What is being a Fellow of the AAML?  For some, it is about being in an organization of the best of the best where the Fellows can learn from each other and become even better.  For others, it is a chance to give back to the legal community by providing input and guidance regarding proposed legislation, rules, or pending appellate cases.  Some Fellows enjoy the sense of camaraderie and lasting friendships that come along with being in an organization.  Under Article II of our Chapter’s By-Laws it states: “The purpose of the Pennsylvania Chapter is to fulfill the mission of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers which is to provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of excellence in the practice of family law.”  Being a Fellow of the AAML is all of the above and more, and during my year as President I seek to enhance the same.  Our Chapter is a Chapter of “doers” who roll up their sleeves.  Our Legislative Committee is active along with our Rules Committee.  Our Amicus Committee and Program Committees worked tirelessly during the last year with the Amicus Committee providing important briefing to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Program Committee producing cutting-edge accredited virtual seminars throughout the year.  Please join any of those committees if you have an interest and help keep the momentum going.

At the recent cocktail reception that we held during the Summer Meeting on July 13, 2024, we had a record turnout and an amazing amount of interest by individuals in becoming Fellows.  During my year as President, it is my hope that we can increase our membership with the wave of interest in our Chapter.

The bedrock of our Chapter since its founding is civility, camaraderie, and being the best that we can be.  I seek to build upon those principles during my year as President.  As I indicated at our Summer Meeting, we will start to have periodic virtual roundtable meetings so that we can all easily gather together from across the state and discuss issues that will make us the best that we can be and organically foster camaraderie and civility.  Look for upcoming emails seeking your input on issues that you would like covered during the roundtable meetings.

I am honored to be the President of our Chapter, and I look forward to working with you all during the upcoming year and building on the momentum and spirit of our Immediate Past President Kerri Cappella and all of the excellent Presidents before her.