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.

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