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Fellows,
As spring gives way to the beginning of summer, the work of the Academy continues to move forward with remarkable energy and purpose. This is a season of important progress: progress in the way we welcome new Fellows, progress in the standards that guide our profession, progress in expanding alternative dispute resolution in family law and progress in building national programs that reflect the very best of the Academy. I am grateful for the extraordinary work being done by our Fellows, our committees, our chapters and our national staff as we continue to advance the mission and future of AAML.
A Modern Admissions Experience: The Launch of Slayte
This month marks a major milestone for the Academy with the launch of our new AAML admissions platform on Slayte. This launch is the product of nearly two years of dedicated work by the AAML Admissions Process Task Force, our national office staff and the many Fellows who have contributed their time, judgment and insight to improving one of the most important functions of the Academy.
The new platform is designed to provide applicants with a high-touch, high-tech experience that better reflects the professionalism and selectivity of AAML. It includes a more streamlined application, a clearer and more user-friendly process, and improved communication at every stage.
For chapters, Slayte will provide more regular and meaningful updates regarding the progress of each application, allowing chapter leadership to remain better informed and more engaged. For Fellows, the process includes a new, shorter reference form that is intended to make meaningful participation easier while still preserving the integrity and rigor of the admissions process. Most importantly, these improvements are designed to help applications for admission be processed in seven months or less, while maintaining the high standards that define Fellowship in the Academy.
Admissions is not simply an administrative function. It is how we identify, welcome and invest in the next generation of Academy leaders. This modernized platform is an important step forward in making that process more efficient, more transparent and more responsive to applicants, chapters and Fellows alike.
Modernizing the Bounds of Advocacy
The Academy also continues its important work on the updated and modernized Bounds of Advocacy. This project is one of the most meaningful substantive initiatives currently underway within AAML. The Bounds of Advocacy have long served as a defining expression of the Academy's commitment to professionalism, civility, integrity and excellence in the practice of family law. As our practices, courts, technology and client needs continue to evolve, it is essential that this guidance evolve as well.
On Tuesday, May 19, Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in a special Bounds of Advocacy Town Hall preview meeting. This event is designed to give Fellows an early look at the newly updated Bounds of Advocacy and to provide an opportunity for questions, comments and meaningful discussion before the final release in November 2026.
I strongly encourage Fellows to take part in this important conversation. The strength of the Bounds has always come from the collective wisdom and lived experience of our Fellowship. Your participation will help ensure that the updated Bounds remain both aspirational and practical, and that they continue to reflect the highest ideals of our profession.
AAML Arbitration Training and Our Work With the Uniform Law Commission
Last week, on May 7 and 8, I had the privilege of attending and participating in the AAML Arbitration Training in Chicago. It was a tremendous success. I joined 36 other outstanding Fellows and a phenomenal faculty for a wonderful, challenging and thought-provoking training focused on the expanding role of arbitration in family law.
The program reflected the very best of the Academy: serious scholarship, practical skills training, collegial exchange and a shared commitment to improving the administration of family justice. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the program chairs, Amy Amundsen, Carolyn Zack and Stacey Warren, as well as the entire faculty team, for their extraordinary work in designing and presenting such a valuable program.
The success of this training also underscores the Academy's growing relationship with the Uniform Law Commission and our continued commitment to the nationwide adoption of thoughtful, effective family law arbitration procedures. The Academy is uniquely positioned to help lead this national conversation. Our Fellows understand the complexity of family law disputes, the importance of careful procedural safeguards and the need for dispute resolution options that serve families with efficiency, fairness and professionalism.
Building the Preeminent National Family Law Conference
Next month, the Academy will gather in Las Vegas for the AAML National Family Law Conference. AAML is building what we intend to become the preeminent annual national family law program for all family lawyers seeking advanced education in family law. This conference is not simply an Academy event; it is an opportunity for AAML to lead nationally by offering sophisticated, practical and forward-looking programming to the broader family law bar.
The registration numbers are tremendous, and the momentum around this conference continues to grow. I urge every Fellow who has not yet registered to do so. I also encourage you to send other lawyers from your firms — partners, associates and rising leaders — and to encourage other excellent family lawyers in your communities to attend.
The conference will also include programming designed for potential AAML applicants. This is an important opportunity to introduce highly qualified lawyers to the Academy, to allow them to experience the quality of our educational programming and to help them better understand the standards, culture and collegiality that define AAML.
And, of course, Las Vegas offers an unmatched setting for this national gathering. From exceptional restaurants and world-class entertainment to shows, sporting events, shopping, nightlife and the energy of the Vegas Strip, there is no shortage of things to enjoy before, during and after the conference. This is a program designed to deliver serious CLE, meaningful professional connection and a memorable Academy experience.
Chapter Visits and the Strength of Our Fellowship
One of the great privileges of serving as AAML President is the opportunity to spend time with Fellows in their own chapters. Over the past month, I was grateful to attend chapter events with the Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Chapters, the Kentucky Chapter, and my home chapter, the Florida Chapter. Other Academy officers also continued this important work through visits to the Northern California Chapter and the New York Chapter.
I want to thank each of these chapters for the warmth and hospitality shown to me and to our officers. It is truly special to spend time with Fellows, hear about the work of their chapters and see firsthand the strength, talent and collegiality that exist throughout the Academy.
The Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Chapter Retreat offered outstanding social and networking opportunities and reflected the deep relationships among Fellows across those jurisdictions. The Kentucky Chapter presented an excellent educational program and hosted a wonderful dinner with members of the judiciary, reinforcing the important role our chapters play in elevating the profession and strengthening relationships with the bench.
It was also a special pleasure to spend time with my home chapter in Florida. Their educational program was exceptional, and I want to recognize outgoing Chapter President Joe Hunt and Maria Gonzalez for their leadership and work on that program. I also congratulate and welcome Shannon Novey of Tallahassee as the new president of the Florida Chapter. I know the chapter will continue to thrive under her leadership.
Looking Ahead
The work taking place across the Academy is substantial, meaningful and forward-looking. From admissions modernization to professional standards, from arbitration leadership to national education, from chapter engagement to the development of future leaders, AAML continues to demonstrate why it remains the premier organization of family law practitioners in the country.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the Academy, to one another and to the profession we are privileged to serve. I look forward to seeing many of you in Las Vegas in June and to continuing our work together in the months ahead.
Warm regards,
Thomas J. Sasser
President, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
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