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Dear Fellows,
It is one of the greatest honors of my professional career to write to you for the first time as president of the Academy. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am energized by the opportunity to help lead this extraordinary organization into a new era of growth and modernization.
Before anything else, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our Immediate Past President Laura Belleau for her dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to the Academy. She has helped change the culture of our organization by instilling in its leadership a greater sense of collaboration and transparency. The Academy is stronger because of her service.
This year’s AAML Annual Meeting held earlier this month was the largest event in our history, and the energy was extraordinary. From nationally recognized speakers to advanced and practical CLE and wonderful social and networking activities, the program set a new standard of excellence. My heartfelt thanks to Elisha Roy, our CLE chair, for her outstanding leadership in crafting and delivering such impressive educational programming. And thank you to every Fellow who presented, participated or contributed — your engagement fuels the Academy’s continued growth.
As we begin this new Academy year, I want to share something important: it is my personal goal to call every AAML Fellow over the next year. I want to hear directly from you — your ideas, your challenges and your vision for the Academy’s future. Those conversations have already begun, and I am pleased to share that my very first call was with Bob Brandt, partner at FMBK Law and a proud member of our Southern California Chapter. My call with Bob reaffirmed what we all know: the Academy’s strength comes from the wisdom, generosity and passion of its Fellows. I look forward to speaking with each of you in the months ahead.
Looking forward, I could not be more excited for the 2026 Midyear Meeting, which will take place at the beautiful Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. Registration is now open, and I encourage you to secure your spot early. The resort — which was rated as the #1 Southwest Resort in the 2025 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards — offers world-class golf along with two spas and six amazing pools. There will be wonderful CLE programming and amazing social programs including a day out at the ballpark for Cactus League MLB Spring Training.
And that’s only the beginning. The Academy is poised to have many dynamic programs in 2026, including Arbitration Training in May and the Institute for Family Law Associates in September. I am particularly excited about the AAML National Family Law Conference, which will be held in June at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. You should not miss this amazing educational and networking program. Registration is already open. I hope every Fellow will find opportunities to participate, contribute and learn.
As we embark on the year ahead, I have one important administrative reminder: please log in to the AAML website to pay your annual dues. All dues must be paid on or before Dec. 31, 2025. Your timely payment ensures that the Academy can continue offering the high-quality programs, services, and resources that strengthen our profession and support our Fellows.
My commitment to you as AAML President is simple: to honor our traditions while embracing innovation; to elevate the practice of family law nationwide; and to support every Fellow in becoming the very best version of their professional self. With your partnership, I am confident we will achieve extraordinary things.
Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your president. I look forward to working — and speaking — with each of you in the months ahead.
Warmest regards,
Thomas J. Sasser
President, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
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