The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) is a fellowship of highly skilled attorneys who represents people in all facets of matrimonial law. It was founded in 1962 in order “to provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.” Today, there are more than 1,650 members throughout the United States.
Admission into such an organization is highly selective. In order to become a fellow, the applicant must be a practicing attorney who has been admitted to the bar for 10 years minimum if, for 5 years prior to application, 75% of the applicant’s practice has been in matrimonial law. The applicant should also have demonstrated significant involvement in this field of law and attempted to encourage its study, improve its practice, and elevate its standards by doing some of the following:
- Being a state bar member in good standing
- Serve as a faculty member in the family law CLE program
- Act as an officer or director of a bar association
- Published scholarly articles on matrimonial law
- Authored a major treatise on marital law
An applicant must also be able to handle the complex litigation of being lead counsel, must be able to settle cases in appropriate circumstances, and must be recognized by the bench and bar in his or her jurisdiction as an attorney with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Academy fellows are known throughout the United States as trusted lawyers of good reputation.
Three of the lawyers at Warner Bates were accepted into the AAML—Edward E. Bates Jr., Barry McGough, and C. Wilbur Warner Jr. All three men are respected partners at Warner Bates and each has many years of divorce and family law experience under his belt. They are also well-educated, are members of several professional organizations, and have been awarded a number of recognitions and awards throughout their careers.
We would like to congratulate them on their immense success and on their admission into the AAML. Through their efforts, they will continue to perpetuate the good reputation of this fellowship.
If you’re thinking about divorce, call us at (770) 766-8148 or fill out our online form with your information. Our excellent attorneys will get back to you as soon as possible