January 2026 - Issue 2

Message From the Editor

Travel Safe, Stay Compliant: What U.S. Lawyers Building an International Practice Should Know | Read More

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

AAML Midyear Meeting Deadlines Approaching | Register Now

Check Out the 2026 National Family Law Conference CLE Program | Register Now

Foundation Update: Advokids Receives Prestigious Hennenhoefer Grant | Read More

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

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

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

Visit My AAML Library to Access On-Demand Education Offerings



Message From the Editor

By: Rob McAngus, AAML Newsletter Editor

Happy New Year!

Before I provide a summary of what to expect this month, I’d like us all to pause and acknowledge the excellent work of Rod Firoozye, the former editor of the AAML Newsletter. He has left enormous shoes to fill, and I will do my best to carry on the phenomenal work he has done over the past several years. Rod set a high bar for thoughtful, practical and timely content, and we are grateful for his service to our Fellows.

As we turn the page to a new year, I’m excited about what lies ahead for the Academy and for this newsletter. One event that should already be on your calendar is the upcoming Midyear Meeting in Arizona. In light of the unusually cold weather many of us are experiencing right now, the timing and location could not be better. The Midyear Meeting is always a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and engage in high-level programming — and this year promises to be no exception. I strongly encourage you to attend if you are able.

Finally, if you are interested in contributing to the newsletter, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This is a great opportunity to showcase your expertise and share insights with your fellow Fellows. I would love to hear from you and meet you in Arizona in March!

Warmest Regards,

Rob McAngus

Travel Safe, Stay Compliant: What U.S. Lawyers Building an International Practice Should Know

By: Matt Kaiser and Amelia Schmidt

Working abroad — and with clients abroad — can be highly rewarding for U.S. lawyers, but it can present some additional legal risks. This article details the issues to consider and steps U.S. lawyers should take to protect themselves and their clients if they plan to do business abroad.

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.

This is a reminder that AAML Midyear Meeting registration deadlines are approaching.

• Tomorrow, Jan. 30 is the last day to sign up for the Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago Cubs Spring Training Baseball outing on March 12.
• Monday, Feb. 2 is the final day to guarantee a room at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
• Friday, Feb. 6 is the deadline to purchase AAML Midyear Meeting swag to arrive in time for your trip.
• Monday, Feb. 9 is the deadline to register for golf at a championship-caliber course.
• Limited availability remains for tickets to the Night Court immersive cocktail bar experience.

Register now and secure your stay and activities!

The National Family Law Conference takes place from June 25-27, 2026, in Las Vegas. As a premier event for leading family law attorneys, this conference provides an opportunity for current AAML Fellows and those aspiring to AAML Fellowship to elevate their practice and expand their professional influence.

The National Family Law Conference CLE Program is now available! This year's CLE offerings build on the engaging programming from the last two years, taking into consideration attendee feedback and including advanced content from brilliant speakers. Start building out your schedule with daily keynote sessions that will help you overcome today's challenges in family law and gain proactive strategies that prepare you for tomorrow.

AAML Foundation Update

Advokids Receives Prestigious Hennenhoefer Grant

The purpose of the AAML Foundation is to advance one of the AAML’s most important goals: the protection of children and families. The Jim and Lea Hennenhoefer Grant, one of four prestigious named grants awarded annually by the AAML Foundation, is specifically reserved for organizations that demonstrate or provide an innovative approach to, or unique services for, families in need. The 2025-2026 recipient of the Jim and Lea Hennenhoefer Grant is Advokids, based in Corte Madera, CA.

Join Us for February's 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.

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.

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.

Have you taken advantage of My AAML Library yet? The platform offers a central location where Fellows can access AAML's education programs, including upcoming webinars, past webinar recordings, CLE materials from in-person events and more.

Visit My AAML Library now to watch some of the most popular webinar recordings from 2025:

• The AI Advantage: Practical Tools for Modern Family Lawyers
• The Future Law Office: Decentralization?
• Immigration Issues Every Family Lawyer Should Know

These recordings are complimentary to Fellows.

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