Welcome to the AAMLPA
January, 2010
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is anticipating an active twelve months as several interesting issues are pending before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and since we are awaiting passage and implementation of new Supreme Court Rules governing support. Currently serving on the Rules Committee (which makes recommendations to the Supreme Court) are Academy fellows, Maria Cognetti, David Ladov, Ann Verber, Mark Goldberg and Carol McCarthy and their presence on the Committee assures that the Chapter will have input on these important changes. Further, the Chapter, under the direction of Fellow Jack Howett, made comments to the Rules Committee about the recently proposed changes. The comments were given serious consideration and further changes to the Rules are now proposed.
Our members also continue to work to improve the custody litigation process on all levels. Maria Cognetti has served on a committee to change the culture in custody court. Mark Dischell was actively involved in a committee to consider the use of parent coordinators as a means of avoiding court action, which is a stress on children.
Through active involvement in our county, state and national bar associations, our members constantly strive to improve the quality of family law. In addition to smaller programs, our members speak on a regular basis at the January and July Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section meetings.
All of our members daily try to make this process better for their clients. It is one of the motivating reasons for being a member.
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Why Become An Academy Fellow?
What is the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers?
The Academy (AAML) is a national organization of family law attorneys founded in 1962 in order “to encourage the study, improve the practice, elevate the standard, and advance the cause of matrimonial law, to the end that the welfare of the family and society be protected.” Currently, there are almost 1,600 Academy Fellows in 50 states.
Can Anyone Become a Fellow?
There are certain criteria for admission to the Academy. A prospective admittee must have practiced law for 10 years, with a 75% specialization in matrimonial law, have State family law certification, (where certification doesn’t exist, applicant must have completed 15 hours of continuing legal education in each of the previous 5 years before application), pass a written national examination, pass the examination and interview required by the Pennsylvania Board of Examiners, and have published articles and presented continuing legal education seminars.
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