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Message From the Editor
Modern Billing: How to Stop Punishing Your Own Efficiency and Still Pay for a Vacation | Read More
Sponsored Article: The Golden Goose Dilemma | Read More
AAML Tech Tips: Accurate Time Tracking for Paralegals | Watch Video
The Best in Family Law Will Converge in Las Vegas for the National Family Law Conference | Register Now
Build the Next Generation at the AAML Institute for Family Law Associates | Register Today
Save the Date for the 2026 AAML Annual Meeting | Learn More
Attention Fellows: Call for Nominations Open | Submit Nominations
Foundation Update: Your Donations at Work | Read More
Reminder: Take a Short Survey on Firm Culture by This Thursday, April 30
Join Us for May's 'Let's Talk About It' Session | Register Now
Showcase Your Expertise: Contribute to the AAML Newsletter | Pitch Your Article
AAML Webinar: Elevating Your Presence & Impact on LinkedIn | Register Now
Unlock the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recordings | Learn More
| | By: Rob McAngus, AAML Newsletter Editor | |
As you flip through this edition, I hope you will take a few minutes to review the excellent articles recapping our recent Midyear Meeting. The authors have done a terrific job capturing not only the substance of the programming but also the practical takeaways that we can bring back to our practices and our clients. Their work reflects the best of what this newsletter can be: thoughtful, timely and grounded in real‑world experience.
Looking ahead, please also mark your calendars for the upcoming AAML National Family Law Conference this June in Las Vegas. The national conference will once again offer top‑tier CLE, cutting‑edge family law topics and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with colleagues from across the country. Whether you have attended a past meeting or this will be your first time, I encourage you to make plans to be there. It is going to be not only a great educational opportunity, but it’s also in Vegas … enough said!
Finally, if the Midyear Meeting coverage or the upcoming conference sparks an idea, I would love to hear from you. We are always looking for new voices and fresh perspectives for future issues of the newsletter. Please reach out if you are interested in contributing; this is your publication, and your insights are what make it meaningful.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Las Vegas in June.
Rob McAngus
| Modern Billing: How to Stop Punishing Your Efficiency and Still Pay for a Vacation | If your firm’s AI shaved a brief from six hours to 60 minutes and your billing system punished you for it, congratulations — you’ve discovered the "efficiency penalty." The fix is not to work slower; it’s to stop selling hours and start selling outcomes and predictability. This article explains how family lawyers can align pricing with value, not a stopwatch. | | Sponsored Article: The Golden Goose Dilemma — Solving the 'Double Dip' With Market Data
| | By: Justin Hall, CVA, CMEA, CPA, BHG Valuation | | In high-stakes divorce cases, one of the most contentious battles can involve the business owner’s cash flow, with the "out-spouse" often seeking both fair value for their share of the business asset and appropriate alimony based on the business’s total income. This article explains how to avoid "double dipping" by using the fable of the Golden Goose, but with a real-life twist. | | AAML Tech Tips: Accurate Time Tracking for Paralegals | | By: The AAML Law Practice Management and Technology Committee | | |
In this Tech Tip from the AAML Law Practice Management and Technology Committee, Julia Leveridge, Erica Probst and Victoria Heard of Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe sit down with David Morgan to discuss a program their firm uses through its payroll provider to accurately track hours worked by paralegals and legal assistants for overtime purposes.
If you are unable to view the above video, please click here.
| | The Best in Family Law Will Converge in Las Vegas for the National Family Law Conference | | |
Relationships built in Las Vegas during the National Family Law Conference don't have to stay in Las Vegas. Join other elite family lawyers for a premier networking experience, complete with high-impact CLE and memorable experiences.
Take advantage of early registration pricing and prepare to:
- Meet and network with the best in family law in an iconic location
- Build a nationwide referral network
- Elevate your practice with advanced CLE
- Reinforce your reputation among the best in family law
Don't delay — register by Monday, May 18 to save $200 and sign up for local experiences.
| | Build the Next Generation at the AAML Institute for Family Law Associates | | |
The AAML Institute for Family Law Associates is a four-day immersive program that equips associates with practical legal skills, real-world insights and guidance from AAML Fellows.
Through hands-on training, mentorship and valuable networking opportunities, participants gain the tools and connections to grow within your firm and the family law community.
Sponsor your associates and invest in their future.
*All attendees must be sponsored by an AAML Fellow, and registrants are required to provide their sponsoring Fellow’s details on the registration form.
| | Save the Date for the 2026 AAML Annual Meeting | | |
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience at the 2026 AAML Annual Meeting! From Nov. 4-7, join family lawyers from all over the country in the vibrant city of Chicago for a thrilling blend of top-notch CLE sessions, exquisite dining, iconic sights and engaging social activities.
