The American College of Mortgage Attorneys ("ACMA") is an organization of approximately 400 lawyers ("Fellows") representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia who have substantial experience in real estate mortgage lending and related fields of law, and represent institutional lenders.

ACMA originally consisted largely of lawyers of smaller firms or sole practitioners who represented Savings and Loan institutions. As the industry changed, however, ACMA’s membership has expanded to include lawyers representing commercial real estate finance lenders, inside counsel of institutional lenders, lawyers in firms of all sizes and members of the academic community.

Although ACMA has its roots in the eastern, southern and southwestern states, its geographical base now include members from every state and has achieved its goal of becoming a truly national organization in every sense of the term.

ACMA was formed in 1974 as a Georgia non-profit corporation and is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The purposes of ACMA are to establish and maintain as an integrated group, lawyers skilled and experienced in lending transactions secured by real estate and related practice.
Fellows of the College seek to improve and reform real estate finance practice and its related procedures, and to enhance the professional responsibility of the practitioners within the field.

To accomplish these aims, ACMA brings together well-qualified members of the profession who, by reason of their character and ability, will contribute to the accomplishments, achievements and good fellowship of the organization.

ACMA particularly seeks to preserve and enhance the relationship between the lender and its attorney. The College cooperates and consults with national, state and local bar associations, and other legal groups and organizations devoted to similar attainments.

ACMA holds its Annual Meeting normally in the month of October. These meetings are traditionally held in a comfortable, resort setting that encourages fellowship and relaxation. Spouses and "significant others" are more than welcome, and special events are planned for them.

The Annual Meeting includes a formal business meeting of the Fellows for election of Regents and necessary other business, and educational programs featuring distinguished speakers and/or panels organized to discuss subjects of interest to the members. These programs qualify for continuing legal education credit for those Fellows whose State Bars have continuing education requirements.

Between structured events, there is ample opportunity for recreational and social activities. The College hosts a reception for Fellows and a formal dinner party, and the Fellows and their spouses/guests enjoy tennis and golf tournaments. The College takes pride in not only the high quality of its programs, but also the collegiality, friendliness and cooperative spirit of its membership.

Among the many benefits of membership are continuing education credits, access to current legal and legislative developments; and friendship, networking and contacts with other lawyers around the country. Fellows may list their ACMA membership as part of their biographical resumes in professional directories such as Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

ACMA publishes a roster of members, a semi-annual newsletter entitled the ACMA Abstract and the National Mortgage Law Summary, one copy of which is distributed to each Fellow at no additional charge. Additional copies of the National Mortgage Law Summary may be purchased.

Program materials are distributed at the Annual Meeting sessions, and non-attending Fellows may purchase a copy of them.

ACMA is governed by a Board of Regents (board of directors)who are elected by the membership. There are currently 25 Regents representing a wide geographic area. Past Presidents serve as ex-officio members of the Regents.

The Regents meet twice annually, once at the annual meeting of ACMA, and again during the Spring. The day-to-day activities of ACMA are conducted by the Executive Director employed by ACMA. The Executive Director is available to answer questions and provide information about ACMA and its activities.

Fellows of ACMA are distinguished outside special counsel, general counsel, inside counsel or designated closing attorneys on a regular basis for one or more institutional lenders engaged in making real estate mortgage loans, who have practiced this specialty for at least five years.

While a majority of Fellows are in private practice, ACMA accepts corporate counsel, law school professors and judges who meet the membership qualifications.

There are special categories of membership for professors (Academic Fellows) judges (Judicial Fellows) and retired members (Senior Fellows). ACMA is non-discriminatory and welcomes all who satisfy the Guidelines for Membership.

Fellowship in ACMA is by nomination only. Any Fellow in good standing may sponsor the written nomination of a qualified lawyer who has substantial experience in real estate law and has distinguished herself/himself by publications, presentations, bar association activities, teaching (other than as the Candidate's primary occupation), or participation in the legislative process. A qualified lawyer may be nominated by a Fellow in good standing. The nomination is then referred to the State Chair for the State in which the candidate practices law for review and recommendation to the Membership Committee. A candidate must be approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Membership Committee.