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Dear Fellows,
As we move into the heart of 2026 — and a month marked by Valentine’s Day, which is a reminder of both the promise and the complexity of family relationships — I am proud to highlight the extraordinary work being done across the Academy. Our work often intersects with families at moments when the promise of love and commitment falters, and it is during those moments that excellence in family law matters most.
One area of particular focus this month is the work of the Arbitration Committee, which continues to advance the Academy’s leadership in alternative dispute resolution. The Committee is doing exceptional work planning the upcoming AAML Arbitration Training, to be held May 7–8 in Chicago. This program is designed to provide Fellows with rigorous, practical training and to further elevate arbitration as a trusted and effective option for resolving family law disputes. It is expected to be a complete sellout, and if you were interested in attending, you should register without delay as registration will be offered to non-Fellows for any remaining seats in the coming weeks.
Just as importantly, the Arbitration and Legislation Committees are working together to play a central role in promoting the nationwide adoption of the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act (UFLAA). The Academy has made clear that broader adoption of the UFLAA is a strategic priority. Uniform standards promote predictability, fairness and enforceability — benefiting families, practitioners and courts alike. Fellows interested in learning more about the UFLAA or participating in these efforts can find additional information through the Uniform Law Commission’s UFLAA community resources, available here. If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please reach out to the office and they will connect you with the committee chairs.
Significant progress also continues on the Academy’s 2026 Strategic Actions, with focused and deliberate work by the Board of Directors to advance key initiatives. This progress is reflected in the ongoing efforts of the Bounds of Advocacy Task Force, as well as in recent Board action approving a plan to refresh the Academy’s visual identity and brand promise — an important step as we position the organization for the future and prepare to celebrate the Academy’s 65th anniversary.
Looking ahead, excitement continues to build for the 2026 Midyear Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, which will feature outstanding educational programming. The CLE Committee has done truly phenomenal work developing a lineup of programs that reflect the complexity of modern family law practice including a deep look into how different personality types interact — all while emphasizing the Academy’s commitment to staying at the forefront of our field. I want to specifically recognize Kelly Shindell-Delacey, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping this exceptional CLE content.
I also want to emphasize the importance of staying connected to our AAML Chapters. In January, members of the Board of Directors had the pleasure of visiting the Southern California Chapter for its annual Trial Advocacy Institute, as well as the Florida Chapter for its Annual Family Law Review Course. These visits reinforce the strength of the Academy at the chapter level and the depth of talent, mentorship and professionalism that exists throughout our organization.
Thank you to all who continue to give their time, energy and expertise to the Academy. Together, we are not only maintaining the highest standards of family law practice — we are actively shaping its future.
Warm regards,
Thomas J. Sasser
President, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
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