April Edition

FMBK Sponsors the Beverly Hills Bar Association's Annual "Meet the Judges Night"

It was "A Sold Out Crowd" for the Annual BHBA Meet the Judges Night at the Beverly Hilton. The event was a who’s who of Family Law Judges, attorneys, forensic accountants and therapists. Los Angeles Superior Court Family Law Department Supervising Judge, Shelley L. Kaufman introduced the newest judicial officers and thanked the Bar for being an important justice partner with the LASC Family Law Department. 

The LASC Family Law Department is the largest Family Law Department in the country, with 74 judicial officers who handle more than 120,000 new divorces, paternity and domestic violence matters each year. It is an overwhelming task, but the LASC Family Law Department along with its justice partners are there to get the job done. 

FMBK is proud to be a justice partner with the LASC and a proud sponsor of the Beverly Hills Bar Association

Robert C. Brandt Attends the 2024 ACFTL Annual Conference in Laguna Beach

The American College has achieved national recognition through its diplomates handling well-publicized cases and cutting edge issues of local and national importance. Diplomates are also involved in the uppermost level of continuing education through the presentation of CLE programs, acting as guest speakers, participating in hands-on interactive sessions, as well as participating in the free-flow exchange of ideas and innovative concepts amongst its members.

At the annual conference, the ACFTL Diplomates listened in on next level MCLE presentations, networked and enjoyed a beautiful stay at the Montage.

The American College was formed in 1993 to bring together some of the best trial lawyers in America practicing sophisticated and complex family law and matrimonial matters both domestically and abroad ranging from dissolution of marriage (divorce), paternity, palimony, child abduction and domestic torts. Diplomates, all members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, are chosen based upon their recognized litigation skills and courtroom abilities.

Anthony Lai Presents at the 7th Annual Sorrell Trope Family Law Trial Institute Program

The LACBA Trope Trial Institute is like no other LACBA Family Law MCLE in that it focuses on giving family law attorneys the tools to be courtroom and trial ready. This year, each panel included time for Q&A and cover a number of topics including:

-Contested custody trials with parties, collateral witnesses, parenting apps and other documents without the use of experts

-Preserving your trial record for appeal

-Laying the foundation for all types of documentary and testimonial evidence

-Courteous advocacy and trial presentation tips from Family Law Masters

FMBK is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the Annual LACBA Sorrell Trope Trial Institute

"It was a privilege to speak alongside Judge David Wasserman and Lynda Sheridan, CFLS*, at this year's Sorrell Trope Trial Institute, hosted by the Family Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

This event marked our first in-person program since before the pandemic, with over 80 attendees joining us. We explored California Rule of Court 9.7, which calls for attorneys to always act with dignity, courtesy and integrity.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to a great session."

-Anthony Lai, FMBK Senior Associate, CFLS*

*Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

FMBK Welcomes Our 2024 Summer Associates & Launches our 2nd Annual FMBK University Next Month!

FMBK University is our team's latest initiative designed to accelerate the onboarding process and initial training of our new team members. Our three Summer Associates will spend their first week with the FMBK team attending classes taught by our family law attorneys, learning everything from the initial client meeting to trial preparation.

"Thank you to our FMBK attorneys for dedicating their time and expertise into creating phenomenal presentations. The depth of knowledge our attorneys have to offer along with their dedication to mentorship never ceases to amaze me. Special thanks to our Managing Partner, Steve Mindel, for his help getting our educational training project off the ground and running. It has been incredibly rewarding watching this project continue to be built upon and improved for this year's Summer Associates and for our future onboards."

-Alleen Markarian

FMBK Attorney, Head of the FMBK Summer Program,

& Co-Chair of the FMBK University Initiative

Meet our 2024 Summer Associates!

Sara DeLacy

Loyola Law School

Christine Desbois

USC Gould School of Law

Lindsey Hoyt

UCLA School of Law

We look forward to welcoming you three to the FMBK Team this summer!

Steve Mindel Attends The Southern California Super Lawyers Networking Event

"I was humbled to be invited to a gathering of the best of the best Southern California Super Lawyers at the home of Mark Geragos. It was amazing to hear the "War Stories". It is invigorating to be recognized with this group of highly accomplished lawyers. Thank you to Cindy Larson, Publisher of Super Lawyers, for the invite to such a great event!"

-Steve Mindel

Named a "Top 10 Super Lawyer" for four consecutive Years

FMBK Partners and AAML Fellows Robert Brandt,

Tom Simpson and Steve Mindel attend the 2024 AAML SoCal Chapter Retreat

The 2024 AAML SoCal Chapter Retreat was an exceptional opportunity for learning, socializing and team building. Jeffrey Travis presented on the use of Request for Admissions in Family Law Cases. John Chason presented on calculating child support where one party is an ultra high earner, and our guest lecturer, Beth Bishop taught us "Balanced Success Blueprint: How to Hack Your Mindset & Nervous System to Overcome Stress, Overwhelm and Burnout."

The 2024 Retreat Deans, Avi Levy and John Chason put together a balanced program of continuing legal education, an excursion to the Living Desert and outstanding dinners. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers continuing to lead the way for the Family Law community.