![James-Quigley-president-AAML-IL-web](https://aaml-illinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/James-Quigley-president-AAML-IL-web.jpg)
What key piece of advice do you have for couples who come to you?
Stay married. The first thing I say is, “My job isn’t to tell you to get divorced.” Then I ask them if they have done everything possible to save their marriage. Counseling? Advice of clergy? Gone on retreats?
![MLIL-2022.02.08-Stuart-Gelfman-pic-and-border-R1-web](https://aaml-illinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MLIL-2022.02.08-Stuart-Gelfman-pic-and-border-R1-web.jpg)
How did you get into family law in the first place?
My father was a divorce attorney, and I went to work with him straight out of law school. He was among the first Fellows when the Academy started in Chicago in 1962. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
![MLIL 2022.02.21 Robert Segal pic and border Robert Segal](https://aaml-illinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MLIL-2022.02.21-Robert-Segal-pic-and-border.png)
What brought you to family law?
I love people, and in divorce law, you’re not only a lawyer, you become a friend to your clients as they go through the most difficult time in their life.
And if that doesn’t work, my advice is: Let’s get through this as quickly and efficiently as possible. Pick your battles.
![MLIL 2022.03.07 Kimberly Cook pic and border Robert Segal](https://aaml-illinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MLIL-2022.03.07-Kimberly-Cook-pic-and-border.png)
What area of family law interests you most?
Mediation. I stopped being a litigator at the end of 2020 and started my own firm to help separated families as they navigate co-parenting, which is a new space for them. I think that’s where I really shine.
![Jeffrey-W-Brend-pic_web](https://aaml-illinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jeffrey-W-Brend-pic_web.jpg)
What area of family law do you find most interesting?
I’m a financial guy. I’m an attorney and a CPA, also an Accredited Senior appraiser for business valuations, and Certified Fraud Examiner. I have conducted many forensic accounting investigations and testify regularly as a financial expert in divorce cases across the country; I’m also retained as a mediator in complex financial cases.
![A-Marcy-Newman](https://aaml-illinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/A-Marcy-Newman.jpg)
What area of family law do you find most interesting?
I handle mostly domestic relations cases, not for families who are super rich with $10 million houses, but for everyday people with a nice living, a nice house. We keep our fees reasonable to represent people who don’t think they can afford our quality of work. I find this more rewarding, and they are really appreciative.
![MLIL 2022.04.20 Stephen Botti pic and border](https://aaml-illinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/MLIL-2022.04.20-Stephen-Botti-pic-and-border.png)
What led you to become an Academy Fellow?
I’ve been practicing divorce law since 1984, and I always wanted to be part of the Academy. When my partner and I established our own firm in 2007, one of my first actions was to apply. I already had a lot of respect for the Academy. Any time I’ve had a case against a Fellow, it was at a different level. They were more professional, more knowledgeable and better prepared, and I wanted to be part of that organization.
![MLIL 2022.05.02 Adam Kibort](https://aaml-illinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/MLIL-2022.05.02-Adam-Kibort.png)
What led you to become a Fellow in the Academy?
Early in my career I looked up to attorneys who were Illinois Fellows. I practiced with an attorney who brought me to Academy seminars, so I was exposed to the work of the Academy, and I had the opportunity to learn from some of them. I saw they were practicing at a higher level than others, and I wanted to be one of them.