The International Issues Committee strives to educate and assist AAML Fellows with identifying and educating the various international issues that may arise in their cases.

The JEBUFL Committee is a closed committee. The representatives of JEBUFL represent the Academy at the Uniform Laws Commission meetings and related meetings. Committee members are appointed by the AAML President.

The Journal Editorial Board is
a standing committee. The committee is responsible for publishing the AAML Journal. The Board meets three (3) times a year to plan upcoming issues. Individual Editors are assigned to a specific issue and are responsible for obtaining authors and supervising the editorial process. Participation on the Journal Editorial Board is a major time commitment. Openings in the Board are filled by appointment of the AAML President, with consultation from the Editor and Executive Editor. The Journal Editor is a non-voting Member of the Executive Committee.

The Legislation Committee is an open committee that monitors legislative initiatives in Congress and, to the degree possible, all 50 States, and either supports or opposes them depending on their compatibility with the Academy mission statement, its resolutions, and tasks assigned to the committee. The committee proposes appropriate subjects is for new legislation, uniform laws, and treaties, in keeping with Academy positions and programs. Geographic diversity encouraged.

This committee focuses its energies on issues involving same sex couples and parents (married and not), with all of the complexities that family lawyers face as society continues to struggle with issues of enormous significance in this area of practice.

The committee is tasked with implementing the AAML current Strategic Plan Implementation process. The committee is charged with the responsibility to periodically review and make recommendations concerning the implementation of the Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Governors. This Committee is Chaired by the First Vice President of the Academy and is not open for other appointments.   

The Mediation Committee is a standing open committee within the Education section of the Academy. It is responsible for producing basic and advanced mediation training programs in response to membership demand. In addition, the committee provides updates to Fellows on various mediation topics including confidentiality, conflict of interest, practice techniques, etc. and serves as a resource for addressing issues relevant to Fellows who provide mediation. Membership on the the committee is limited to Fellows actually providing mediation services as a form of consensual dispute resolution. 

 The Membership Committee is a standing committee. The committee works with the Executive Committee, Chapters and the Board of Governors in their efforts to attract new members to the Academy.  It is also focused on making the Fellowship experience as meaningful as possible for both new and seasoned members. The Membership committee Chair is a non-voting Member of the Executive Committee. There are four subcommittees under the umbrella of the Membership Committee: Recruitment/Retention/Re-engagement (RRR); Diversity; Mentoring; and Senior Fellows. Each subcommittee is headed by a Vice-Chair.

The National Test Committee is responsible for administering and scoring the National Admissions Exam, which is currently administered three (3) times each year. The committee reviews and updates questions as necessary to ensure the exam is relevant, accurate and appropriately challenging. The committee is responsible for coordinating with the Admissions Committee on issues relating to the notification of examination topics to Applicants and the contents of the online study materials.

The Negotiation Committee is a Joint committee that works to put on a Seminar every other year. The conference focuses on highly complex family law situations faced by Fellows in their practices.

The Newsletter Committee is a standing committee. The committee assists the Chair with the publication of the Newsletter and other electronic communications from the Academy Fellow and non-Fellows.  It also assists with the posting of content to the Academy’s social media channels. The Chair is a non-voting member of the Executive Committee.

This committee, required under the By-Laws of the AAML, nominates a slate of candidates to fill open Board Officer positions, positions vacated by resignations or unexpired terms.  It also nominates two At-Large Governors. The committee consists of five members, including the President-Elect who serves as the Chair of the Committee, one Past President, one Fellow nominated and elected by the Board of Governors, and two additional Fellows, one of whom is not currently a member of the Board of Governors. The Committee is required to submit its report to the President no later than June 15 of each year. This Committee is not open to other appointments.

The Nonlawyer Practice of Law Task Force is focused on examining issues related to 1) the nonlawyer ownership of law firms and 2) the provision of legal services by nonlawyers. The Task Force will evaluate these issues and provide appropriate resolutions for consideration to the Board of Governors.

This Committee is comprised of past AAML Presidents, who provide advice and guidance to the President and President-Elect.

The Practice and Technology Committee is a standing committee that is open. The committee develops programs to help education and prepare Fellows in the use of current and emerging technology that can be used in individual practices. The committee collects, analyzes and recommends ways to efficiently operate a law office. It provides articles and is a resource to other committees for lecture topics. Additionally the committee works to advance the Fellows’ awareness of the changing law concerning ESI and E-Discovery, to provide the membership tools to use to meet new responsibilities placed upon attorneys by the law and to provide resources for attorneys.

 This committee was established to study and make recommendations, including the development of CLEs on professionalism and collegiality between our Fellows and in the legal communities in which Fellows practice. Subject to Board of Governors’ approval, the committee makes a recommendation for an Academy Fellow deserving of the annual Professionalism Award.

This committee will develop and raise awareness and education surrounding the current family systems in place and how to address cultural, religious and racial issues in representing clients.

The standing Sponsorship Committee is a closed committee.  Its focus is on identifying contacting and fostering organizational relationships, leading to support and sponsorship of Academy functions and projects.

The AAML Unaccompanied Immigrant Children’s Task Force works with the team at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) to help Academy Fellows directly lend their expertise in difficult Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases. SIJS is a form of relief for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents, and for whom it is in their best interest to stay in the U.S. The current work of the Task Force is to assist KIND in providing names of Fellows who are willing to assist and/or to provide information and resources to assist KIND.

The Webinar Committee is a standing open committee responsible for producing continuing education programs for viewing online either “live” or on-demand. The committee’s purpose is to brand the Academy as the premier family law continuing education provider in the United States and to generate revenue for the Academy.

Website: The Website Committee is a standing committee. The committee oversees the operations and continued development and evolution of the Academy’s presence on the Internet.  The committee is a closed committee.

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