Registration will open in June.
| | Attention Fellows: Call for Nominations Open | |
Scott M. Mann (Kansas), AAML president-elect and chair of the Nominations Committee, invites the submission of nominations for the following National Office positions. All nominations must be submitted using this link no later than 5 p.m. CDT on Friday, May 8.
Available Nominations:
- First Vice President (One-Year Term)
Currently held by Cassie Chin, who will automatically advance to President-Elect.
- Second Vice President (Three-Year Term)
Currently held by Jim Mueller, who is completing his first term and is eligible for re-election.
- Secretary (One-Year Term)
Currently held by Elisha Roy, who is completing her first term and is eligible for re-election.
- Treasurer (One-Year Term)
Currently held by Melissa Avery, who is completing her second term and is eligible for re-election.
- At-Large Chapter Delegate (Three-Year Term)
Currently held by Roberta Batley, who is completing her second full term and is not eligible for re-election.
- At-Large Non-Chapter Delegate (Three-Year Term)
Currently held by Lyne Ranson, who is completing her second full term and is not eligible for re-election.
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We are excited to share profiles of two of the 51 current grant recipients so you can read how your 2025 billable hour donations to the AAML Foundation are helping children and families struggling with the breakup of their families.
If you have not already done so, please consider supporting the Foundation’s grants program by making your 2026 billable hour donation today.
| | Reminder: Take a Short Survey on Firm Culture by April 30 | | |
Julie Auerbach, AAML Journal Board Member, is working with Yolanda Cartusciello of PP&C Consulting to produce an article for the AAML Journal on firm culture in the modern law practice, including the effects of technology, communication preferences, client expectations and other relevant factors on firm culture and the success of the practice.
To ensure that the article speaks to the specific needs and challenges of our Fellowship, they have developed a very short survey (no more than eight minutes) that we strongly encourage you to fill out. The results of the survey in the aggregate only; no individual or firm will be identified.
There are two links below:
- If you are in a position of firm leadership, please take the AAML Firm Leadership survey.
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If you are not in a position of firm leadership, please take the General AAML Fellowship survey.
Please complete the survey no later than Thursday, April 30.
| | Join Us for May's 'Let's Talk About It' Session | |
The "Let's Talk About It" series is a new discussion series brought to you by the AAML Racial, Ethnic and Religious Considerations in Family Law Committee. The series is a welcoming space where people can come together for real, honest conversations about the issues that shape our interactions with clients, staff, colleagues and other professionals.
Join us Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. CT for the next "Let's Talk About" discussion. Following up on our April meeting, this session will feature an engaging conversation that combines practical guidance with cultural considerations.
Registration also is open for the discussion on Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. CT, which will highlight the book "We Can’t Talk About That at Work!" by Mary-Frances Winters on how to address difficult topics in a way that brings people together. Get ahead on your summer reading and purchase the book online or at your local bookseller.
| Showcase Your Expertise: Contribute to the AAML Newsletter | | |
Share your knowledge, elevate your profile and position yourself as a recognized expert in your field. The AAML Newsletter offers a valuable opportunity for Fellows to highlight best practices, offer fresh insights and reflect the forward-thinking work happening at their firm — all while contributing to the broader conversation shaping our profession.
If you're interested in submitting an article or would like more information, contact the AAML editorial team at editorial@aaml.org or fill out the Contributor Interest Form.
| | Elevating Your Presence & Impact on LinkedIn | |
In today's digital-first landscape, having a polished and proactive LinkedIn strategy is indispensable for sophisticated family lawyers. Join us on Wednesday, May 20 at noon CT for a workshop designed to transform your LinkedIn profile from passive to powerful, enhancing your network growth and engagement.
EJ Stern and Katherine Wilson will guide you in real time through the essential steps to audit, optimize and elevate your presence on LinkedIn. You will leave with the skills to create compelling content that engages your audience, supports your firm’s goals and boosts your personal brand.
Complimentary to Fellows.
This program is not eligible for CLE credit.
| Unlock the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recordings | |
The 2025 AAML Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff recordings are now available on demand! This bundle features six power‑packed sessions taught by AAML Fellows so your support staff team can learn anytime, anywhere.
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Bundle of all six sessions
- Unlimited access — view on demand, on your staff’s schedule
- Perfect for onboarding, upskilling or giving your staff the tools to operate at an elite level
How to Access
Support staff are encouraged to create their own AAML profile to register for the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recording Bundle. To set up an account, they will need to visit the AAML login page and email office@aaml.org if they need additional assistance.
| | What's Happening in Your Chapter? | | | | |
