AAML
What is AAML? The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is a national organization dedicated to the practice of family law. In states where lawyers may become “board-certified,” the AAML is an organization that certifies divorce lawyers. (Pennsylvania does not certify divorce lawyers.) Lawyers who are invited to become members of the AAML must pass a rigorous examination and credentials check before they can be certified as Fellows. Brian C. Vertz is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
AAML Fellows are highly skilled negotiators and litigators who represent individuals in all facets of family law. These areas include divorce, annulment, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, marital settlement agreements, child custody and visitation, business valuations, property valuations and division, alimony, child support and other family law issues.
To be represented by a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is to be represented by a leading practitioner in the field of family law. The 69 AAML Fellows who practice in Pennsylvania (out of 1,200 AAML Fellows in the United States) are generally recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill and integrity.
To become a Fellow, an applicant must be a practicing attorney who has been admitted to the bar for at least ten years, dedicating at least 75% of his or her practice to family law. The applicant must be recognized by the bench and bar in his or her jurisdiction as an expert practitioner in the matrimonial law area. Each applicant must demonstrate substantial involvement in the matrimonial field and have endeavored to encourage the study, improve the practice, elevate the standards and advance the cause of matrimonial law.
Each applicant must have substantial trial experience, including trial of custody matters, child support, division of property, alimony or spousal support, including examination of expert witnesses and must be able to competently handle complex matrimonial law litigation as the lead counsel. Consideration is given to the applicant’s ability to achieve settlement without the necessity of a trial. The applicant must be recognized by the bench and bar in his or her jurisdiction as one who practices with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
Full description of AAML Qualifications here