Fellows
To become a Fellow, attorneys must meet rigorous membership criteria.
- Be recognized for their practice of family law by the bench and the bar in their jurisdiction.
- Have been admitted to bar for at least 10 years (one can apply for membership after being licensed for 9 years).
- Dedicating at least 75 percent of their practice to matrimonial law. (If the applicant is in a geographical area where the 75% requirement is impractical, the percentage is 50%).
- Pass a written examination on subjects relating to matrimonial and family law, administered by the National Board of Examiners
- Complete an interview and examination conducted by the Illinois Chapter Board of Examiners, as well as interviews by other matrimonial law practitioners in Illinois.
- Commit to the ethical standards set forth in the “Bounds of Advocacy” as well as rules of professional conduct.
- Demonstrate involvement in study or improvement of matrimonial law, such as publishing articles or teaching continuing education courses.
- The applicant must be deemed competent to both settle and try a complex family law case.
- To start the Academy application process click here.