November 2025 - Issue 1

 

Past Newsletters

Upcoming Events, Seminars and Webinars

Table of Contents

 

Message From the Editor


Key Takeaways From AAML Keynote Speaker Ryan Leak on 'Working With Complicated People' | Read More


Your Underrated Staff Who Hold the Key to Profitability and Growth | Read More


Thank You for Attending the AAML Annual Meeting


Registration Is Open for AAML's 2026 Events


Renew Your Fellowship by Dec. 31 | Renew Now


Fellows in Action | Submit Your Works


Showcase Your Expertise: Contribute to the AAML Newsletter | Pitch Your Article


 
 

Message From the Editor

By: Rod Firoozye, AAML Newsletter Editor

Hello AAML Fellows and Friends,


For many of us, November signals the start of the holiday season — and the sprint toward the finish line of another busy year.


Many of us were recently away attending the Annual Meeting in Chicago, and I hope this edition offers a few helpful takeaways for your next trip. It was wonderful reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new colleagues. Of course, we certainly didn’t just hang out at the Loews bar, enjoy incredible restaurants, attend great networking events in Chicago or go on a river architectural tour ... right? Of course not — we were there for the amazing classes and programs! For those who couldn’t attend, several members of our committee will be sharing highlights and recaps of a few of those sessions.


On a personal note, this will be my final Editor’s Note as Newsletter Editor for AAML. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and learning from so many bright, generous and insightful professionals who have contributed to our publication. I hope we’ve managed to keep you informed, inspired and maybe even entertained along the way.


A heartfelt thank-you to the AAML Newsletter Committee, the staff at Smithbucklin (especially Bethany Larrañaga) and to all of you, our readers for your support, ideas and engagement.


The good news? The AAML Newsletter is now in the very capable hands of 2025-2026 Newsletter Committee Chair Rob McAngus, who will no doubt make it even more dynamic and fun.


Warmest regards,

Rod Firoozye

AAML Newsletter Committee Chair, 2024-2025


Key Takeaways From AAML Keynote Speaker Ryan Leak on 'Working With Complicated People'

By: AAML Staff

At the 2025 AAML Annual Meeting, keynote speaker Ryan Leak led a dynamic CLE session titled “Working With Complicated People.” This article describes Leak’s compelling framework for navigating interpersonal challenges in professional environments.

Your Underrated Staff Who Hold the Key to Profitability and Growth

By: Scott Berry, fractional CMO and founder, MarketCrest

The difference between a good intake team and a great one can be tens of thousands of dollars in extra monthly revenue. This article explains how to audit your existing intake process and build a new one to increase lead conversion and, ultimately, revenue.

 

Thank You for Attending the AAML Annual Meeting

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Chicago for the 2025 AAML Annual Meeting last week. We saw a record number of attendees, and hope each and every one of you enjoyed engaging during CLE sessions, connecting with AAML Fellows and exploring the beautiful city of Chicago.


Post-event instructions on sharing feedback, completing session evaluations and more have been sent to your inbox. Please email office@aaml.org if you need any assistance.

Registration Is Open for AAML's 2026 Events

It's time to mark your calendars and start preparing for AAML's 2026 events, which are guaranteed to expand your knowledge in family law and connect you with leaders in the field.


Registration for each of these events is now open!

The 2026 AAML Midyear Meeting will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona, from March 10-13, 2026. Experience togetherness and a refreshing annual retreat focused on practice management. Families welcome!

Join us for the 2026 Arbitration Training in Chicago from May 7-8, 2026. This two-day training is for AAML Fellows who want to integrate arbitration into their practice and offers an intense but insightful focus on the issues of arbitration.

The third annual National Family Law Conference is set to take place from June 25-27, 2026, in Las Vegas. Increase visibility of your firm's reputation and expertise among advanced family law attorneys from around the country. We encourage Fellows to attend and share this exciting opportunity with associates to accelerate their practice with inspired law theory CLE and networking.

The AAML Institute for Family Law Associates offers a unique and immersive learning experience tailored specifically for family law associates. Taking place in Chicago over four days, Sept. 25-28, 2026, this intensive program provides comprehensive training in both substantive family law and essential practice management skills.

 

Renew Your Fellowship by Dec. 31

It's time to renew your Fellowship with AAML for 2026! Log in to your member portal and complete the renewal process.


Having trouble? Download these step-by-step instructions. Renew by Dec. 31 to avoid losing your Fellow status.


NEW! Enroll in auto-renewal with AAML and avoid the worry of remembering to renew next year. To set up your auto-renewal, simply check the auto-renew box during the renewal process and add a credit or debit card to your profile.

Fellows in Action

AAML Fellows have an opportunity to submit up to three published works to be displayed on the AAML website to showcase their thought leadership and expertise.


Sharing research, articles or papers not only highlights your individual contributions to the practice of family law, but also demonstrates the caliber and highest standards of practice within the AAML Fellowship community. This is a benefit available only to AAML Fellows. It positions you among esteemed peers and fosters greater visibility for your thought leadership and expertise.


To submit your works, log in to the Fellowship portal.

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.

 

What's Happening in Your Chapter?

Visit the AAML Chapters page for the latest updates from local chapters.