AAML President’s Message – February 2025

By Laura C. Belleau, AAML President

Happy February, Fellows,

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As we move through February, there has been a lot of activity getting ready for the Midyear Meeting at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Everyone going can look forward to a unique offering of continuing legal education focusing on practice management, along with awesome opportunities for networking, socializing and enjoying pura vida! The Midyear Meeting offers great opportunities to invest in yourself, your practice and your professional relationships.

Also, there has been a lot of activity in our country! Earlier this month, the American Bar Association (ABA) issued a statement expressing deep concern over actions that challenge the foundational principles of our legal system. ABA President Bay said while we disagree on many things, all Americans agree that our government should follow the law, protect due process and “treat individuals in a way that we would treat others in our homes and workplaces.”

As lawyers, we have a responsibility to uphold these principles and insist that our government follow the law. With a mission to advance excellence in family law, our Fellows have the opportunity to guide families who are participating with the court system, often for the first and only times in their lives, in a way that upholds the law. We must ensure that our daily practices, both in and out of the courtroom, reflect an unwavering adherence to legal principles and processes — including advocating for change when necessary through appropriate action and condemning change when necessary if the rules are not followed.

“We cannot afford to remain silent,” President Bay warned. This does not mean you must start a fight with Goliath, but you can focus on the small things that are right in front of you. Approach the coming weeks with a renewed commitment to justice, equality and professional excellence. During Black History Month, reflect on challenges that remain for so many and the communities we serve. Join the RERC Cultures and Conversations Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 6:00 p.m. CT to engage in a conversation about little-known but influential Black figures who have helped shape society. Looking ahead to March and Women’s History Month, I encourage you to reflect on the meaningful contributions of women to the history of our country.

Justice is a team sport, and I challenge all our Fellows to get off the bench and participate!

Laura C. Belleau, AAML President