January 2026 - Issue 1

Message From the AAML President

Key Takeaways From the 2025 AAML Annual Meeting Session 'Balancing on Bamboo: Client Advocacy and Best Interests of Children' | Read More

Time's Up! Renew Your Fellowship Now | Renew Now

Register for the AAML Midyear Meeting (and Other 2026 Events) | Register Now

Join Us in February for Let's Talk About It | Register Now

Now Available: AAML Religious and Cultural Holidays Guide | Download Now

AAML Webinar on 'Bridging the Gap: Transitioning From Mediation to Arbitration Effectively' | Register Now



By: Thomas Sasser, AAML President

Key Takeaways From the 2025 AAML Annual Meeting Session 'Balancing on Bamboo: Client Advocacy and Best Interests of Children'

By: Steve Mindel, AAML

This article recaps a session at the 2025 AAML Annual Meeting with important takeaways for family law attorneys for balancing strong client advocacy with protecting children’s best interests.

Time's Up! Renew Your Fellowship Now

Fellows who have not yet renewed their AAML Fellowship are now in the temporary grace period, which ends Jan. 31. We encourage you to submit your renewal payment as soon as possible to maintain uninterrupted access to your Fellowship benefits.

Register now for the AAML Midyear Meeting and join AAML Fellows and their families in one of the most stunning desert destinations in the country.

This year’s meeting has something for all ages. Families can catch a Cactus League Spring Training game as the Seattle Mariners take on the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park, or join the AAML Golf Outing at TPC Scottsdale. At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, enjoy pools, spa services, desert adventures and award-winning dining — all perfect for sharing with loved ones. Adults can also cap the evening with a Night Court nightcap at Undertow Cocktail Bar for networking, drinks and desserts. Register now and secure your stay!

Don't forget to secure your spot for all of AAML's 2026 events, which are guaranteed to expand your knowledge in family law and connect you with leaders in the field.

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.

Join Us in February for Let's Talk About It

Words Matter: A Culturally Competent Look at Everyday Sayings

AAML's Racial, Ethnic and Religious Considerations in Family Law Committee (RERC) is starting off our program year with another installment in our new discussion series Let’s Talk About It. As a reminder, these discussion groups support the mission of the RERC Committee to foster education and inclusion among Academy Fellows. Let’s Talk About It is a welcoming space where people can come together for real, honest conversations about the issues that shape our interactions with clients, staff, colleagues, other professionals, court systems and others we encounter in our practice and daily life.

Join us Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. CT for our February discussion on “Words Matter: A Culturally Competent look at Everyday Sayings.” Seemingly harmless phrases and “common sayings” often carry racial, ethnic, religious or other bias rooted in historical discrimination. Gain practical tools for recognizing problematic language so you can understand its impact on families and communities and learn how to be more inclusive and culturally competent in advocacy, mediation and courtroom settings.

Now Available: AAML Religious and Cultural Holidays Guide

Become a more informed representative and advocate by exploring AAML’s new “Religious and Cultural Holidays Guide,” developed by AAML’s Publication Committee and now available in the My AAML Library under On-Demand Content. This guide is designed to support greater understanding and inclusivity by providing insights into the diverse holidays and rituals observed across families and communities, both faith-based and secular. Use this guide to deepen your awareness and foster respect for traditions that enrich our shared human experience.

Bridging the Gap: Transitioning From Mediation to Arbitration Effectively

Conflict resolution doesn't always end at the mediation table. When agreements stall or disputes persist, arbitration often becomes the next step — but how do professionals transition given ethical considerations, judicial review and client expectations?

Join us Tuesday, Jan. 27, when experienced practitioners John A. Pappalardo and Maris J. Weiner will explore the practical and strategic transition from mediation to arbitration. They will examine how mediation outcomes, negotiation dynamics and party expectations can inform arbitration strategy, evidence presentation and case framing. You’ll learn when and why arbitration is appropriate, how to preserve key advantages from mediation and what pitfalls to avoid when shifting forums.

Whether you guide clients through both processes, advise on dispute resolution options or simply want a deeper understanding of how these mechanisms intersect, this session delivers actionable insights to strengthen your approach and achieve better outcomes.

This webinar is complimentary to Fellows.

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