Cassandra Chin, a Partner with Nichols Zauzig Sandler, was appointed as National Membership Chair of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) at their annual meeting last week in Chicago. With this position, Ms. Chin becomes a non-voting member of the national Executive Committee, which is comprised of 16 fellows.
After meeting their stringent membership criteria, Ms. Chin became one of the youngest fellows to be accepted into AAML in 2013. In 2014, she was elected as the Virginia representative to the National AAML.
Admission standards to become an AAML fellow are extensive and comprehensive. To even begin the process, applicants must have a minimum of 10 years as a practicing attorney, with 75% of their practice being in the area of matrimonial law. The vetting process includes a written and oral exam, as well as detailed questionnaires to opposing counsel, sitting judges and every AAML fellow in the state of application. The applicant must also meet a certain number of hours of annual continuing legal education, and demonstrate substantial involvement and leadership in the field of matrimonial law. Each applicant must have substantial trial experience as lead counsel for complex matrimonial law litigation.
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers was founded in 1962. There are currently approximately 1650 fellows nationwide, including 55 fellows in Virginia.
Ms. Chin joined Nichols Zauzig Sandler in 2001, the first job of her career. Early on, she became involved with local and state bar associations. Ultimately, she became the youngest person ever to serve on the Board of Governors for the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, later becoming Chair. For the Prince William County Bar Association, she is the Family Law Committee Chair – a position she has held since 2007.
While devoted to improving and elevating the standards of the profession, Ms. Chin is committed first and foremost to her clients. She has built her career on going beyond 100% for every client. As a result, her busy practice is based on referrals – from former clients, other attorneys, judges and even opposing parties. Many people also find and request Ms. Chin after reading the dozens of detailed reviews that her clients share online.
We are proud to celebrate Ms. Chin’s appointment and look forward to her next accomplishment!
See also: Why these three credentials matter when seeking a top divorce lawyer
