August 2026 - Issue 1

Should Family Law Firms Hire an Office Manager? | Read More

Connect Your Team With the Fellows Shaping Family Law at the 2026 AAML Institute for Family Law Associates | Register Today

Learn From Industry Experts at the 2026 AAML Annual Meeting | Register Now

AAML Foundation Update: Celebrating the Chapter Billable Hour 100% Club | Read More

Congratulations to the New AAML Certified Arbitrators | View Full List

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

Join Us for Thursday's Webinar on the Leadership Skills That Make Everything Else Work | Register Now

Unlock the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recordings | Learn More

Should Family Law Firms Hire an Office Manager?

By: Rob McAngus, AAML

Among the strategic decisions that growing family law practices face, few are as consequential, or as routinely deferred, as whether to bring on a dedicated office manager. This article lays out the case for hiring an office manager as well as potential drawbacks and emphasizes the importance of viewing the move as an investment in firm growth rather than a mere hiring decision.

The AAML Institute for Family Law Associates provides your associates with a unique opportunity to learn from and connect with experienced AAML Fellows who are leaders in the field.

Through interactive sessions and meaningful conversations, associates will gain:

• Practical insights and strategies from nationally recognized family law practitioners
• Real-world guidance they can apply immediately in their practices
• Valuable connections with Fellow faculty and associate peers from across the country
• Mentorship and perspective to support their continued professional growth

The Institute offers more than exceptional CLE — it provides an opportunity to build relationships with the attorneys shaping the future of family law.

All attendees must be sponsored by an AAML Fellow and must provide their sponsoring Fellow’s information during registration.

Expand your skills with featured keynote and workshop sessions led by nationally recognized experts.



On Thursday, Nov. 5, former hostage negotiator, author, and Black Swan Group trainer Derek Gaunt will present The Art of Negotiation: How to Navigate Sensitive Conversations with Tactical Empathy, sharing proven techniques for navigating high-stakes conversations with confidence and empathy.

Then, on Saturday, Nov. 7, witness preparation consultants Ethan Dubin and Alexandra Wright of ACT of Communication will lead Shaken, Not Stirred: Theater-Based Training for Lawyers and Witnesses, an interactive workshop designed to strengthen courtroom communication and witness preparation through theater-based techniques.

Also on Nov. 7, David Lefkowitz of The Lefkowitz Firm, LLC, and the University of Georgia Law School will lead an ethics workshop, Skyfall: Malpractice, Risk Management and Protecting Your Practice, which will provide family law attorneys with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond when a claim or grievance arises.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your negotiation skills or elevate your courtroom presence, these featured sessions offer practical insights you can apply immediately.

AAML Foundation Update

Celebrating the Chapter Billable Hour 100% Club

When the AAML Foundation was established in 1990, its vision was clear: to protect families and children negatively impacted by the breakup of the family unit and to elevate family law through, among other things, collective generosity. Yet, for nearly 30 years, reaching a 20% nationwide donation rate among Fellows was an uphill climb. But the Foundation has surpassed that milestone, and nationwide participation is approaching 50%. Launching the "Billable Hour Campaign" in 2010 — which invites Fellows to donate the equivalent of just one billable hour — was undoubtedly ambitious, if not audacious. Today, that audacity has transformed into extraordinary reality.

We are thrilled to celebrate the stellar members of the "Chapter Billable Hour 100% Club," representing Chapters with full participation.

Congratulations to the New AAML Certified Arbitrators

Congratulations to the following AAML Fellows who attended the 2026 AAML Arbitration Training in May and achieved AAML certification:

Showcase Your Expertise: Contribute to the AAML Newsletter

Share your knowledge, elevate your profile and position yourself as a recognized expert in family law. The AAML Newsletter offers a valuable opportunity to highlight best practices, offer fresh insights and showcase the forward-thinking work happening at your firm.

Use our new article submission form to share your thought leadership. AAML Fellowship is not required to be featured in the AAML Newsletter. Please contact the AAML editorial team at editorial@aaml.org with any questions.

Join Us for Thursday's AAML Webinar

How Great Attorneys Become Great Leaders

Exceptional law firms are built by exceptional leaders. Join us this Thursday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m. CT for a practical webinar focused on the leadership and communication skills that help attorneys bring out the best in their teams.

Learn how to deliver feedback effectively, set clear expectations, motivate different personalities and foster a culture where people can thrive. You'll also gain tools for navigating the direct conversations that build trust, resolve conflict and improve team performance. Leave with a practical framework you can apply immediately and the confidence to start the conversation you've been putting off.

Complimentary to Fellows. This program is not eligible for CLE.

Unlock the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recordings

If you were unable to secure a seat for your support staff at the live 2026 trainings, they can still benefit through the 2025 AAML Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff recordings. This bundle features six power‑packed sessions taught by AAML Fellows so your support staff team can learn anytime, anywhere.

• Bundle of all six sessions
• Unlimited access — view on demand, on your staff’s schedule
• Perfect for onboarding, upskilling or giving your staff the tools to operate at an elite level

How to Access

Support staff are encouraged to create their own AAML profile to register for the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recording Bundle. To set up an account, they will need to visit the AAML login page and email office@aaml.org if they need additional assistance.

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