Amy P. De Shong Concludes Term as AAML PA Chapter President

Wisler Pearlstine Partner Amy P. De Shong recently concluded a year-long term as president of the American Academy for Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Pennsylvania Chapter, an elite group of dedicated attorneys recognized as preeminent leaders in the field of family law.

Under Ms. De Shong’s leadership, the Pennsylvania Chapter launched, and maintained, all the initiatives it set forth upon her election in July 2022, including the debut of a fully integrated, user-friendly, Chapter website. In the past year, the Chapter also welcomed two new Fellows to its roster, one of whom is currently co-teaching a national AAML training program in family law arbitration. Additionally, four new sponsors were added to the Chapter’s corporate network, increasing sponsor revenue four-fold and bringing additional business development and learning opportunities to its Fellows. The Chapter continued to foster its long-standing partnership with the Family Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, where Fellows serve as Section Chairs and in other leadership positions.

Most notably, the Chapter continued to lead in the drafting and development of the law, specifically family laws that more fully serve the ever-evolving needs of the children and families in the Commonwealth both in the judicial forum and legislative arena. Two PA Chapter Fellows continue to work relentlessly toward the passage of the Family Law Arbitration Act. The Chapter provided targeted guidance to the General Assembly on its pending legislation to prevent child abuse, a cutting-edge set of standards for judges to apply when hearing child custody cases. In the influential role of Friend of the Court, the Chapter’s Amicus Committee submitted a brief to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in a case involving the legal rights of families who conceive their child through assisted reproductive technology (ART).

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to lead this organization,” said Ms. De Shong. “I proudly pass the torch to 2023-2024 President Kerri Cappella and see an even brighter future ahead for the AAML Pennsylvania Chapter in her hands.”