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As we shift into fall, here are a few reminders and updates for Fellows:
Your Profile: Every New Beginning Comes from Some Other Beginning’s End
I know I highlighted this last month, but it bears repeating: if your profile isn’t updated in our new Fellowship portal, you will not be able to renew for 2026. This is your nudge to take five minutes, set up your new login and make sure your information is current. View this how-to video for instructions, or see below for more details. If you need a hand, the national office is happy to help. No procrastinating on this one — just do it!
Behind the Scenes With the AAML Journal: Kansas City Here I Come
Earlier this month, I visited Kansas City (and sadly had no BBQ) and spent the weekend with the AAML Journal team, including Mary Kay Kisthardt and her students. What an experience! Since its founding in 1984, the Journal has been a cornerstone of our organization, publishing peer-reviewed articles, reviews and editorials that help shape the future of family law. Seeing how the sausage was made was inspiring — it’s a reminder of how fortunate we are to have this resource elevating our profession and our organization.
AAML/AFCC Joint Conference: Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay
Last weekend, I attended the biannual AFCC-AAML Conference and couldn’t have been more thrilled with the collaboration of our two organizations. Dawn Smith, Larry Braunstein and their committee put on a rockstar conference. I know everyone left feeling full with the up-to-date research on social science, and a little scared at how AI is affecting our practices.
Annual Meeting: Deadlines and Saturday Fun
The 2025 AAML Annual Meeting is coming up Nov. 5–8 in Chicago, and deadlines are approaching! Make sure to register, secure your hotel room and book your travel. There will be dine-arounds again this year, and if you'd like to host one, fill out the interest form by Wednesday, Oct. 10. The Bitter End Tiki Lounge will be open for business Saturday night, and the dress code is tiki-inspired! Also, our new mobile app will put everything you need right at your fingertips — schedules, live updates and more to keep you connected throughout the meeting.
P.S. If you haven’t already, take a look at the full CLE program on the website — it’s fansugartastic!
Swag Store: Black Shades, a White Glove
AAML is debuting a swag store! At the Annual Meeting, you’ll be able to check out samples (yes gentlemen, there will be a “bro vest”) at the kiosk and place online orders for delivery so you don’t have to lug a bunch of stuff home and get caught with an overweight bag at the airport. Check it out and represent AAML!
Public Service and Pro Bono: Taking Care of Business
Public Service Award Nominations close next Wednesday, Oct. 3. If you know a Fellow deserving of this award, please fill out the nominations form. We would love to recognize someone who is deeply committed to service and our profession.
Also, one last thing: if you have completed your 50 hours of aspirational pro bono service, please tell your AAML Chapter leader — or me! Drop me an email or give me a call, I want to recognize all the good work we do as Fellows to help with the delivery of family law education and legal services. If you want to review the pro bono resolution, you can find it on the AAML Website.
If you jumped to the end first, here are the bullet points:
- Update your profile
- Register for the Annual Meeting
- Nominate a Fellow for the Public Service Award
- Turn in your own pro bono service hours
And as an unofficial task, enjoy a pumpkin spice latte — because fall has officially begun!
Laura C. Belleau, AAML President
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