Cage & Miles is pleased to announce that Founding Partner Shannon B. Miles just became a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). AAML members are recognized as preeminent family law practitioners with the highest levels of knowledge, skill, and integrity and are comprised of the top matrimonial attorneys throughout the nation.
The AAML was founded in 1962 with the mission: “To provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.” There are currently more than 1,650 Fellows in 50 states.
The Academy Fellows represent individuals and their families in all areas of family law, including divorce, annulment, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, marital settlements, child custody and visitation, business valuations, property valuations and division, alimony, child support, and more.
To be represented by a Fellow of the AAML is an honor, as they are recognized as some of the leading practitioners in the field of family law. According to AAML, Academy Fellows have a reputation for “professionalism, competence, and integrity.”
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Selection Process
Fellows endure a rigorous selection process that consists of interviews, examinations, and professional and judicial evaluations. The AAML standards for admission are as follows:
- An application can be submitted by practicing attorneys who have been admitted to the bar for a minimum of ten years.
- For a period of five years immediately preceding the date of the application, 75% or more of the applicant’s practice must be devoted to the area of matrimonial and family law.
- The applicant must have completed twelve hours of continuing legal education in matrimonial and family law during each of the five years immediately following the date of application.
- Each applicant must demonstrate substantial involvement in matrimonial and family law and “have made an effort to encourage the study, improve the practice, and elevate the standards of matrimonial and family law.”
- The applicant must be able to handle complex matrimonial and family law litigation as the lead counsel.
- The applicant must be willing and capable of settling cases in appropriate circumstances.
- The applicant must be a practicing attorney and not a sitting judge (some exceptions included).
- The applicant must be recognized by the bench and bar in his/her jurisdiction as “one who practices with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.”
- The applicant must currently be in good standing with the disciplinary body that governs the applicant.
- The applicant must adhere to the Bounds of Advocacy as created by the AAML and the Rules of Professional Conduct or its equivalent ethical standards in the applicant’s state.
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