Posted in Divorce
Why The AAML Matters In Family Law
In the field of family law, cases involving divorce, child custody, asset division, and support issues can be deeply complex. Those seeking counsel want assurance their Los Angeles, CA divorce lawyer not only understands the law but also the nuances of negotiation, mediation, and trial advocacy.
Membership in the AAML signals that an attorney:
- Has achieved distinguished professional standing among peers
- Demonstrates exceptional skill in matrimonial law and courtroom advocacy
- Is committed to continuing education and legal excellence
- Adheres to a higher ethical standard in client representation
Through conferences, publications, and peer collaboration, AAML attorneys stay at the forefront of legal developments, ensuring they bring the most current thinking and effective strategies to their clients.
What Being A “Fellow” Actually Means
Within the AAML, the title “Fellow” represents the highest level of distinction. It is not merely a badge of membership, it’s a recognition of excellence earned through selective nomination, peer review, and documentation.
To become a Fellow, an attorney must meet stringent qualifications, including:
- Years of Experience – Typically, at least six years of dedicated practice in family or matrimonial law.
- Peer Nomination – Current AAML Fellows nominate prospective candidates based on reputation, integrity, and legal ability.
- Review Of Work – The candidate’s body of work undergoes careful evaluation, including case outcomes, trial performance, office practice, mediation, and client relations.
- Ethical Standing – The AAML checks disciplinary records and ensures nominees meet its Code of Ethics.
- Scholarly Contribution – Demonstrated interest in advancing the field—such as through writing, teaching, or AAML service—is expected.
- Approval Process – Nominees are typically asked to submit documents and references before being voted in by their peers.
Once elected, Fellows may describe themselves as “AAML Fellow,” placing them in an elite group of matrimonial attorneys distinguished for their devotion to legal excellence. According to the AAML, to be elevated to this status means “being elevated to the highest level of distinction and providing the highest quality of family law services you can find.”
What Outstanding Attorneys Do As Fellows
After election, AAML Fellows continue to serve not only their clients but their profession. Responsibilities include:
- Publishing legal articles and presenting at conferences
- Mentoring newer attorneys and advocating for best practices
- Serving on committees that shape AAML policy and continuing education
- Engaging in pro bono and public education projects
For example, AAML’s “Fellows in Action” showcase on the official site highlights members who actively contribute scholarship, thought leadership, and service. In short, Fellows help set and maintain the gold standard in matrimonial law.
Why It Matters To Clients
When clients work with an AAML Fellow, they’re getting much more than legal representation, they’re gaining:
Deep Expertise
These attorneys are recognized for handling complex, high-stakes cases.
Educational Leadership
Fellows teach and publish, bringing cutting-edge knowledge to each case.
Peer-Recommended Reputation
Their peers endorse them on both skill and character.
Commitment To Ethics
Fellows must adhere to elevated ethical codes.
Access To A Powerful Network
By joining a global community of top family law practitioners, Fellows can tap into collective experience and resources.
For those navigating divorce, child custody, or support litigation, these advantages can make a critical difference in case strategy, outcome, and overall confidence. As well, they can help you to avoid common mistakes people make during divorce such as, not posting anything about your divorce or ex on social media because Tweets and other posts can become trial exhibits.
The Prestige Of The AAML Fellowship
The AAML Fellowship isn’t a title that’s simply mailed out after paying dues—it reflects genuine merit, earned through demonstrated excellence and peer validation. Less than 10% of practicing U.S. matrimonial lawyers are elected as Fellows, affirming the selectivity and significance of this honor.
Attorneys who obtain AAML Fellowship stand among the most respected voices in family law—often featured as expert witnesses, authors of legal treatises, and leaders of advocacy initiatives.
Recognizing Attorney Matthew K. Skarin
At Skarin Law, our founder Matthew K. Skarin has been honored as a Fellow of the AAML. This distinction underscores his professional dedication and attainment of the highest standards in matrimonial law.
Matthew’s Fellowship indicates:
- A seasoned track record in complex divorce and custody cases
- Strong endorsements from legal peers
- Clear commitment to ethics and client advocacy
- An active role in the larger legal community
As an AAML Fellow, Matthew leverages the collective wisdom of top family law attorneys, ensuring his clients access innovative and informed representation.
American Academy Of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellow
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is the hallmark of excellence in U.S. family law. It brings together top practitioners through a rigorous selection process and demands ongoing service, scholarship, and professionalism from its members.
To be a Fellow is to belong to an elite cadre of family law experts—each recognized for legal acumen, ethical integrity, and thought leadership. For clients, choosing an AAML Fellow means partnering with an attorney held to the highest standards and connected to a premier legal network.
At Skarin Law, emphasizing Matthew K. Skarin’s AAML Fellowship communicates both prestige and reliability—but more importantly, it signals a promise: you are receiving representation informed by the best minds in family law, committed to achieving the best possible outcome on your behalf.
If you’d like to know more about what sets AAML Fellows apart or how Matthew’s expertise can make a difference in your case, please reach out to Skarin Law Group to schedule a consultation.
