Our Story begins….

1961

Concept of AAML is created by the founders in Chicago

1961

1962

AAML has first President, William Boyden

1962

1962

November: First Annual Meeting is held in Chicago

1962

1963

Filing of official non-profit incorporation in State of Illinois

1963

1963

Charter created – “to encourage the study, improve the practice, elevate the standards and advance the cause of matrimonial law, the end that the welfare of the family and society be preserved”

1963

1963

Initial Board of Directors meets at Chicago Bar Association

1963

1964

Bylaws are established

1964

1964

Midyear meeting held for first time

1964

1964

The Academy opens first National Office (Ruth Thonquist Office)

1964

1965

The New York Chapter becomes 1st to be chartered

1965

1972

The 10th Anniversary of AAML is celebrated

1972

1973

AAML hires 1st part-time Executive Director, Frank L. Whitmer

1973

1974

Inaugural Ball to honor Founders of AAML

1974

1976

1st Board of Examiner Committee is appointed

1976

1978

The Institute of Matrimonial Law is established as part of AAML

1978

1979

AAML National office is temporally moved to the Schiller DuCanto and Fleck offices

1979

1984

The AAML Journal of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is created

1984

1985

1st Journal Editor, Leonard Loeb takes the reins

1985

1987

1987: AAML celebrates its 25th Anniversary

1987

1989

AAML creates 1st Arbitration Seminar

1989

1990

AAML establishes its own Foundation

1990

1991

First Woman named President of AAML – Marsha Elser

1991

1992

1st Fellow of the Year Award – James Friedman

1992

2001

AAML donates to the American Red Cross in light of 9/11

2001

2005

AAML Model Family Law Arbitration Act is released

2005

2006

AAML and Harvard University Law School establish 1st Negotiation Seminar

2006

2007

Leonard Loeb Scholarship is founded

2007

2012

AAML celebrates its 50th Anniversary

2012

2016

1st Annual Professionalism Award – Richard Victor

2016

2020

AAML moved its national office location to 209 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago

2020

2020

The Academy’s new brand and logo are launched

2020

2022

AAML goes live with a new website

2022

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About AAML

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AAML is a welcoming group of accomplished family lawyers who are approachable role models and eager allies to help you advance your family law career.
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